Introduction:
Visfot is a riveting thriller directed by Kookie Gulati, featuring a star-studded cast including Fardeen Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Krystle Dsouza, and Priya Bapat. The film, an official remake of the 2012 Venezuelan movie Piedra Papel o Tijera, explores the chaotic intersections of two drastically different lives. While the movie promises a gripping narrative and intense drama, it also presents a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a detailed review of Visfot, covering its story, direction, performances, technical aspects, and overall impact. Also Read- Anushka Sharma Reveals She and Virat Kohli Don’t See Themselves as ‘Perfect Parents’! Says “There is So Much Pressure…”; Read More to Know More!
Story Overview:
Visfot revolves around the life of Shoaib (Fardeen Khan), a resident of Dongri who relocates to Australia for a promising job opportunity. His plans are abruptly altered when he learns of his mother Roshan Khan’s (Sheeba Chadha) serious illness, prompting his return to Mumbai. In Mumbai, Shoaib is involved in a relationship with Lucky (Krystle Dsouza), who works at a café. To support his household, Shoaib drives for an app-based taxi service.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when Shoaib encounters his childhood friend Manya (Nachiket Purnapatre), now a drug peddler, during a cab ride. Manya, fleeing from the police, leaves behind a jacket containing drugs worth Rs. 20 lakhs. He instructs Shoaib to keep the jacket safe until he returns the next day. However, a fire breaks out in Shoaib’s house while he is out, and the jacket goes missing. Manya, high on drugs, threatens Shoaib and his loved ones if the jacket is not recovered within a few hours. As Shoaib tries to address the situation, he discovers that his girlfriend Lucky and a young boy named Parth aka Paddy (Prithviraj Sarnaik), the son of pilot Aakash Shelar (Riteish Deshmukh) and Tara (Priya Bapat), are also involved. The story unfolds from here, leading to a series of dramatic and unforeseen events.
Story Review:
The narrative of Visfot is a complex tapestry of intersecting lives and chaotic events. The film attempts to weave together multiple storylines, highlighting the collision between Shoaib’s mundane life and the high-stakes drug world. The screenplay, written by Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal, keeps the audience engaged with its intense and suspenseful sequences. However, it suffers from several issues, particularly in the first half.
One of the primary drawbacks is the numerous plot holes and inconsistencies. For instance, the decision of Aakash to take his son to the café, rather than dropping him off at school, seems implausible. Similarly, Shoaib’s failure to check with his neighbors after the jacket goes missing undermines the logical progression of the story. These lapses in the screenplay impact the overall coherence of the film and detract from its immersive experience.
Despite these shortcomings, the film gains momentum as the second half progresses. The introduction of Aakash’s storyline adds a new layer of complexity, escalating the tension and intertwining the characters’ fates. The film’s climax, though engaging, could have benefitted from a more innovative resolution. The narrative sometimes drags, particularly in the second half, and the ending feels somewhat predictable.
Direction and Pacing:
Kookie Gulati’s direction is straightforward and maintains a steady pace throughout the film. Despite the complex narrative involving multiple characters and subplots, Gulati manages to keep the film coherent and engaging. The back-and-forth narrative and dual tracks are handled with clarity, ensuring that the audience remains invested in the unfolding drama.
Gulati’s direction excels in creating suspense and tension, particularly in the scenes involving the drug deal and the subsequent threats. However, the film’s pacing suffers in certain areas, especially during the second half, where the narrative seems to lose its momentum. The direction could have been more adept at addressing the screenplay’s inconsistencies and maintaining a tighter narrative structure. Also Read- Shah Rukh Is On The Top Of The Highest Tax-Paying Celebrity Of 2024; Here’s How Much He Pays And The Full List
Performances:
The performances in Visfot are a notable highlight, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their roles.
- Fardeen Khan delivers a commendable performance as Shoaib, navigating the character’s emotional turmoil with sincerity. Although some scenes reveal his rawness, Khan’s portrayal is effective in conveying the desperation and fear experienced by his character. His performance indicates potential for more substantial roles in the future.
- Riteish Deshmukh ventures into uncharted territory with his role as Aakash Shelar. Known primarily for his comedic roles, Deshmukh successfully transitions to a serious character, showcasing his versatility. His portrayal is intense and impactful, adding significant value to the film.
- Krystle Dsouza provides a solid performance as Lucky, exhibiting strong screen presence and emotional depth. Her chemistry with Fardeen Khan is palpable, and she effectively conveys the stress and concern of her character.
- Priya Bapat impresses as Tara, delivering a nuanced performance that adds depth to the film. Her portrayal is engaging, and she complements the rest of the cast well.
- Sheeba Chadha as Roshan Khan and Seema Biswas as Acid Tai bring their experience and skill to the film, adding layers of credibility to their respective roles. Chadha’s portrayal of a concerned mother is heartfelt, while Biswas’s menacing presence enhances the film’s dramatic tension.
- Nachiket Purnapatre stands out with his performance as Manya, effectively portraying the character’s desperation and menace. Prithviraj Sarnaik and Arhaan Khan deliver decent performances, while Satyajeet Kadam and Inspector J K Fernandes contribute to the film’s narrative, albeit with some far-fetched elements.
Technical Aspects:
The technical aspects of Visfot contribute significantly to its overall appeal.
- Music and Background Score: Amjad Nadeem Aamir’s music is functional but lacks a memorable impact. The sole song, “Kamli Naam Piya Da,” is upbeat but unlikely to have long-lasting appeal. Amar Mohile’s background score, however, adds a cinematic quality, enhancing the film’s tension and atmosphere.
- Cinematography: Shikhar Bhatnagar’s cinematography is visually striking, capturing the film’s various settings with precision. The camera work adds to the suspense, particularly in scenes involving the drug deal and the fire at Shoaib’s house.
- Action and Production Design: Javed Karim’s action sequences are engaging and add to the film’s excitement. Sneha Bhandare’s production design is realistic, particularly in the depiction of Shoaib’s home. However, Vibhuti Chamria’s costumes, especially those worn by Krystle Dsouza, appear somewhat out of place for her character’s role as a café worker.
- Editing: Manish More’s editing is satisfactory in the first half but falters in the second half. The film’s pacing becomes uneven, affecting the overall flow and engagement.
Conclusion:
In summary, Visfot is a tense thriller that offers several engaging moments and strong performances from its cast. While the film excels in creating suspense and showcasing intense drama, it also suffers from plot inconsistencies and pacing issues. The film’s first half is marred by logical gaps, while the second half, despite its gripping moments, could have benefitted from a more inventive conclusion.
Overall, Visfot is an average entertainer that holds promise but falls short of being a standout thriller. It remains a worthwhile watch for those interested in suspenseful narratives and strong performances but may leave some viewers wishing for a more polished execution.
