Ittefaq
wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)
Hurried in its story-telling and a little too relaxed in its execution, Ittefaq makes the biggest mistake a thriller could make - it tells a gripping story instead of showing it.
Read more
Ittefaq - Preview
It has been quite some time since we have seen a good thriller. It has been even longer since a thriller's trailer and promotions have been so exciting. Karan Johar, Siddharth Malhotra and Sonakshi Sinha have been building the suspense through their Twitter accounts. Interestingly, the build-up on Twitter takes on a different aspect of the story compared to the one exposed in the trailer. This has intrigued me even further because now it is unclear which one will be the main story, the murder of Siddharth Malhotra's character's wife and the lawyer as indicated by the trailer or that of Sonakshi Sinha's character's husband as building up on Twitter?
Moreover, the vantage point take on the story will only make it more interesting. Of course, there is a chance of it becoming repetitive but the trailer gives a sense that the director-writer will manage to avoid it. Can't wait to find out!
Ittefaq releases on 3 November, 2017.
- meeta, a part of the audience
The most important part of a thriller is how the audience comes to know whodunnit. The actual character who did it or why they did what they did is secondary. Many thrillers cop out on the how by a character narrating how it all happened. There is no unraveling only a summarised monologue of a revelation. When that happens, the build-up seems like a tool to keep your attention rather than to get you thinking and involved. If you haven’t guessed it yet, Ittefaq does exactly that. A rich thriller story which could have been enhanced in its telling is let down by the way it executes the crux.
The humour deviates from the thrill rather than giving you a break from it. Both the existence of humor and non-existence of thrill are to be equally blamed.
Other than that Ittefaq has the usual murder-mystery aura about it. Through flashbacks, the accusation passes from one suspect to another and back as fast as a parcel does the rounds in a game of passing the parcel. When it stops, the game slows down.
While each flashback builds the story, the present time sequences mostly have the suspects saying they didn’t do it – which they have been doing a lot of, on their real-life Twitter accounts too. These scenes also have extraneous elements such as a flickering tubelight or the investigating officer, Dev’s home and wife. In hindsight these seem like fillers to extend the run-time.
It would have helped if the clues in the investigation in present-time didn’t come about so easily in the first half. Interestingly, Dev is introduced as this smug investigating officer who just knows where to look for evidence. Later in the film though, he turns into a cop who happens to remember evidence because of what he is doing perchance and reaches new conclusions. No slick deductive skills there. The CSI/Dexter-esque analysis seems like an afterthought.
Then there are the logical questions like, why is the interrogation in piecemeal in the first place? Wouldn’t the officers get the whole story out in one sitting? Had the story moved forward more in the non-flashback parts of the film, the film would have felt less like a drag. For a film that is less than 2 hours, Ittefaq spends a fair amount of time lingering – and not in a good way. The tone is set by the chase sequence that the film begins with. It goes on for over five minutes and nothing additional is being told to you in those introductory scenes. If at all, it focuses on a police officer who snoozes and takes pleasure in scaring suspects and witnesses alike – and he is not even one of the main characters of the film!
A fair amount of time is also spent on dry humor. A thriller usually uses humour to relieve you from the intensity of the suspense. Here though the mystery doesn’t build up enough and the humour ends up deviating from the little thrill.
I was also distracted by the continuity in lighting. Usually in such cases, I don’t let the technical aspects of film-making bother me, but Ittefaq’s indecisiveness about whether it is night and day was too difficult to ignore. A scene that looks like it is day-time is interspersed between scenes of the same night. No, this wasn’t an attempt at non-linearity.
No slick deductive skills there.
What keeps you interested is actually the hope of a mind-bending twist, which unfortunately doesn’t come about. On the other hand, except for the title, I’m glad Ittefaq doesn’t fall for the other crime that thrillers are usually guilty of – intentionally misleading the audience.
Also thankfully, the performances even if not the greatest, aren’t distracting either. Siddharth Malhotra does well to keep his expressions ambiguous. If you believe he is not guilty, you will see innocence. If you believe he is guilty, you will see a hidden smirk. Sonakshi Sinha too does well to don completely different avatars in the two versions of the story. Akshaye Khanna anchors the film with a monotonous expression, but that is attributable to the writing. A thriller that attempts to be tight ought to have minimal role for side characters, but Ittefaq gives them too much room. Due to no fault of theirs, this invasion got me annoyed at the actors.
