After days of promotions and a buzz surrounding its trailer and soundtrack, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins has made its debut on Netflix. The film, starring Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta, and Kunal Kapoor, is directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal. However, the initial reviews suggest that the film has not impressed critics or audiences alike.
Released on April 25, 2025, Jewel Thief follows the story of Rehan Roy (Saif Ali Khan), an expert jewel thief who finds himself in a precarious situation when a dangerous businessman, Rajan Aulakh (Jaideep Ahlawat), forces him to return to India to steal the Red Sun, a diamond valued at Rs. 500 crores. The diamond is set to be showcased at the Fortcrest Art Centre in Mumbai, and the heist is complicated by the museum's advanced security systems.
While some viewers have praised Jaideep Ahlawat's performance as the antagonist, others have criticized the film for its lack of originality and poor scripting. Many netizens took to social media, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), to express their disappointment. One user remarked, "Good move by releasing #JewelThiefOnNetflix because the theatres would've been majorly empty after the first week!" This sentiment was echoed by others who felt that the film was a missed opportunity, with one tweet stating, "#JewelThiefOnNetflix is a 'TIMEPASS HEIST FILM' which uses all the typical tropes of a heist movie but doesn't execute anything interestingly. Saif and Jaideep are cool to look at, they do their job."
Critics have pointed out that the film follows a predictable storyline, reminiscent of previous heist and thriller films. One critic noted, "Sometimes some films are being made to extract hefty money from OTT giants and #JewelThiefOnNetflix is one of them. Right from the Acting to Action to Story — Everything is OUTDATED and WORST!" Another user lamented, "#JewelThiefOnNetflix will test your patience."
Despite the negative feedback, some reviews highlighted the film's entertainment value. A review on Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3.0/5, describing it as a fun-filled heist film that works due to the performances and twists, particularly in the second half. The screenplay, penned by David Logan, has been criticized for its lack of depth in character exploration. The film's direction was deemed entertaining, though it often required viewers to suspend their disbelief.
The film's narrative is packed with cinematic liberties, and while it aims to deliver a thrilling experience, the execution often falls flat. The relationship dynamics, especially between Rehan and Rajan's wife, Farah (Nikita Dutta), lack depth and fail to engage the audience emotionally. Critics have pointed out that Farah's character is underdeveloped, leaving viewers questioning her motivations and feelings.
On the technical side, the film's cinematography by Jishnu Bhattacharjee was praised for its aesthetic appeal, although the editing received mixed reviews for dragging in parts. The action sequences, while exciting, sometimes bordered on the absurd, raising questions about the feasibility of the heist itself.
As the film unfolds, viewers are treated to a mix of humor and action, with Saif Ali Khan's charisma shining through as he navigates his character's challenges. His performance has been described as reminiscent of his earlier roles in films like Race, showcasing his ability to blend charm and wit. However, the film's reliance on familiar tropes and predictable plot twists has led some to question its originality.
In the end, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins may find its place among 'guilty pleasure' films, appealing to those looking for light entertainment without the need for deep introspection. As one review put it, "Don’t think too much and just get on this fun ride." With its blend of action, humor, and a star-studded cast, the film is likely to attract viewers, even if it doesn't break new ground in the genre.
For those who enjoy heist films and are fans of the lead actors, Jewel Thief offers a chance to indulge in a cinematic experience that, while flawed, provides entertainment value. As the film continues to stream on Netflix, it remains to be seen whether it will gain a cult following or simply fade into the background of forgettable releases.
