This was a story waiting to happen. With Indo Pak cricket rivalry what it is, the story of Star Indian cricketer Viraj Sharma ( Saquib) being abducted by the betting syndicate somewhere in middle east just before the final match between the two nation, is as comic and fetched it sounds; it is equally interesting. Viraj we all can safely presume is Virat and Sharma is a very tongue and cheek play.
There is top chain smoking Indian cop KABIR ( John Abraham ) and a dead beat good for nothing local cop JUNAID ( Varun Dhawan) on the hunt with just 36 hours in hand. On the way, they will meet and get help from Ishika (Jacqueline) a pickpocket with troubled past.
The moment the story makes its first turn, we all view es know of the result of the chase. The only question is how much entertainment the two be able to deliver before the predictable end.
There is the predictable ransom call and the so-called external affair’s Minster (The Bindi clad, Sushma Swaraj clone) call with counterpart in middle east. The keeping of news under wraps is naturally advised under threat of killing of the kidnapped cricketer.
So, after trying to misguide the audience and focus attention on different character, the story soon decides to leave this mask and become a simply complex betting episode. The expressionless Rahul Dev and dimpled same expression through the career Akshay Khanna does not help the film.
In between there is the classic short role of Akshay Kumar and Khiladi plays a different role but to perfection. That episode seems to be the most entertaining part of the film
Do note that talented and understated Squib leaves a huge impact. He catches the mannerism of Virat and does a great act.
Oh, by the way, this pairing of cops, smart hard nosed and bumbling rookie is not so frequent in Indian cinema as a lead pair. They do have a chemistry between them, which is a sure indication that there will be a sequence. John’s total lack of expression and highly stone faced is helped in his delivery of short simple monolog dialogues. Dhavan on the other side is the star attraction and does great as a bumbling cop. There is that smart cheekiness about him.
Film depends a lot on the cheeky lines and dialogues. It is this where the film scores. There are many enjoyable moments, which depend upon the timing and brilliance of dialogue writer wits.
Don’t miss hot Nargis Fakhri in sizzling bikini, and those are few shots you know added for a certain audience. Oh, I liked that a lot.
However, what you come out remembering is the calls that Satish Kaushik makes to Dhawan. And no more of this, as it is something that you have to experience.
I liked it and that is no guarantee that you will like it too.
STAR: John Abraham, Varun Dhawan, Saqib Saleem, Jacqueline Fernandez, Akshaye Khanna, Rahul Dev, Nargis Fakhri, Tarun Khanna DIRECTOR: : Rohit Dhawan