I submit I am equally annoyed at not being brought to the edge-of-my-seat. I didn’t see myself taking sides and swaying with the alternating narratives. And the worst of it all, at the end, I felt like I was at a screenplay narration and not at the screening of a chilling narrative.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...Sidharth Malhotra has surely improved as an actor. His conversations with the cops look real. Sonakshi too is raising her acting bar with each passing film. Her helplessness to prove herself innocent is to look out for. Akshaye Khanna never gives a dull moment. He plays his role effortlessly. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Rahul Bharadwaj, Desi Martini : ...Ittefaq does not belong to the class of a Hitchcock style suspense but rest assured it is one of the better efforts in suspense genre in recent years. It is for sure worth a dekho. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Ittefaq is a solid modern whodunit. It looks as slick as any Hollywood production. Even with its mistakes, the crime mystery manages to impress with its logical and clinical writing. There's no way you'll be able to easy guess the outcome here, not even when you've watched the original. In all fairness its not the type of thriller that blows your mind, but it is the kind of mystery drama that builds loads of intrigue and leaves you with a pleasant dash of surprise... full review
Thumbs up, by Swetha Ramakrishan, FirstPost : ...But this is not to take away from the merit of Ittefaq. It's a tight, crisp debut by Abhay Chopra, and while Sonakshi and Siddharth both play their parts well, the real star of Ittefaq is Akshaye Khanna. Someone give this talented man more films.... full review
Thumbs up, by T J Reddy, fullhyd.com : ...The movie demands your attention after showing you a car crash and holds it there by briskly walking you through its plot with no time to stop and question its illusion. But you don't want to really question the illusion because you don't really want to know the answer - what you want is entertainment, and the movie excels in providing you just that. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Samrudhi Ghosh, india today : ...There is a slight touch of humour at the expense of the Mumbai police, that is quite enjoyable. But it is the mystery at the centre of the story that is the true winner of the film. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Umesh Punwani, koimoi : ...Want to live 100 minutes of suspense? Go for it before the spoilsports come in to ruin everyone’s experience. By the interval, you’ll feel you know what’s going on, but sit back and see yourself getting proved wrong. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...It'd take a lot of guts to put together a tight-skinned, song-less mainstream film, starring top A-listers, and to top that, begin the picture with a wholly unrelated, trippy, psychedelic, multi-coloured, rotating animation stinging your eyes in a dark hall for almost three minutes at a stretch, even before the frickin’ opening credits have begun to roll! Wait, what was that for? Well, just! ... full review
Thumbs up, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Nevertheless, for fans of whodunits, Ittefaq would not be a disappointment at all…... full review
Thumbs up, by Shrishti Negi, News18.com : ...With a gripping plot, powerhouse performances and a mind-numbing ending, Ittefaq leaves me in absolute awe. A must watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...For once, the locations, production design and cinematography are actually at the service of the plot rather than being used for decorative purposes. The numerous red herrings are viewed by cinematographer Michael Luka through coloured filters and mood lighting. The plot pivots on coincidence, but Ittefaq’s pleasures are entirely by design. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Renuka Vyavahare, Times of India : ...Overall, Ittefaq is not a taut thriller that you expect it to be. But if patience is your asset, this unhurried suspense drama can be watched for Akshaye Khanna's crackling screen presence, acting prowess and sublime charm. Why he doesn't do films more often is the bigger mystery here. ... full review
So-So, by Anna MM Vertticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Ittefaq may not be perfect, but it is clever enough. Bollywood rarely does thrillers well. This one is not brilliant, but it is fun while it lasts. ... full review
So-So, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...With its less-than-two-hour running time (no songs!), Ittefaq is certainly watchable — though the question whose answer I awaited had long since changed from “who’s the killer?” to “what will they snack on next?”... full review
So-So, by Dev Raj Gulati, Desi Martini : ...On an over all basis the remake could be a one time view.( the earlier Rajesh Khanna and Nanda version was more gripping and well made). ... full review
So-So, by Smita Vyas Kumar , Desi Martini : ...Should you see Ittefaq? Well, you can. For the novelty of the theme. It definitely could have been edgier and the Inspector could have been smarter but it’s short and can keep you engaged without you shaking your head in frustration. So, go if you ittefaq se happen to be near a theatre and ittefaq se have some two hours to spare and ittefaq se also have a craving for popcorn. ... full review
So-So, by Meena Iyer, DNA : ...Of course, if you're a die-hard fan of murder mysteries this one may hold some magic for you. ... full review
