IB71 Review: Vidyut Jammwal & Vishal Jethwa manage to keep us hooked in bits & pieces

By Rashita Sahni

on May 12, 2023 12:22:22 PM

Film: IB71

Cast: Vidyut Jammwal, Anupam Kher & Vishal Jethwa

Director: Sankalp Reddy

Rating: 3 Moons

Vidyut Jammwal is back with a spy-thriller IB71 and well, it's all about the chills & thrills. Directed by Sankalp Reddy, IB71 is based on the Ganga Hijack, infamously called ‘the hijack that never happened’ and uncovers India’s top secret mission conducted by the Intelligence Bureau that made us win the 1971 war. The film also stars Vishal Jethwa and Anupam Kher.

IB71 starts with Pakistan preparing for yet another war after being defeated in 1948 and 1965, this time from the Eastern front in alliance with China. Upon receiving vital information about this impending attack, Intelligence Bureau Chief Avasti (Anupam Kher), along with his top agent Dev (Vidyut Jammwal), devise a plan to save the nation without firing a single bullet or letting the neighbouring country get the slightest hint about it. As mobilizing the army at a short notice appears to be a tough task, they suggest blocking of the air space to prevent Pakistan and China from attacking India. Dev is assigned this task and how he accomplishes this confidential mission in the next 10 days, along with 30 other undercover agents is what the film shows in the second half.

IB71 is tightly edited and keeps us on the edge of our seats but only in the second half. The major fault in IB71 is the slow first half, coupled with some really cringe dialogues.

When there is Vidyut, you can expect flawless action and he will give the audience just enough without overdoing it. The actor shoulders the film brilliantly. But it is Vishal Jethwa who steals the show with his negative role. He is a treat to watch in the grey shade. Anupam Kher as IBC Avasti is to the point and pivotal to the story. The entire supporting cast does full justice to their roles.

Director Sankalp, who has earlier worked in The Ghazi Attack, often loses control of the direction. His script could have been smoother. Junaid Wasi and Sahar Quaze's dialogues are not up to the mark and might make you feel cringe every now and then. Gnana Shekar V S's cinematography is brilliant and Sandeep Francis's editing is crisp. Music by Prashanth R Vihari is apt for the film.

Watch IB71 for Vidyut's incredible action and Vishal's menacing act!