Film: Vikram Vedha

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Sharib Hashmi, Radhika Apte, Rohit Saraf, Satyadeep Mishra, Yogita Bihani

Director: Pushkar & Gayatri

Rating: 3.5 Moons

Ek Kahani Sunenge? The kahani of Vikram Betaal reimagined for the mass, class and all those who seek pleasure in big screen entertainers. If you're someone wanting to desperately see fireworks on the silver screen, worry not as Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan serve them in abundance in Pushkar & Gayatri's Vikram Vedha. 

In the faithful remake of R Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi's 2017 blockbuster Tamil film, Hrithik gets into the skin of gangster Vedha whereas Saif fills the shoes of cop Vikram. The premise of Vikram Vedha is set when the deliciously hot gangster tells the cop, "Ram ko Ram banane mein Raavan ka bahut bada haath tha." With the central essence of the film being you'll be served punishment, albeit cold and brutal, once your paap ka ghada bhar jaata hai, the faithful adaptation traces the journey of Vedha from being a local thief to one of the most dreaded gangsters. 

Vikram, a righteous cop, is an encounter specialist who is confident that he has killed no innocent. But that's only until he comes face to face with Vedha. Moralities are put to test, relationships go through strained phases, the mirror of reality is held and most importantly, it questions your conscience. 

If you are of the opinion that Vikram Vedha is your regular cop-goon film, then your perception is about to be changed. Loaded with multiple layers, Pushkar & Gayatri's Hindi directorial debut is nothing but a treat to watch. Despite a runtime of over 2 hours 30 minutes, it manages to hold your attention with back-to-back gun-blazing shots, exhilarating sequences, jaw-dropping twists and spectacular performances. Those with a weak heart, please hold onto something for a never experienced before cinematic climax and superlative Hrithik and Saif.

Before the release of Vikram Vedha, people had questions like, "Will the real Hrithik Roshan stand up?" Now, it is certain that the same audience will exclaim, "Welcome back Hrithik Roshan!" It is completely understandable that the superstar has drool-worthy looks but looking this delicious on screen is simply not fair! Carrying most part of the film on his shoulder, it is Hrithik's swag, mannerisms and ease as Vedha make him unique in his own way. 

While people might walk in for Hrithik, they'll surely be staying back and rooting for Saif's sheer brilliance as Vikram. A perfect antidote to Hrithik's rugged Vedha, Saif's Vikram paints the perfect picture of righteousness. Indeed, he is one of the most underrated and underexplored actors. Hold yourself tight when Saif and Hrithik as you won't be able to resist those frames of perfection and visual delight.

Sharib Hashmi makes space for himself effortlessly amid two stars. He once again shows his potential as an actor without overdoing his sequences. Sharib will stay rent-free in your hearts and minds for the longest time. Rohit Saraf does justice to the role offered. However, a little more of him wouldn't harm. Yogita Bihani gets a substantially good role and delivers what was expected. Radhika Apte is among the underutilised actors. Despite that, she owns every frame she appears in. Satyadeep Mishra impresses in a brief yet significant role. 

Special mention to the addictive background music of Vikram Vedha. The cinematography enhances the flavour of the narrative along with the background score. However, there were places where the film felt unnecessarily long. Though Hrithik's Alcoholia song is peppy and foot-tapping, it comes across as one of the biggest grey areas of the film. 

Had Hrithik and Saif's film been released first, it could have probably been one of the finest and best films of all time. Since it is a remake, novelty certainly takes a backseat. Keeping this aside, Vikram Vedha is a silver screen experience that shouldn't be missed even if its original has been watched.

PeepingMoon.com gives Vikram Vedha 3.5 Moons