Vikram Vedha Review:
Vikram Vedha, a gripping neo-noir action thriller rooted in the Indian folktale of Betaal Pachhisi, takes audiences on a thrilling journey. Crafted from the Tamil hit of the same name, this film delves into the story of Vikram, an honest officer with the Lucknow Police, whose mission to find and eliminate gangster Vedha takes an unexpected turn. When Vedha surrenders himself to the police, he begins narrating stories that gradually challenge Vikram’s perception of good and evil. With meticulous writing, nuanced characters, and a fresh execution, Vikram Vedha captivates viewers from start to finish.
Conceptually Masterful: Weaving a Captivating Narrative
The directors, Pushkar and Gayathri, who are also the writers of the film, demonstrate exceptional storytelling skills. Every aspect, from the central plot to minor details like props and satellite characters, seamlessly ties together. They establish the characters of Vikram and Vedha before allowing the story to revolve around them, resulting in a finely detailed portrayal. For instance, Vedha’s love for Raj Kapoor songs is cleverly incorporated into the action sequences. These intricate touches enhance the overall narrative and immerse the audience in the story.
Tightly Woven Threads: A Cohesive Plot
Vikram Vedha impressively ties up loose ends, ensuring minimal wastage. However, the track involving Parshuram bhaiyya and his minions remains unfinished, leaving the audience hoping for a connection to the central plot. Additionally, the film could have explored the love story between Chanda and Shatak, which presents a pivotal conflict. Delving deeper into Vikram’s character and providing further insight into Vedha’s rise to power would have added more depth to the narrative. Nonetheless, the overall execution is commendable, maintaining a balance between coherence and intrigue.
Flawless Execution: A Breath of Freshness
Vikram Vedha exhibits a refreshing degree of freshness while staying true to its world. The non-linear narrative is skillfully managed, allowing viewers to easily follow the story’s progression and connect with the characters. Although some parts may feel slow-paced, and the climax slightly prolonged, the film succeeds on multiple fronts. The action scenes are expertly choreographed, particularly the pre-interval sequence where the police comb an area for Vedha, showcasing slick cinematography. The use of Lucknow as a setting adds a distinct charm, capturing the essence of the city’s culture, food, and neighborhoods.
Stellar Performances: Hrithik and Saif Shine
Hrithik’s portrayal of Vedha is exceptional, embodying a menacing yet emotionally charged character. He effortlessly captures the essence of Vedha, although more attention could have been given to his dialect, which occasionally resembles his Super 30 avatar. Saif, as the honest cop Vikram, delivers a remarkable performance, showcasing the character’s evolution in his body language and mindset. While Saif’s role could have been further explored, he complements Hrithik on screen, creating a captivating dynamic. Radhika Apte’s portrayal of Vikram’s wife, Priya, is commendable, albeit limited in screen time.
Conclusion
Pushkar-Gayathri’s adaptation of Vikram Vedha stays faithful to the original blueprint, incorporating elements of folklore seamlessly. While they missed the opportunity to enhance certain aspects of the redux, the film remains a must-watch cinematic experience. Its gripping narrative, flawless execution, and stellar performances make Vikram Vedha a compelling neo-noir action thriller