Film: Khel Khel Mein
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Vani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, and Pragya Jaiswal
Director: Mudassar Aziz
Rating: 4 Moons
Review by: Rupal Purohit

In a phase where the cinegoer’s mind is saturated by action, crime, and thrillers, a light-hearted film like Khel Khel Mein comes like something the doctor ordered. Directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film reflects on friendships after marriage starring an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Vani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Ammy Virk, Aditya Seal, and Pragya Jaiswal. It is a package of fun, drama, laughter, and emotions with unveiling of secrets and confessions. Khel Khel Mein invites you to a night of playful games that quickly spiral into nightmare, putting relationships to the test.

A group of friends, along with their spouses reunite for a wedding in Jaipur. To skip the usual Sangeet night, they plan for a private party in a suite and to bring spice to it they agree to play a game where everyone has to keep their phone on the table, read out messages loud, and take calls on speaker received in that period. Deep dark secrets are set to come out of phones as the game unveils that friends and spouses are masked strangers living a life behind a phony pile of lies. However, the film offers a fun entertainment ride as secrets are unveiled with perfect comic timing. With a humorous twist, Khel Khel Mein explores topics such as relationships, personal flaws, insecurities, infidelity, LGBTQ+ themes, and mental health.

Akshay Kumar proves that he is the Comedy King as he returns to the genre with this delightful comedy drama. He is the big star element in Khel Khel Mein, portraying his character with ease, switching from a Casanova to an understanding husband to a supportive father and a friendly Jiju. Fardeen Khan makes a dapper and banger comeback to films and his return to comedy-drama is impeccable. Although receiving less attention in the script he made it noticed. Witnessing Akshay and Fardeen back in form is refreshing. Taapsee Pannu balances the desi element and chic babe attitude in the second half with her character. Vani Kapoor takes over her character with class and ease. While on the other hand, Aditya Seal, Ammy Virk, and Pragya Jaiswal do a satisfactory job. 

Reportedly, Khel Khel Mein is a remake of the 2016 Italian comedy-drama Perfetti Sconosciuti (Perfect Strangers). Director Mudassar Aziz has revamped it with a desi taste catering to Indian audiences. He displayed a sensitive and emotional touch towards the characters making all of them relatable. Some jokes and punches do seem forced. However, the story takes a grip in the second half keeping the viewer connected with emotions and drama as major and confusing secrets come out resulting in a hilarious drive. Overall, Khel Khel Mein is delightful, amusing, and entertaining. It is a spirited, joyful film definitely a worthy watch.