Vikram Vedha review: Hrithik Roshan owns this intelligent remake, Saif Ali Khan brings in the much-needed drama

Vikram Vedha is an action-thriller that is written and directed by Pushkar-Gayatri. With promising twists and turns in what is a cat and mouse chase, Saif Ali Khan plays the tough cop Vikram who is out chasing Hrithik Roshan's gangster Vedha. What follows is not just the chase, but also stories that make you question the right and the wrong, creating an ambiguity of sorts around morals, among other things.

An official remake, Vikram Vedha stands its ground in every way that the makers have tried to add the flavour of Lucknow to it, among other things, to pass the vibe check (for lack of a better word). Right in the beginning, we see commentary on how the police force works, subtle references to Hindu epics and tale of Ram-Raavan, and of course, the story of Vikram-Betaal.

There are ample of highs in the movie, including the narrative that builds up, the setting that the makers have put together, and the so many characters involved. The film boasts of some absolutely mind-blowing shots, and due credits to the director duo for the same. There's enough to make me wonder, why's there not more of this duo in Bollywood, but it is never too late, is it?

The first half of the film takes its own time, and we mostly know where's who headed, but the dialogue writing and narration keep you intrigued and glues to the screen. With music that is ever so addictive, by the time it was interval, every one, including a 4-5 year old kid, was humming the tune. With just about enough moments that serve as emotional as well as humorous, the thrill continues to be the center of focus for Vikram Vedha.

This movie is a Hrithik Roshan film all the way (not even being biased here) because he does everything that's expected out of him, including his equation with Rohit Saraf (who plays his younger brother), the sync with Saif's Vikram, and how he owns every bit of Vedha. The climax only makes these feelings stronger, because he aces it and how. Saif is the perfect balance of rough and tough cop while also being human and also finds a balance (or not so much!). He adds the kind of drama that is needed, and while at it, he also gets his chemistry with Radhika Apte (on-screen wife) right, and how she's the 'courier service' (not being demeaning) between Vikram and Vedha.

Another absolute amazing performance in this film is that of Sharib Hashmi, who does a lot every time he is on the screen. Remember reading how someone said his character deserves a spin-off, and we say, why not? Rohit Saraf as Shatak is sweet, and he does what he does the best. Yogita Bihani as Chanda is a good watch and we'd have liked to see more of her and know her story with Shatak. Satyadeep Mishra also plays a notable part, and he is good (until he's not, iykyk).

The climax of Vikram Vedha is a winner, and this is an intelligent remake that is meant for the masses, to be watched in theatres.

Vikram Vedha is presented by Gulshan Kumar, T-Series and Reliance Entertainment in association with Friday Filmworks & Jio Studios and a YNOT Studios Production. The film is directed by Pushkar & Gayatri and produced by Bhushan Kumar, S. Sashikanth and Reliance Entertainment and is all set to hit the screens on September 30, 2022.

Ratings: **** stars (4/5 stars)