So-So, by Anupama Chopra, Film Impressions : ... I think there might be potential for a broody Mumbai crime franchise here with the acerbic Dev saving the city. Akshaye has just the right mix of acting chops and eccentricity to pull it off.... full review
So-So, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...Ittefaq is a decent crime story that will keep you hooked, and guessing. ... full review
So-So, by Kamaal R Khan, Khaleej Times : ...The film lacks the thrill in between, and if you're looking for entertainment, then you will be disappointed. But the twist that comes in the climax is worth waiting for. Although all Bollywood movies release a day ahead in the UAE, the makers of Ittefaq decided to release it everywhere on Friday to avoid any kind of spoilers. Ittefaq is a gritty thriller with an interesting climax. Wish they made more such movies.... full review
So-So, by UDITA JHUNJHUNWALA, Live Mint : ...In order to be curious, fascinated, intrigued about these deaths, one needs to care about the characters, believe in their stories. The look and feel is in place and so is the big twist. These two factors make Ittefaq a serviceable thriller, but not a genre-defining experience. ... full review
So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...Another gaping flaw would be that the two suspects, for some reason, are being questioned in instalments — unless one were to assume that the whimsical interrogator gets bored halfway and gives up, only to resume questioning later, when new evidence throws up or when he needs some clarification. Ittefaq? I think not.... full review
So-So, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Watch Ittefaq because the film reveals a great deal about how Bollywood filmmaking has changed over the past five decades. If that isn't a big enough draw, watch it for nonpareil Akshaye Khanna. He overshadows everyone - and everything - in Ittefaq. ... full review
So-So, by Rajeev Masand, News18.com : ...Well, good thing there’s also Akshaye Khanna. Whether it’s chiding junior officers for making tea at a crime scene, or throwing a look that instantly straightens out a colleague who’s got carried away by a witness’ hospitality, his Dev is the film’s most fully realized character, and one of those rare movie cops that feels authentic. ... full review
So-So, by Sreehari Nair, Rediff : ...As far as its final twist goes, Ittefaq is a whocareswhodunit but what it does have, as compensation, is the shock and suggestiveness of pulp served hot. ... full review
So-So, Sify Movies : ...All the other supporting actors portray their characters with sincerity and are natural. The police constable particularly stood out with his realistic portrayal of his character. The film strangely has no song, perhaps in keeping with the sombre subject, but the background score is effective.... full review
So-So, by Ritika Handoo, Zee News : ...Do watch the film over the weekend to appreciate some fine performances. Who knows this Ittefaq might intrigue you! ... full review
Thumbs down, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...However in order to present it as a different film, they actually killed everything that was great and beautiful in the ‘inspired original’ and thus cannot be recommended as any taut, engaging thriller or an entertaining murder mystery. So you can watch it only if you are die-hard fan of this particular genre or Akshaye Khanna as an underrated actor not given much opportunities to prove himself on the screen. ... full review
Thumbs down, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, ITTEFAQ is a weak show and doesn't get the grammar of whodunit right. The film is devoid of entertainment value as well as the shock element. At the box office, it will fail to make a mark. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...In fact, within the first 20 mins itself you tend to lose interest in this telling. The writing is pitifully devoid of savoir faire, the forced buffoonery appears distasteful and the lack of tension, totally unforgivable. This remake, meant to get the B R Chopra wing of the family out-of-the-woods financially is likely to dump them further under!... full review
Thumbs down, by Raja Sen, NDTV : ...To me, the big and mysterious crime this film brings to light is the way Sidharth Malhotra now finds himself typecast as a novelist. It happened in Kapoor And Sons, and it happened here again, in this film that describes him as a "mashoor novelist" and where cops chase a murder suspect down the street yelling "Ei, writer!" as if it were an expletive. Then again, to those who make Hindi cinema these days, perhaps it is. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...And yes, this could have been a good film. They add a needless twist in the film where an airport scene is added. By this time, you are so bored of the whole thing, you don't want Akshay Khanna to say, 'There's a bomb on the flight!' (Easiest way to stop a flight these days!) Or the movie would have gone on and on and on. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...The result: the old Ittefaq, despite you knowing the spoiler, can still hold you in thrall. The new one, despite making a marketing strategy out of a spoiler, just isn’t thrilling enough. ... full review
zmwesociety: Ittefaq...good suspens film...aftr long time..dialogues..crucial..specialy Vinod Khanna's son..returning! End of film superb..near 2 reality
VoraPriyank: Lovely film #ittefaq. Great work #siddharthmalhotra #AkshayeKhanna
viraj_32: According to me the best film of 2017 is #ittefaq good story best acting from @S1dharthM hit like or re tweet if u Agree?
