In a cinematic landscape where heist films are a dime a dozen, the latest Netflix offering, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, starring Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat, attempts to carve out its niche but ultimately falls flat. Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, the film borrows its title from one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic heist movies, yet fails to capture the spark that made its predecessor memorable. Instead, it serves as a painfully predictable and lackluster entry into the genre.
The film revolves around the character Rehan Roy, played by Saif Ali Khan, a suave and charming thief who is hired by the ruthless art collector Rajan Aulakh, portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat. Rajan, who has a penchant for violence and a dark past, blackmails Rehan into stealing a priceless African diamond known as the Red Sun. The plot is set against the backdrop of Budapest, Istanbul, and Mumbai, but despite the glamorous locations, the film lacks substance and originality.
Jaideep Ahlawat's portrayal of Rajan is marked by a blend of menace and charisma, yet the script does little to elevate his character beyond the typical villain archetype. The film's attempts at humor, such as a scene where a Japanese tourist misunderstands a conversation between Rehan and Rajan, fall flat and feel forced. The humor, intended to lighten the mood, instead highlights the film's overall lack of depth and creativity.
Rehan's mission is complicated by his strained relationship with his father, a doctor played by Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and his younger brother, Gagan Arora. This familial subplot adds a layer of predictability to the narrative, with the obligatory 'father-son conflict' trope making an appearance. As the plot unfolds, the viewer can see the twists coming from a mile away, diminishing any potential suspense.
Nikita Dutta plays Farah, Rajan's wife, who finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage. Her character, while having the potential for depth, is ultimately underutilized, serving more as a plot device than a fully realized person. Kunal Kapoor's role as Vikram Patel, the cop hot on Rehan's trail, also suffers from a lack of development, making him feel more like a caricature than a credible threat.
The film’s pacing is uneven, with moments of tension quickly dissipated by poorly executed dialogue and cliched scenarios. Lines like "Na desh ki seema ho, na border ka ho bandhan… udayenge Red Sun in the gagan" attempt to inject excitement but instead come off as laughable. The film's reliance on tired tropes and predictable storytelling leaves little room for genuine engagement.
Visually, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins boasts a polished aesthetic, with the cast looking sharp in designer outfits. However, the film feels more like a fashion show than a cohesive narrative. The high-stakes world of jewel heists is rendered mundane by a script that fails to deliver on its promises of thrills and excitement.
Critics have noted that the film lacks the thrill and unpredictability that is essential to a successful heist narrative. It seems to follow a formula that has been recycled countless times, with no fresh twists to keep the audience guessing. As one review aptly puts it, "the film is a shiny trinket long past its sell-by date."
Despite its shortcomings, there are moments where the chemistry between the leads shines through. Saif Ali Khan's charm and Jaideep Ahlawat's intensity occasionally create sparks, but these moments are few and far between. The film ultimately struggles to maintain any momentum, with its narrative floundering under the weight of its own predictability.
As the heist unfolds, the film tries to introduce elements of surprise with laser security systems and elaborate plans. However, these attempts at cleverness feel contrived and fail to resonate with the audience. The heist itself, which should be the film's centerpiece, comes off as underwhelming and lacks the excitement typically associated with the genre.
In the end, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is a reminder that not every story needs to be retold, especially when the result is a lackluster rehash of ideas that have been done to death. With a weak script and cliched plot points, the film ultimately fails to deliver the thrills and excitement it promises. As it stands, it is a missed opportunity for both its talented cast and its audience.
Released on April 25, 2025, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is a film that may entertain some viewers seeking light escapism, but for those craving a well-crafted heist thriller, it is best to look elsewhere.
