Vikram Vedha

“Vikram Vedha” is a 2022 Indian neo-noir action thriller, directed by Pushkar-Gayathri. It is a remake of the 2017 Tamil film of the same name, which was also directed by the duo. The film stars Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Radhika Apte, and Rohit Saraf in pivotal roles.

The story is inspired by the Indian folklore of Vikram and Betaal, where a righteous cop is caught in a battle of wits with a cunning gangster. The film was released in theaters on September 30, 2022, and received appreciation for its performances, screenplay, and action sequences.

Plot Summary

The film follows Vikram (Saif Ali Khan), an honest police officer, who believes in justice and sees the world in black and white. He leads an encounter unit, aiming to eliminate criminals, especially the notorious gangster Vedha (Hrithik Roshan).

When Vikram and his team set out to capture Vedha, the gangster surrenders voluntarily. Instead of giving direct answers, Vedha tells Vikram a series of stories, each one challenging his moral beliefs and forcing him to question the difference between good and evil.

As Vikram delves deeper into Vedha’s tales, he uncovers shocking truths about his own team and realizes that the line between right and wrong is blurred. The climax brings an intense showdown between Vikram and Vedha, where decisions and morality are put to the ultimate test.

Acting Performances

Hrithik Roshan as Vedha

Hrithik delivers a career-defining performance as Vedha. His charismatic screen presence, intense expressions, and dialogue delivery make him the heart of the film. His unpredictable nature and layered character add depth to the story.

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Saif Ali Khan as Vikram

Saif Ali Khan plays the role of an upright yet conflicted cop with perfection. His portrayal of Vikram, a man torn between duty and morality, adds realism and emotional weight to the film.

Radhika Apte as Priya

Radhika Apte plays Vikram’s wife and a lawyer, who unknowingly becomes a part of Vedha’s game. Though her role is limited, she delivers a strong performance.

Rohit Saraf as Shatak

Rohit Saraf plays Vedha’s younger brother, and his character is crucial to the story. His emotional scenes with Hrithik Roshan are impactful.

Direction and Screenplay

Pushkar-Gayathri once again prove their mastery in storytelling. The non-linear narrative, gripping screenplay, and powerful dialogues keep the audience engaged. The way each story unfolds like a puzzle is a highlight of the film.

Cinematography and Visuals

The dark and gritty cinematography, handled by P. S. Vinod, enhances the film’s mood. The action sequences, chase scenes, and intense face-offs between Vikram and Vedha are shot brilliantly.

Music and Background Score

The music, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, complements the film’s tone. Some of the notable tracks include:

• “Bande” – A powerful and intense theme song.
• “Alcoholia” – A high-energy dance number featuring Hrithik Roshan.

The background score by Sam C. S. elevates the tension and suspense, making the action sequences even more thrilling.

Pacing and Editing

The film has a well-balanced pace, with sharp editing by Richard Kevin. The non-linear storytelling is handled smoothly, keeping the audience invested in every twist and turn.

Themes and Messages

“Vikram Vedha” is more than just a gangster-versus-cop story. It explores:

• The complexity of morality – Is a crime always wrong, and is the law always right?
• The duality of good and evil – How perspectives change when you see the other side of the story.
• The power of choices – How decisions define people, not their labels of “good” or “bad”.

Box Office Performance

Despite strong performances and positive reviews, Vikram Vedha had a moderate box office run due to competition from other films and mixed audience reception.

Day-wise Indian Box Office Collection:

• Day 1: ₹10.58 crore
• Day 2: ₹12.51 crore
• Day 3: ₹13.85 crore
• Week 1 Total: ₹58.57 crore
• Final Worldwide Collection: ₹135 crore

Critical Reception

Positive Reviews

Critics praised:

• Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan’s performances.
• The engaging screenplay and intense dialogues.
• The deep philosophical undertones.

Negative Reviews

Some criticisms included:

• Comparison with the original Tamil version, with some preferring the original.
• The film’s commercial underperformance despite strong content.

Audience Reception

Fans appreciated the intelligent storytelling and action-packed drama. Hrithik Roshan’s Vedha became one of his most loved roles, and Saif Ali Khan’s balanced performance received applause. However, some audiences found the philosophical narrative slightly complex for mainstream entertainment.

Verdict

“Vikram Vedha” is a must-watch for thriller and action lovers. With brilliant performances, gripping storytelling, and deep moral questions, the film is more than just an action drama. It makes you think, question, and engage with its complex characters.

For those who love intense crime thrillers with layered storytelling, Vikram Vedha is a cinematic experience worth watching.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)