VijayMa81611483: #Ittefaq what A Twist ... A PERFECT MUSTERY
VanCanucks_14: #ittefaq was a great film @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha !
usmaansaif: If u want seen gud movie go theatre and watch #Ittefaq
TiwariAnoushka: Also, Ittefaq is not a remake. It’s an adaptation. The story is completely different. https://t.co/Q4J2u4iajh
TheAnujRadia: #Ittefaq does justice to Yash Chopra’s original. The twist was well executed and is a wonderful update to the... https://t.co/OH5zuPQ0RR
the_trivikram: #Ittefaq [3/5]: A tautly written Whodunit Murder mystery.. #AkshayeKhanna & #Sidharth r impressive.. #AbhayChopra delivers neat thriller!
Thalaiva_Rahul: #Ittefaq bahot soch k banaya hai...1st screen se hi.
taranbhatia1985: #Ittefaq super movie..keeps u glued. Hollywood kind of stuff.
taqizeeshan: #Moviereview #ittefaq 5/5 A must watch An unpredictable murder mystery https://t.co/ZDNvdn7cfu
TakshakSpeaks: Ittefaq is my fav film of this year along with Hindi Medium...What a thrill..Wasn’t expecting it to be this good..Sonakshi was brilliant
starneelima: #Ittefaq Review A Thriller not to be missed @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha @iamsrk @karanjohar @RedChilliesEnt… https://t.co/1nu4ggEOy1
SonakshisNoor: Sidharth was amazing. He has got potential which was well explored and utilized in #Ittefaq fab.
sonakshines: Akshaye Khanna is so bloody good. #Ittefaq
sk814_khan: Ittefaq is awesome After a long time a good suspense thriller.
siddharthKNG: Wat a movie, gr8 entertainer #ittefaq @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha #AkshayeKhanna @karanjohar @iamsrk a must watch
Siddharthafans: Best thriller movie ever.. Guy's go and watch.. #ittefaq @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha https://t.co/nvwllkScdL
Shubham1907: A super suspense thriller #Ittefaq Great work @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha #AkshayKhanna
ShIshIr_Cku: AbhayChopra is a director to watch out for! Not once would u think that he is a debutant! Directed Ittefaq like a master storyteller!
ShanaticYousra: Ittefaq such a brilliant movie ..
SBellezaxx: What a brilliantly crackling suspense!#Ittefaq was pure genius of a murder mystery!Thrilling performances given by each member of the cast
saxenavipul64: ITTEFAQ is a good to see movie.
Saudharm1: #Ittefaq smartly crafted !! One time go
sameer_kamra: Movie review: Ittefaq Decent movie with good suspense till almost the end...
SachinDave_: Should there be a part 2 for @Ittefaq ? A decent "whodoneit" film since #Kahani (1) @sonakshisinha @S1dharthM https://t.co/thjHroPtj5
rohanraj3636: Mystery solved. Just watched #Ittefaq What a movie! All character in this movie is mind-blowing. @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha #AkshayeKhanna
Ranjeeta_Kaur: Sooooooo #AkshayeKhanna was BRILIAAAAAAAAANT in #Ittefaq!
rajeshRTG6: 107 minutes of THRILLER Coaster Ride Great movie with amazing plot #Ittefaq @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha @karanjohar #AkshayeKhanna
RajeshKonsam: #Ittefaq was a good watch @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha . Not unpredictable but the way it was put was so good. A good start for Indian cinema
RahulLakhotia8: What a fantastic thriller movie ITTEFAQ is... Truly the best of Bollywood in 2017,super acting@S1dharthM @sonakshisinha @karanjohar @iamsrk
RafisOutlook: Dishoom, MOM and now Ittefaq. Akshaye Khanna is so AMAZING,his craft as an actor is still alive and intact Unappreciated and Underrated TBH!
purvs3: Need to watch one more time !! #Ittefaq
pujachanchlani: So I woke up early on a Sunday morning, and saw #Ittefaq and how it was absolutely worth it! Tightest Hug @sonakshisinha Maya is love!
problematic__me: #Ittefaq Wat an amazing and freaking awesome movie @S1dharthM sir and @sonakshisinha maan both acted brilliantly❤️
Priyaanka_yadav: #Ittefaq amazing thriller. A movie with the charm of @S1dharthM , beauty and acting of @sonakshisinha. #AkshayeKhanna-superb character.
