The trailer of filmmakers Pushkar and Gayathri’s Vikram Vedha (2022) can be described as a clash between two heavyweights, in terms of power, not the physical mass. The film is the remake of the successful and acclaimed Tamil movie of the same name helmed by the same directors in 2017.
It tells the story of Vikram, played by Saif Ali Khan, who is a righteous police officer determined to flush out criminals. He is known for his fake encounters, but he believes that as he is only killing criminals, it’s justified. However, he faces criticism from his wife (Radhika Apte) for his actions.
Vikram is tasked with arresting the dreaded criminal Vedha, played by Hrithik Roshan. But despite a lot of drama, Vedha himself surrenders to Vikram. The police officer feels this is a routine case until Vedha narrates his life story and thereby starts enlightening him that nothing in the world is good or bad; it’s all grey, including, Vikram himself.
Vikram Vedha is not just another action film between a cop and gangster since it also becomes thought-provoking as explores the characters' past deeds. But the trailer makes it clear that, despite the subject, it is treated like a masala action film with lots of style and slow-motion sequences. The execution is where the remake differs a little from the original film.
A major similarity, apart from the characters and story, is the reuse of the iconic background track from the original composed by Sam CS. It is difficult to imagine Vikram Vedha without its exceptional background theme.
Both Khan and Hrithik appear fine in their respective characters. The former brings about the anger and dedication associated with a top cop. Despite playing a gangster, Hrithik shows some calmness, along with an undercurrent of humour in his act. But you can’t help but think of his character in Super 30 (2019) in some portions of the trailer.
Produced by T-Series, Reliance Entertainment and Friday Filmworks, Vikram Vedha is due to be released in theatres on 30 September. The film also stars Rohit Saraf, Yogita Bihani, Sharib Hashmi and Satyadeep Misra.
Watch the trailer and let us know if you would be keen to see the film.