A Classic Remake
Director: Gayathri & Pushkar
Music director: Sam C.S., Vishal-Shekhar
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Radhika Apte, Sharib Hashmi, Satyadeep Mishra, Rohit Saraf, Yogita Bihani
Directed by Gayathri & Pushkar, Vikram Vedha(2022) is the Hindi remake of the Tamil film Vikram Vedha (2017). Everything remains the same except the cast. With the #BoycottBollywood trend expanding, Bollywood films are having a hard time at the box office. In the current circumstances a remake is still better but a risky choice.
The movie is an action-packed thriller. The story is the same as the Tamil film. It is a classic. Vikram, a righteous cop (SSP), is on the hunt for Vedha, a revengeful underworld Gangster. Tables turn when the gangster surrenders himself and the plot of the story begins to twist. The movie is faintly based on morsels from the historical folktale of ‘Baital Pachisi’ also known as Vikram-Betaal. The story is about Betaal, who riddles and outwits Vikram repeatedly whose consequences depend upon his answers. The movie also has the same features where Vedha puts Vikram into a dilemma about his righteousness.
The setting of the movie is in historically popular Lucknow. The city’s charm and vintage vibe add authenticity to the story. The film doesn’t have a hero and a villain in real terms because, in the eyes of the audience, the entire movie is grey. The film is full of action, powerful background music, and quintessential dialogues. Emotions and questions on morality lie deep beneath the storyline. It surfaces now and then quite smoothly.
Vikram is played by Saif Ali Khan and was previously played by R Madhavan. The Sacred Games effect still clings to Saif Ali Khan and makes him stand out. People were skeptical about Hrithik Roshan’s role as Vedha because it was played by Vijay Sethupathi in the older version. But without letting down the directors and audience, Hrithik as Vedha runs the show. He is phenomenal. His expressions, accent, and dialogue delivery run parallel. There is no room for competition because every actor has portrayed the role in their style. If a multiverse exists, Vijay Sethupathi as Vedha and Hrithik Roshan as Vedha are from different dimensions holding the same core characteristics. The star duo breaks the modern Bollywood stereotypes and proves a two-hero film can be pulled off with finesse.
The supporting roles have restricted screen time but fill the gaps effectively. Radhika Apte’s fierce lawyer of Vedha is also the wife of Vikram. The entangled situation grapples with domestic as well as lawful aspects of life. Rohit Saraf as the younger brother is the innocent element of the film. His time with Vedha represents sentiments that are omnipresent throughout the film. Satyadeep Mishra as Abbas who is dealing with his issues, Sharib Hashmi as Babloo, the frenemy, and Yogita Bihani as Chanda are practical fillers in the movie.
If the film’s background score would have changed, it wouldn’t have delivered an explicit feel. Fortunately, the music director remains the same. Sam C.S. ‘s music energizes the entry and slow-motion clips of Vikram and Vedha. Hrithik Roshan’s fans would simply love him for the dance in the song ‘Alcoholia’. Extra points for those dainty expressions. The shades of brown, beige, and green amplify the authenticity of the setting. Some of the action sequences are impractical but subsist the rowdy image of both the characters. The transitions that Bollywood films have recently adapted in mysterious scenes feel ineffective. They do not build up the excitement instead severs the link of the viewer.
Overall, the movie is a classic action film. Being a remake, it will be subjected to criticism but it does live up to the expectations. The film can hit a good number at the box office if it escapes from the clutches of #BoycottBollywood. Vikram Vedha (2022) deserves a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Not sure if you want to watch it? Check out the trailer and then decide for yourself.
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