Streaming On: Netflix
Directed by: Kookie Gulati & Robbie Grewal
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta, Saurabh Shukla
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Heist
Language: Hindi
Duration: 2h 18min

🧲 Hook: All That Glitters Is Not Gold

With a name borrowed from the iconic 1967 thriller starring Dev Anand, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins had big shoes to fill and bold expectations to meet. A Netflix-backed project featuring two powerhouse performers, Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat, and a plot revolving around a ₹500 crore diamond heist — it had every ingredient to be a slick, edge-of-your-seat thriller. Unfortunately, this glittering exterior conceals a hollow core.

📖 Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

The story unfolds in India and Budapest, centering on the legendary Red Sun diamond, one of the most valuable gems in the world. When it is stolen under mysterious circumstances, the spotlight turns toward Rehan Roy (Saif Ali Khan), a suave, silver-tongued conman whose charm masks secrets. On the other end is Rajan Aulakh (Jaideep Ahlawat), a relentless intelligence officer chasing the thief with a personal vendetta.

As the cat-and-mouse game progresses, layers are peeled back, revealing betrayal, double-crosses, and a web of conspiracies. But for all its complexity, the plot never quite manages to shock — or even surprise — the viewer.

🎭 Performances: Talented Cast, Wasted Potential

🔹 Saif Ali Khan as Rehan Roy

Saif brings undeniable style to the role. He looks great in a suit, carries an aura of mystery, and delivers dialogue with finesse. However, the script gives him very little to play with. Rehan feels more like a sketch than a fully fleshed-out character. His motivations remain murky, not because of clever writing, but due to inconsistent character development.

🔹 Jaideep Ahlawat as Rajan Aulakh

Jaideep is a master of subtle expression and intensity, and he does his best here. But even his grounded performance can’t save a poorly written role. Rajan, who should’ve been the emotional backbone of the story, ends up feeling like a mere functionary in the plot.

🔹 Supporting Cast

Nikita Dutta gets minimal screen time and is reduced to a standard love-interest trope. Saurabh Shukla’s comedic timing tries to liven up scenes but feels out of place in a film that takes itself too seriously.

🎬 Direction & Screenplay: Style Without Substance

Co-directed by Kookie Gulati (The Big Bull) and Robbie Grewal (RAW), the film tries to mimic international heist thrillers like Ocean’s Eleven or The Italian Job — but lacks the tight scripting, character chemistry, and clever execution that define those films.

The pacing falters often, with a dragging middle act and an underwhelming third act reveal. The twists, though present, are predictable. You can see the “big reveal” coming from a mile away, and there’s little suspense to keep the viewer on the edge.

Instead of building intrigue, the screenplay leans heavily on slick locations, glossy visuals, and hollow dialogue. It’s a thriller that forgets the most important element: thrill.

🎥 Cinematography, Music & Editing

🔸 Cinematography

Shot in Budapest and Mumbai, the film does deliver visually. The contrast between opulent European landscapes and gritty Indian underworlds is aesthetically pleasing. The camera work, however, often prioritizes beauty over storytelling.

🔸 Music & Score

Composers Sachin–Jigar, OAFF–Savera, and Soundtrek–Anis Ali Sabri bring in a mix of techno, suspenseful scoring, and stylish tracks. Yet, none of the songs or background music leaves a lasting impression. The music feels generic, more like filler than a force that drives emotion or tension.

🔸 Editing

At 2 hours and 18 minutes, the film overstays its welcome. A tighter edit, especially in the second half, could’ve helped the pacing and increased impact.

📉 What Doesn’t Work

  • Predictable Plot: The biggest crime a thriller can commit is being boring — and this one comes dangerously close.
  • Lack of Emotional Stakes: You never really care about the characters or the diamond.
  • Shallow Character Arcs: Especially disappointing given the talent involved.
  • Overuse of Style: The film’s obsession with looking cool weakens its storytelling.
  • Weak Dialogues: Most lines feel rehearsed and forgettable.

✅ What Works (A Little)

  • Star Power: Saif and Jaideep still shine despite the writing.
  • Visuals: Beautifully shot sequences in Budapest and luxury interiors.
  • Premise: The core idea — a high-stakes jewel theft and identity game — has potential.

🧠 Comparisons: The Shadow of the Original

By naming itself Jewel Thief, the film sets itself up for direct comparison to Vijay Anand’s 1967 masterpiece. That’s a risky bet — and it doesn’t pay off. While the original was groundbreaking for its time, blending music, suspense, and romance effortlessly, the 2025 version feels like a shallow imitation with no real identity of its own.

Even compared to modern Indian thrillers like Andhadhun or Drishyam, Jewel Thief (2025) lacks sharpness and emotional depth.

🏁 Final Verdict

⭐️ Rating: 2.5/5

Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is a visually polished but narratively hollow film that never lives up to its title. With better writing and tighter direction, it could’ve been a gripping modern thriller. Instead, it ends up being a watchable but forgettable flick that tries to steal your time — and almost succeeds.

Watch it if: You’re a fan of Saif Ali Khan or enjoy glossy heist films with low stakes.
Skip it if: You’re looking for real suspense, smart twists, or a meaningful cinematic experience.