Khufiya Movie Review

Plot

Khufiya is a Netflix thriller directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The film revolves around R&AW agent Krishna Mehra, played by Tabu, who recruits Octopus (Azmeri Haque Badhon's character), for a dangerous mission. However, when something goes wrong during the mission, it becomes clear that there is a mole within R&AW. The narrative becomes convoluted as it tries to expose the spy, incorporate political references, and build an engaging plot.

Acting

The cast, including Tabu, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Ashish Vidyarthi, delivers credible performances. Azmeri Haque Badhon stands out with her excellent portrayal of Octopus. However, the script fails to fully utilize the talent of the cast.

Cinematography

The film opens with visually stunning frames, creating a captivating atmosphere, a perfect setup for a spy thriller movie. Cinematographer Farhad Ahmed Dehlvi's use of colors adds depth to the storytelling.

Direction

Vishal Bhardwaj is known for his ability to adapt books to the screen with striking intimacy and broody lyricism. In Khufiya, he showcases his talent by successfully merging personal and professional journeys, geopolitical strife, and moral disengagement into a cohesive sequence of chaos. Bhardwaj's choice of actors and his timing further enhance the film's impact.

Overall Review

Khufiya has the potential to be a gripping and edgy spy thriller. However, the film falls short of expectations, particularly when compared to Bhardwaj's previous works. The convoluted narrative and excessive runtime could have been edited for a tighter and more engaging experience. Despite these flaws, the film still manages to captivate with its stunning visuals and talented cast. Khufiya is a decent watch, but it falls short of being a standout film in Bhardwaj's filmography.