Pra1hamGupta: #Ittefaq, I liked It The best part is- they couldn't caught him/her All actors nailed it. We should watch this to encourage good movies.
Perthist_: #Ittefaq Overall gud suspense thriller must watch
PandilwarA: #ittefaq movie traffic act by @S1dharthM and direction of @abhayrchopra is top notch one of the best thriller ever seen @RedChilliesEnt
p_sangam22: Bollywood has given audience a rare opportunity to appreciate the work in the form of #Ittefaq.@S1dharthM and #Akshaye you were way 2 awsm.
nupurr_singh: If you love mystery/ Thriller (genre) 'ittefaq' wouldn't disappoint you for sure #Ittefaq
NisaRizwan: Go watch yourself rather believing them :) #ittefaq its a perfect Treat For eyes
neharajdelhi: #ittefaq amazing movie....fabulous acting
Nakuulholic: #Ittefaq is a wonderful thriller movie. Keep you hooked till the end. Since SRK has asked not to be a spoiler, so I wont.
nagdeo1992: MoVie was amazing but direction above all #ittefaq @abhayrchopra chpora
Nachiket_Patil1: Ittefaq real trill supper movie perfect role for all of you @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha @Theakshaykhanna
MNINitin: #Ittefaq is a gripping thriller provides the audience is ready to play along....
Miss_Ummi90: #Ittefaq Done!! Coincidence is being used!#awesome #goodjob #lovefromKualaLumpur #Malaysia @RedChilliesEnt @sonakshisinha @S1dharthM
mimi55941996: Watched #Itefaq today! It was interesting to see the two sides of the story and how we have to choose who is innocent
MiHemangi: Finally watched #Ittefaq & wasn’t able to guess who’s the killer till the end. @sonakshisinha killed it and how!! Mayaaa
littlesatan605: Good Acting, Good Plot but not so good storylining. DId I enjoy? Yes, I did. Thank you! @sonakshisinha @S1dharthM #Ittefaq
kunaljp: Sidharth Malhotra is intense, brooding and vulnerable in #Ittefaq. Deserves credit for choosing such diverse roles with each film @S1dharthM
KhushalKArya: #Ittefaq What a fabulous thriller movie... Must watch movie till end and that really makes you shock
khannapooja31: Thriller.. suspense at its best after a longggg time in #Bollywood yes that’s #Ittefaq for you #MovieReview #movietwit #SundayMorning
khan_jee81: Watched #Ittefaq maza agaya
JatinRelia: #Itefaq superb movie with mind-blowing story-line and
JacyKhan: And the name #Ittefaq does full justice to the story
ItssRoshni: Just watched #Ittefaq ❤❤❤❤❤ I'm SHOOK man! Massive respect to Abhay sir for directing this gem, but it's incomplete without SidSonaAk
iShWeTaaa: #Ittefaq murder mystery ..great movie..@sonakshisinha @S1dharthM loved ur acting..thanks for the entertainment
IshaniVerma_: Watched #Ittefaq AMAZING movie @S1dharthM u nailed it @sonakshisinha brilliant Abhay & Akshay was fabbb lots of love to entire team ❤
infinitypai: Enjoyed #Ittefaq Not sure about whether I liked the ending. Some questions in my mind so I might rewatch later. Good movie nonetheless
imFranklinA99: Only one word for #ittefaq phenomenal, and fabulous performance by @sonakshisinha & @S1dharthM @karanjohar
im_dia123: #Ittefaq is a must watch!
iKartikIyer: Saw #Ittefaq .. recommended
iHaroonRashid: Really enjoyed #Ittefaq. It’s a pacy thriller that keeps you guessing till the end! Great work @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha #AkshayeKhanna
iamsrk_rahul: Go and Watch #Ittefaq
iamrishi_: Ittefaq has proved me me me Rishi no1 brand critic wrong so congratulations To @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha n team
iamadil555: Watched #ittefaq was the awesome experience @RedChilliesEnt @DharmaMovies @iamsrk https://t.co/OXGBPpe1yo
iamaast: #Ittefaq = Paisa wasool✅ Thank you @sonakshisinha @S1dharthM
HamzaGayaskhan: Finally Watch #Ittefaq Masterpiece Thriller movie @S1dharthM Different Role as Always Do His Best #AkhsayKhanna Deadly @sonakshisinha Love ♥
HaddiyaKiyaniii: #Ittefaq is definitely the best murder mystery I have seen in my life!! I finally know who killed Catherine and I know who killed Shekhar!
