KRK's take: Ittefaq is an intriguing thriller to follow

Within the first 10 minutes of the film, you realise that this movie will keep you hooked right till the last scene

Ittefaq is a remake of the 1969 movie starring Rajesh Khanna and Nanda.
Producer Karan Johar adopted a no-promotions, no-spoiler approach for the film and in my opinion it worked. The film is an intriguing murder mystery that starts with a car chase sequence of Sidharth Malhotra.
Within the first 10 minutes of the film, you realise that this movie will keep you hooked right till the last scene. The story revolves around a high profile case.
Vikram is a UK-based novelist and is wanted by the police for two murders: his wife Catherine's, and that of a lawyer, the husband of Maya (played by Sonakshi Sinha). As the story unravels, Vikram has not two but three murder cases against him. The third one being a suicide case.

Screenplay/dialogues

The screenplay is smooth and the dialogues have an element of humour, specially Akshaye Khanna's one liners.

Location

The film is set in Mumbai and shows a real side of the city. Unlike a few other films where you can understand set direction, this film boasts of shooting at real locations and it's convincing.

Music

The background score totally goes with the tempo of the film. As the film paces forward the story becomes intense and so does the music. It's refreshing to see a murder mystery without any unnecessary song or item number.

Action

There's not much action in the film, but the few scenes have been performed very well. There could have been a little more action.

Acting

Akshaye as Dev has nailed the act of a tough cop whereas Sidharth as Vikram will make you believe that he's right (from the beginning). The thrilling aspect about the film is the confusion that this murder mystery creates at various levels. Sonakshi's expressions, in most of the scenes, are very convincing.

Direction

Director Abhay Chopra has done a fabulous job without any exaggeration and drama that is seen in many Bollywood films.

Final verdict

The film lacks the thrill in between, and if you're looking for entertainment, then you will be disappointed. But the twist that comes in the climax is worth waiting for. Although all Bollywood movies release a day ahead in the UAE, the makers of Ittefaq decided to release it everywhere on Friday to avoid any kind of spoilers.
Ittefaq is a gritty thriller with an interesting climax. Wish they made more such movies.

Starring: Akshaye Khanna, Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha
Director: Abhay Chopra
Now playing at theatres in the UAE