Sometimes a group of friends can change the world, or at least, they think they can. This 2010 crime-drama directed by Parmeet Sethi brings together Shahid, Anushka, Meiyang, and Vir in a slick, high-energy tale of youthful ambition, friendship, and conning the system. Set in the late 1990s, the film transports us between Mumbai and America, encapsulating the rise of a group of friends who want to get rich quickly by bending the rules. It’s a heist film with a twist of entrepreneurship, where the genre hovers between crime, drama, and a bit of comedy.
At its core, the story follows Karan (played by Shahid), a young, ambitious man who doesn’t believe in conventional ways of making money. Along with his three friends—Bulbul (Anushka), Zing (Meiyang), and Chandu (Vir)—he starts a business that is, on the surface, legal but operates through loopholes and grey areas of the system. Their company grows rapidly as they smuggle, fake, and manipulate their way into big money, all while keeping their operations under the radar. However, as the stakes get higher, cracks begin to form not only in their business but also in their relationships. The story explores their rise and fall, with Karan leading the group into increasingly dangerous territory, eventually testing the limits of their friendship and their morality.
One of the standout aspects of the film is the acting. Shahid takes center stage as Karan, delivering a performance that oscillates between charming and manipulative, capturing the essence of a man driven by both ambition and desperation. Shahid’s portrayal gives Karan an edge—he’s not your typical hero, and that’s what makes his character interesting. He’s flawed, and as the story progresses, we see him battle with the consequences of his choices. Anushka, as Bulbul, is equally compelling. Her character isn’t just the love interest; she’s independent, feisty, and integral to the group’s success. Anushka brings a spark to Bulbul, making her a perfect counterpart to Karan’s intense demeanor. Meiyang and Vir, in their roles as Zing and Chandu, offer comic relief while also bringing depth to their characters, especially when their loyalty to Karan is tested. Their performances, although in supporting roles, are vital to the group dynamic that drives the narrative forward.
Parmeet’s direction is surprisingly sharp for a debut. The pacing of the film is tight, keeping the audience engaged from one con to the next. The storyline, though somewhat predictable in its “rise-and-fall” arc, is executed with enough flair and charisma to keep it entertaining. The editing, done by Ritesh Soni, is crisp and ensures that there’s never a dull moment, particularly in the first half of the movie when the group is at the top of their game. The heist sequences, though not involving complex action scenes, are cleverly thought out and show the ingenuity of the group’s schemes. The direction works because it manages to balance the lighthearted moments with the underlying tension of inevitable downfall.
The cinematography by Sanjay Kapoor deserves mention for its vibrant depiction of both the bustling streets of Mumbai and the sleek, neon-lit atmosphere of America. The visual contrasts between these two settings mirror the shift in the characters’ fortunes. Mumbai is gritty and chaotic, reflecting the group’s hustler beginnings, while America is presented as the land of opportunities where their ambitions find a grander stage. The film makes good use of color and light to emphasize these differences. The quick cuts and energetic camera movements also heighten the film’s fast-paced nature, particularly during the scenes where the group executes their various con jobs. The slick visual presentation complements the story’s theme of youth and ambition, creating a world where the characters’ risk-taking feels exciting.
The music, composed by Pritam, plays a significant role in adding energy to the narrative. Songs like “Ayaashi” and “Chaska” reflect the youthful, rebellious spirit of the characters, while also underscoring their confidence and arrogance. The soundtrack complements the film’s tone, injecting it with a sense of thrill and excitement. It’s a good mix of peppy tracks that make the heist moments feel larger than life, while the background score subtly underscores the tension brewing within the group. The music doesn’t overpower the film but works in tandem with the story’s momentum, enhancing the overall experience without distracting from the plot.
One of the film’s core themes is the moral ambiguity surrounding success. Karan’s journey is driven by his belief that conventional rules don’t apply to people like him—those who dream big but don’t have the means to achieve their goals through traditional means. The film doesn’t paint Karan and his friends as villains but rather as opportunists, exploiting the flaws in the system. It raises interesting questions about ambition, greed, and friendship. As Karan’s plans become more elaborate and risky, we see the toll it takes on the group’s dynamics. Loyalty is tested, and as their success begins to unravel, so do the bonds that hold them together. This exploration of how greed corrupts even the closest of friendships adds emotional weight to the otherwise lighthearted caper.
However, the film does have its flaws. The second half, which focuses on the group’s downfall, lacks the same energy as the first. The tension between the characters becomes somewhat repetitive, and the resolution feels rushed. Additionally, while the film does a good job in depicting the con games, it occasionally feels like it’s more focused on style than substance. The emotional arcs, particularly between Karan and Bulbul, could have been explored in more depth to make their relationship feel more consequential to the overall story.
In conclusion, this film is an entertaining ride that manages to blend youthful ambition with a high-stakes heist narrative. Shahid and Anushka shine in their roles, and the direction is sharp enough to keep the film engaging from start to finish. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, it does succeed in delivering a fast-paced, visually appealing film with a strong ensemble cast. If you’re looking for a film that’s equal parts fun and thought-provoking, this one makes for a worthwhile watch. It’s not perfect, but its charm lies in its imperfections—much like the characters at the heart of the story.
