Phantom
Year: 2015
Director: Kabir Khan
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif

Spy thrillers are becoming a popular genre in Bollywood following the success of films such as New York, Ek Tha Tiger, D-Day, Holiday, Bang Bang and Baby. Indo-Pak tension over cross-border terrorism has been central theme of most such capers. Phantom is another addition to this genre.

Saif Ali Khan had earlier tried his hand unsuccessfully at this genre in Agent Vinod (2013). Now he joins hands with director Kabir Khan, whose last two films- EK Tha Tiger and Bajrangi Bhaijaan have amply shown his command on spy dramas as well as his liking for Pakistan-related themes.

The anti-Pakistan rhetoric in Phantom promotions did capture some public attention. But finally what do we get out of this film?

What’s the plot?

26.11. The infamous terrorist attack on Mumbai on 26 November2008 is a long-standing thorn in Indo-Pak relations. The main perpetrators of this heinous act are still safely ensconced in Pakistan, openly delivering inflammatory speeches to hysteric mobs and spawning more terrorism. A secret Indian intelligence mission conceived by a handful of top operatives decides to take out all those masterminds who are busy plotting the next terror attack. For that they decide to pick a disgraced army-man (Saif Ali Khan), a guy who is practically dead for the world. With the help of a lady RAW operative (Katrina Kaif), this one man starts eliminating the masterminds of Mumbai mayhem one by one. Will he be able to complete the mission, which would involve going undercover to Pakistan?

What’s hot?

·         A jingoistic plot with plenty of scope for high octane globe-trotting counter-terrorist action!

·         High end production values.

·         A well-paced narrative with some interesting action sequences.

·         The RAW agents played by Sabysachi Chakraborty and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub leave their mark.

What’s not?

·         Lead actors Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif gamely take on the mantle of two spies going all out to complete a complicated mission but they fail to generate any electricity.

·         The vigilante justice plot has lost its novelty after similar themed (and much better!) films such as D-Day and Baby.

·         Too many subplots dilute the impact.

·         Oversimplified, crammed up storyline.

·         Second half of the film loses pace and coherence at times.

·         Fails to stir emotions and doesn’t connect either romantically or patriotically.

·         Climax fails to give a high!

Verdict

On surface, Phantom is a slick spy thriller with contemporary theme and loads of action. But its lack of novelty, zero lead chemistry, over-crowded storyline and little emotional appeal condemns it to be just a dry, unmemorable if competent fare.

Rating

2.5 stars