- Movie Name: Ittefaq
- Critics Rating: 3 / 5
- Release Date: November 3, 2017
- Director: Abhay Chopra
- Genre: Suspense Thriller
This year light-hearted dramas and comedies are minting money at the box office and in such a wave, there comes a suspense thriller. Sonakshi Sinha, Akshaye Khanna and Sidharth Malhotra starrer Ittefaq hits the screen on November 3 aiming to break the monotony created in the halls. Directed by Abhay Chopra, Ittefaq is an official remake of his grand father's production, 1969 movie with the same name. Directed by Yash Chopra, the film starred Rajesh Khanna and Nanda in the lead roles beside Bindu and Madan Puri.
Now, let us talk about the recent one. As the plot was already known to the viewers, the makers decided to go with a big risk to keep the suspense intact and avoid any spoilers. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, Dharma Productions and B.R. Studios, the movie wasn't promoted at any platform. Ittefaq has taken broad pointers from its original, however, there's a twist.
If you ask me to tell about the movie in a line, I would say- two people, two murders, two versions and the truth. The whodunnit starts with the scene of chase where Mumbai cops can be seen hot on their heels. A UK-based novelist Vikram Sethi played by Sidharth is driving his Merc ruthlessly until he meets with an accident. In another scene, we see terrified Maya Sinha played by Sonakshi coming before a police jeep to seek help. All happens on a rainy night which adds more to the dark undertones of a noir film. Vikram accussed of murdering his wife Catherine is on the run and bumps into Maya's house for help. However, Maya has her own story completely different from that of Vikram and Dev, the investigating officer played by Akshaye Khanna's prying eyes try to unravel the mystery.
However, there is also a third case of a suicide linked to the story. From the beginning the story makes several questions revolve in your mind. It somehow makes you to sympathise with Vikram and feel suspicious about Maya. The cops in the film gives you the feeling of being real. You see a shabby police station with ghutkha or paan stains on the wall. Mostly shot at night, the movie has Monsoon and lot of chai. You also enjoy banter between cops, though they aren't much amusing. One thing that I found missing is a gripping background score, which could have enhanced the enjoyment of watching a thriller. The film drags at couple of times when you are feeded with emotions, however that's only for a shorter period. The film keeps up its fast pace even after the interval and that's the sign of a murder mystery.
After his stylish but mundane movie, A Gentleman, Sidharth looks good and makes you feel pity about him as Vikram. Sonakshi's character is more complex- sometimes you doubt while at the next moment she makes you feel sorry about her. But, one person that wins our heart is Akshaye Khanna. His flawless acting is something which leaves you craving for more. Ittefaq gives you shocker when you feel it's about to end. It is not at all predictable and the due credit should go to the director Abhay Chopra who has effectively managed this genre. Ittefaq is a tight and crisp creation without any over the top treatment.
