The film ropes in leading names like Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta, and Kunal Kapoor. With all elements seemingly in place—an intriguing premise, a talented cast, and a polished presentation—expectations were understandably high. But does Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins succeed in stealing the audience’s attention? Let’s unlock the vault and examine what lies beneath the glitter.
Movie Details
Title: Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins
Directors: Kookie Gulati, Robbie Grewal
Producers: Siddharth Anand, Mamta Anand
Production House: Marflix Pictures
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta, Kunal Kapoor
Genre: Action, Thriller
Runtime: 118 minutes
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Platform: Netflix
Language: Hindi
Plot Summary
At the heart of the film is Rehan Roy (Saif Ali Khan), a legendary thief whose retirement is interrupted when he’s blackmailed into undertaking one final job by crime lord Rajan Aulakh (Jaideep Ahlawat). The mission? Steal the Red Sun—a fabled, flawless African diamond locked within one of the world’s most secure vaults in Dubai. The diamond's mythos is elevated with a flashback narration that hints at curses, double-crosses, and bloodshed, immediately raising the stakes.
As Rehan assembles a crew and begins planning the impossible heist, complications emerge. Chief among them is Farah (Nikita Dutta), Rajan’s enigmatic wife, who may be hiding secrets of her own. Meanwhile, DCP Vikram Patel (Kunal Kapoor), a once-disgraced officer obsessed with redeeming his past failure, begins to close in on Rehan’s trail. What unfolds is a high-octane game of deception where loyalties shift, identities blur, and every decision could be fatal.
While the first half builds intrigue with swift plotting and visually gripping sequences, the second half slows down, weighed by emotional subplots that don’t quite land. Despite some clever twists, the narrative becomes more predictable as it heads toward a somewhat conventional climax.
Character Performances
Saif Ali Khan shines as Rehan Roy. His performance is laced with cool detachment, precise timing, and a weathered charisma that befits a man who has seen too much and trusts too little. The actor skillfully balances arrogance with vulnerability, especially in scenes involving his past regrets and moral dilemma over taking on the heist.
Jaideep Ahlawat, known for his intense screen presence, delivers as the manipulative Rajan Aulakh. While his performance is commendable, the writing offers his character minimal development, which limits the emotional impact of his actions. Still, Ahlawat manages to convey menace with minimal effort.
Nikita Dutta as Farah brings both glamour and mystery. Her arc attempts to add complexity and heart to the narrative but suffers from undercooked motivations. Despite this, Dutta uses her screen time effectively, especially in the later portions of the film.
Kunal Kapoor returns after a notable hiatus and slips well into the role of DCP Vikram Patel. His restrained performance and steely resolve add gravitas to a role that could have easily been reduced to a one-dimensional chaser. Unfortunately, like Farah, the cop's emotional baggage is briefly touched upon but never fully explored.
Direction & Writing
Co-directors Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal focus on visual storytelling and atmosphere-building. They craft a noir-inspired palette—think sleek cars, rainy backdrops, dim-lit casinos, and futuristic vaults. However, while they succeed in visual aesthetics, the screenplay (written by Grewal himself) lacks emotional engagement.
The dialogues are crisp but sometimes border on cliché. The build-up is strong, but the payoff is underwhelming. Viewers looking for a cerebral, mind-bending heist thriller may find the plot too safe and by the numbers.
Technical Merits
Cinematography:
Jishnu Bhattacharjee deserves special mention. From sweeping aerial shots of Dubai to tense corridor sequences and elaborate security breaches, the camera work elevates the film. Every frame feels intentional, and the glossy, high-contrast aesthetic works well for a heist narrative.
Editing:
Aarif Sheikh keeps the narrative moving briskly in the first half. However, the film loses some of its rhythm post-interval. A few emotional flashbacks feel forced and could have benefited from tighter editing.
Music & Background Score:
The soundtrack—composed by Sachin–-Jigar and OAFF–Savera—blends well with the slick setting. The standout track “Jaadu” adds emotional weight and has already gained traction online. The background score is punchy during heist sequences but becomes repetitive in quieter moments.
Strengths
High Production Value:
From sleek gadgetry to exotic locations, the film screams luxury and polish.
Powerful Lead Cast:
Saif and Jaideep are in solid form, carrying much of the film’s weight.
Engaging Premise:
A high-stakes heist paired with betrayal and secrets makes for a compelling idea.
Pace (First Half):
The opening act is fast-paced, immersive, and promising.
Weaknesses
Shallow Emotional Core:
The film tries to inject personal trauma and backstory, but it feels perfunctory.
Predictable Plot Twists:
After a point, seasoned viewers can predict the trajectory of key turns.
Underutilized Characters:
Farah and Vikram could’ve added emotional depth and conflict but are left underexplored.
Inconsistent Tone:
The tonal shift between slick heist sequences and emotional interludes isn’t smooth.
Final Verdict
Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is a visual treat with moments of intrigue and tension. It’s buoyed by solid performances—especially from Saif Ali Khan—and an engaging first half. However, its potential is undermined by a predictable script and characters that don’t evolve beyond their surface traits.
It’s not a disaster, but not a gem either. For fans of the genre, it offers fleeting thrills but lacks the ingenuity of top-tier heist dramas.
Rating: 2.5/5
Where to Watch: Now streaming on Netflix.
