Packed with espionage and action, this spy thriller stars Manoj Bajpayee and Sidharth Malhotra, set across bustling cities around the globe from Delhi to London. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the film dives into the shadowy world of covert intelligence, deception, and loyalty, merging military intrigue with political drama. As a suspense-driven piece set in contemporary times, it explores how secrets and motives intersect within India’s intelligence agencies.
The story follows Colonel Abhay Singh (Manoj) and his protégé, Major Jai Bakshi (Sidharth), members of a top-secret intelligence unit. Jai discovers a sensitive detail that tests his loyalty, and what begins as a routine mission becomes a gripping chase with Abhay tracking down his once-loyal officer. Jai, disillusioned with the system, chooses to act on his own terms, putting himself at odds with Abhay and setting off a tense game of cat and mouse. As the story unfolds, Jai’s motivations and the inner workings of the military establishment reveal themselves, challenging both the characters and the audience with questions about loyalty, morality, and the costs of patriotism.
Manoj delivers a strong performance, embodying Abhay’s disciplined yet morally complex character with his usual subtlety and intensity. He brings nuance to his role as a patriotic but pragmatic colonel, making Abhay a multidimensional character. Sidharth, on the other hand, plays the ambitious and idealistic Jai convincingly, although his performance feels understated compared to Manoj’s seasoned delivery. Their mentor-protégé dynamic serves as the film’s anchor, and the tension between them is palpable, especially in scenes where they confront each other’s ideologies. This dynamic creates a sense of realism, with their performances grounding the film despite some of its narrative complexities.
One of the film’s most impressive elements is its direction and pacing, courtesy of Neeraj, who has crafted several well-regarded thrillers. However, here, his style leans more toward a slow-burn narrative, creating tension through layered storytelling rather than high-stakes action. The screenplay, though intricate, sometimes loses its way with the extensive details and subplots. While this attention to detail adds depth, it occasionally detracts from the film’s pacing, especially in the second half. Nevertheless, Neeraj’s experience in directing action-thrillers like “Special 26” and “A Wednesday” shows, with some genuinely suspenseful moments that elevate the story.
The cinematography by Sudhir Palsane is visually arresting, capturing the gritty urban settings and contrasting them with the refined, high-stakes world of intelligence. Each shot feels deliberate, enhancing the intensity of scenes through close-ups and wide shots that emphasize the isolation and tension of the characters. The film’s use of real-world locations such as Delhi’s crowded streets and London’s iconic landscapes makes the story more immersive, giving it an international feel. The cinematography highlights the characters’ emotions as they navigate through various challenges, adding layers to the storytelling through visual elements.
The music, composed by Rochak Kohli and others, adds an underlying tension, though it is subtly woven into the narrative rather than taking center stage. The background score complements the espionage theme, enhancing key scenes without overwhelming them. However, the film’s songs feel somewhat out of place in a spy thriller, as they break the momentum rather than adding emotional weight. A tighter soundtrack might have made the movie’s tone more cohesive, maintaining the thriller atmosphere without interruptions.
One aspect that stands out is the costume design and production. Abhay and Jai’s uniforms, the sleek yet practical attire of the intelligence personnel, and the detailed sets all contribute to the film’s realistic portrayal of the intelligence world. The characters’ attire reflects their personalities and roles, with Manoj often in understated, functional clothing, emphasizing his grounded, experienced nature. The production design, particularly the intelligence agency’s operations rooms and the bustling Delhi locales, feels authentic, adding layers of believability to the story. It’s evident that attention was paid to make each setting and outfit align with the tone of the story, adding a touch of realism.
Despite these strengths, the film struggles with its narrative complexity. The multiple subplots and extended dialogues can feel convoluted, making it challenging for viewers to follow every detail. While the intention seems to be to provide a comprehensive look at espionage and ethical dilemmas within the intelligence community, the plot occasionally meanders. Some editing choices might have helped maintain a tighter pace and kept the audience engaged without distraction. The film’s intricate details demand attention but may lose viewers who expect a straightforward narrative.
Overall, it’s a film that aims to do more than just entertain—it probes into ethical questions and challenges ideas of loyalty and morality within the realm of intelligence. Manoj and Sidharth’s performances anchor the film, with their nuanced portrayals making the tension believable and engaging. However, its ambitious plot and slower pace might not appeal to all viewers. For those interested in character-driven thrillers with a moral core, it’s a thought-provoking film. While it doesn’t achieve the same level of intrigue as some of Neeraj’s other works, it’s still worth watching for the strong performances and unique take on patriotism and betrayal.
