“Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins,” starring Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat, has been released on Netflix and is receiving a mixed to negative response from critics and audiences alike, failing to live up to its promise as a compelling heist thriller.
Many reviews point to a significant lack of substance beneath a stylish veneer. Critics have described the plot as weak, predictable, and illogical, with some even suggesting the premise should have been discarded at the script level. The film is criticized for relying on clichés of the genre without offering any fresh or engaging twists. Several reviewers noted that the twists and turns intended to surprise the audience are easily anticipated, diminishing the thrill factor crucial for a heist movie.
While the performances of the lead cast, particularly Jaideep Ahlawat, have been acknowledged as steady and even praiseworthy in some instances, they are ultimately not enough to salvage the film from its fundamental flaws in writing and execution. Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal is described as a mix of charm and mystery, but some critics feel his role falls flat due to the weak script. Nikita Dutta’s character is noted for her beauty and confidence, but her role is considered underdeveloped. Kunal Kapoor’s character as the pursuing detective is often seen as the weakest link.
The film’s attempts at glamour, with its international locations like Budapest, Istanbul, and Mumbai, and high-octane action sequences, are overshadowed by the incoherent plot and lazy dialogues. Comparisons have been drawn to earlier Bollywood heist films like “Race 2” and “Dhoom 3,” but not favorably, with “Jewel Thief” being described as a forgettable mix of familiar tropes.
Ultimately, the consensus is that “Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins” prioritizes style over substance, resulting in a heist thriller that lacks the necessary tension, unpredictability, and logical coherence to truly shine in the genre. Many critics conclude that the film is a disappointment, failing to capitalize on the talent of its cast and the potential of its premise.
