Everyone got really excited when Netflix announced that stars such as Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat would be coming together for a heist movie, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, and they were hoping to see a good Indian movie based on that theme. Heist is one of the genres that the Indian film industry hasn’t been able to crack. Yes, there have been some masala movies in that sub-genre, but only a few of them have been intellectual or thought-provoking. So, it didn’t come as a shock when Indian audiences expected a better heist movie from Netflix India. However, what they got was a painfully predictable story with barely any genuine surprises.
The movie Jewel Thief chronicles the journey of an infamous jewel thief named Rehan Roy (played by Saif Ali Khan), who is known for accomplishing heists across the globe. In Budapest, he was constantly monitored by two Indian secret officers who reported to Officer Vikram Patel (played by Kunal Kapoor). However, things take a massive turn for Rehan when his younger brother tells him that a man named Rajan (played by Jaideep Ahlawat) has put him and his father in a difficult position by accusing them of money-related fraud. As per the accusation, the money was used in terrorist activities. But it was soon revealed that all of this was Rajan’s plan to blackmail Rehan into stealing a priceless gem known as the Red Sun, currently on display in an exhibition in Mumbai, India. As a result, Rehan surrenders to the authority and is extradited to India. What happens next is the beginning of a globe-trotting setup that promises an intense cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and a legendary criminal. But we would have liked the film if they had given what they promised.
The plot of the movie looks intriguing initially, and you are drawn in. However, the problems occur in its execution, which is flat and unengaging. Every twist and turn can be seen coming from a mile away. The script is so predictable that viewers can feel how it lacks imagination and creativity. Instead of providing thrills with clever twists, it relies on the cliched plot points that we have seen in several other heist films. As a result, viewers feel like they are watching a movie that they saw two years ago. In the initial parts of the movie, there’s a scene where Rehan surrenders to Indian agents in Budapest and escapes by drugging the agents mid-flight and reaching Mumbai after taking the identity of one of the agents. Now, this scene could have been an enthralling scene, showing how Rehan faces a lot of problematic situations while trying to escape and provide a thrilling experience. But it seems the directors, Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, didn’t want to use their creativity to give something enjoyable to viewers. The scene, which could have been thrilling, turns out to be a series of dull sequences with bad direction and no sense of urgency.
The first half of Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins lacked everything, but films do take a turn in the second half. However, that is not the case here, and the film becomes even more insufferable as time goes on. There is no thrill in watching Rehan scouting the museum, and when about the first attempt due to the presence of Officer Vikram Patel, himself. Even the climax is not as enthralling as it should have been. The twist in the final few minutes of the film could have been really good if they knew how to make it impactful. Unfortunately, none of those twists and turns landed with impact. It’s all so poorly set up that the “twist“ feels more like a checklist being ticked off. The tension, drama, and thrill—everything that should make this genre work—are missing, prompting viewers to ask one important question: What was the point of this film?
The only reason to sit through Jewel Thief is Jaideep Ahlawat and his brilliant performance. Ahlawat has been one of the most extraordinary actors and has given several epic performances in recent years. As Rajan, he brings a vibrant energy to an otherwise lackluster film. His sequences have a presence, a weight that makes you wish the entire movie was from his character’s perspective. This might be one of the few roles where we see Ahlawat wearing colorful clothes and having a larger-than-life figure, which is totally opposite to what we have seen of him in projects such as Paatal Lok, Three of Us, and Maharaj. In Jewel Thief, he does his best to elevate the material with his impeccable performance, but the script is so weak that he could only make this movie a little bit worth watching. Every time he comes on the screen, you pay attention, and even though he doesn’t get enough screen time, he leaves a mark. Without him, this film would have been an utter disaster.
The rest of the cast does very little to make this film watchable. The role of Rehan Roy doesn’t suit Saif Ali Khan, and he seems miscast. His character should have been charming and witty, but in the movie, he is absolutely dull, which makes him a forgettable character.
However, the biggest problem with Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is the writing and direction. The script feels like someone was writing the first draft of the movie and felt like making the movie from that draft only. It is filled with plot holes, lazy dialogue, and zero character development. The tone is inconsistent, too. Filmmakers, nowadays, give proper attention to the climax so that viewers can feel that this was the entire point of everything they just saw. However, here, the ending feels like just any other scene. The balance is never found.
All in all, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is the biggest disappointment of the year. The film never takes off, and even the ending feels like something that doesn’t make sense. Although it sets up a sequel, it seems highly unlikely that Netflix would take a chance with this franchise to move forward. Skip this one on all counts.
Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is now streaming on Netflix.
Learn more about the film, including how to watch, on the Netflix site for the title.
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