KHEL KHEL MEIN rests on a novel plot with excellent performances

Khel Khel Mein Review 3.5/5 & Review Rating

Director: Mudassar Aziz

Khel Khel Mein Movie Review Synopsis:
Khel Khel Mein is the story of a night of madness. Rishabh Malik (Akshay Kumar) is a plastic surgeon and his second marriage with Vartika (Vaani Kapoor) is on the rocks. However, both have decided to give each other three months before coming to any decision. Vartika’s sister Radhika (Diljot Kaur Chhabra) is getting married and Rishabh and Vartika head to the hotel where the wedding is taking place. They are joined by their friends Harpreet (Ammy Virk), his wife who’s also named Harpreet (Taapsee Pannu), Samar (Aditya Seal) and his wife Naina (Pragya Jaiswal). Kabir (Fardeen Khan) was going to join them with his girlfriend Akshita. But he comes solo and doesn’t give any reason why his partner couldn’t make it. At night, these seven friends come together and discuss infidelity. Vartika suggests playing a fun game – everyone should unlock their mobile phones and put them on the table. Whoever gets any message or email should be read aloud in front of everyone. And if there’s a phone call, it should be answered in speaker mode. The women agree readily while the men also agree, albeit reluctantly. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Khel Khel Mein Movie Story Review:
Khel Khel Mein is the official remake of the Italian film PERFETTI SCONOSCIUTI [original script and directed by Paolo Genovese]. Mudassar Aziz’s story has all the trappings of a crazy entertainer. Mudassar Aziz and Sara Bodinar’s screenplay is highly entertaining and keeps viewers engaged. However, it has a few rough edges. Mudassar Aziz’s dialogues are one of the best parts of the film.

Mudassar Aziz’s direction is superb. He ensures that the characters are well-fleshed out. During their introduction, he makes it clear that they all have some secrets and this sets the stage for the madness that unfolds later on. A few scenes stand out like Harpreet getting a call from her friend, a character changing his phone with the other, the intermission point etc. The second half also has its share of dramatic scenes.

On the flipside, a few scenes are convenient. It is also difficult to digest that everyone has such deep dark secrets. Secondly, the track of the accident is not well utilized. One doesn’t understand what exactly happened and how the accused walked away scot-free. The director should have spent some time explaining these aspects. In fact, except for the seven main characters, the rest of the characters suffer a raw deal. Maybe, the intention was to keep the focus on the protagonists. But a few minutes of giving importance to the rest of the characters would have added to the impact. Lastly, this is an urban film and has certain themes and tracks that won’t be appealing to the mass audience. The fact that its set in one hotel suite also restricts its cinematic appeal.

Khel Khel Mein (Official Trailer): Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, Taapsee Pannu, Fardeen Khan, Aditya Aditya Seal, Pragya Jaiswal

Khel Khel Mein Movie Review Performances:
The film rests on solid performances from all the actors. Akshay Kumar is in top form and it’s a pleasure to see him in a comedy after a long time. His comic timing is outstanding but watch out for him when he gets a call from his daughter in the second half. Taapsee Pannu doesn’t get much to do initially but later on, she shines. Fardeen Khan underplays his part and is lovely, especially in the second half. Ammy Virk is dependable. Aditya Seal is apt for the part. Pragya Jaiswal is very impressive in her Bollywood debut. Chitrangda Singh (Kadambari) looks stunning and gives a lovely performance. Malti (Ishitta Arun) leaves a mark. Diljot Kaur Chhabra, Kiran Kumar (Vartika’s father), Alka Badola Kaushal (Vartika’s mother), Gaurav Manwane (Varun) and Maahi Raj Jain (Anaya; Rishabh’s mother) are okay.

Khel Khel Mein music and other technical aspects:
The music is okay with ‘Hauli Hauli’ standing out for its tune and picturization. ‘Duur Na Karin’, ‘Kooch’, ‘Baari Barsi’ and ‘Do U Know’ are not memorable. John Stewart Eduri’s background score is impactful, especially the use of the recreated version of the song ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’. Manoj Kumar Khatoi’s cinematography is fine and the lensman tries his best to give the film a cinematic look and also capture the madness. Rupin Suchak’s production design is neat while Sanam Ratansi’s costumes are very appealing. Ninad Khanolkar’s editing is slick.

Khel Khel Mein Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, KHEL KHEL MEIN rests on a novel plot that not only entertains but also boasts of excellent performances by the lead cast, with Akshay Kumar taking the cake. At the box office, it will appeal only to the multiplex-going audience while strong competition from Stree 2 will impact its box office prospects to a great extent.