gk0012: One of the best thriller movie.U will definately love #Ittefaq MUST WATCH 5/5 @iamsrk @karanjohar @S1dharthM… https://t.co/yIaaD03ivz
girishmallya: Liked #Itefaq, good story, finally, in a Bollywood triller. Yes, execution could have been better. Akshaye is fab. I have not seen original.
ghulam_tayyab: # amazing movie ittefaq red chillies always number one
erkPALASH: #Ittefaq It's really awesome movie. Enjoyed it! Thanks @sonakshisinha @S1dharthM #AkshayeKhanna to give is this amazing movie.
dr_ruby92: watch #Ittefaq again @S1dharthM I’m speechless
dev_mufc: Ittefaq, a good movie, although a little predictable. Akshaye Khanna did an absolutely wonderful job
DeepakRNair92: When both of your movie picks for the weekend work out, its a good weekend. #Ittefaq #ThorRagnarok
chotemiya3: #Ittefaq is a solid watch!
charliekaali: After a long time gud suspense thriller #Ittefaq @RedChilliesEnt @DharmaMovies
chaitu972: Wow what an thriller and @S1dharthM and @sonakshisinha #AkshayeKhanna just all of u nailed it just loved the twist #Ittefaq thanku..
bkshabeeba: Sid proved him Once again!Glad to see youngsters Choosing Diff. Roles and Entertaining. . #Ittefaq
BikramJ10: Just watched #Ittefaq for the 2nd time!! brilliant!! @S1dharthM has much more to contribute in bollywood..you are truly a gem!
bhavya_ngpl: Each and every scene of #ittefaq is thrilling whatca direction #AbhayChopra .Versatile acting of #AkshayeKhanna Sir @S1dharthM
asunaina: Enjoyed Ittefaq- good movie, great atmosphere and interesting twists. #Ittefaq #IttefaqInCinemas
ashvin_gill: Watched #Ittefaq just now. Love the twisted ending !
ashmingill7: Watched #Ittefaq.It was an amazing thriller film. I loved @S1dharthM 's role and his character.Tbh for me he stole the show.
Arsumir: I really enjoyed #ittefaq the movie is really well made and full of suspense...
Arjuncapone: #Ittefaq got everything you expect frm a nail biting,gripping https://t.co/SQN3UXI4PA belongs 2 #AkshayeKhanna.Wotta fabolous actor he is
andlibsh: Just watched #Itefaq is dangerously good n has potentiality be released in sequels.
ameya_nayak: Watched #Ittefaq & loved it! But if any1 could temme why were SRK & Ranbir thanked?! @karanjohar @DharmaMovies @sonakshisinha @S1dharthM
AlovesNita: #ittefaq what a movie .. mind blowing @S1dharthM , #AkshayeKhanna & @AsliSona ..what a performance .. loved it .. kudos to u guys ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
abinash_dehury: Great movie,mind blowing content #Ittefaq loved it!! https://t.co/CJJV76EGzg
1AmolJadhav: Watched #Ittefaq it's nice..... Well made @sonakshisinha beautiful.... #AkshayeKhanna is in top class mode..... We love u
SoliloqVish: Absolutely agree! #Ittefaq made me hungry too. A breezy little, decent suspense thriller but not without loopholes.… https://t.co/jTf9xnwMx5
ranzzit: Ittefaq was kind of ok. Akshaye was top class. It seemed as if the role was tailor made for him. The big reveal was a bit underwhelming.
nipungoel27: #Ittefaqse #Ittefaq superhit nahi par Impeccable acting, Superb Suspense & Captivating story se hai @S1dharthM @sonakshisinha #akshaye
mymovierack: 3/5 Ittefaq: It happened one night review by Manish Pandey https://t.co/89g0fMBrwB #IttefaqIthappenedonenight #organicReviews
mgknair: Akshaye Khanna’s tailor made role and acting.. lifts the average movie to watchable. Background music keeps the pulse ticking #Ittefaq
keeranilchouhan: Watched #Ittefaq today. Above average film but Akshay Khanna is too good as a Police Officer. It's not a "Suspens-Triller" but a "Suspense"
GirishGohil_: #Ittefaq ok movie
DJMunks: ... Not bad though for a Bollywood suspense thriller. 7/10 to #Ittefaq
BeingIrfaat: #Itefaq many questions unanswered! Gripping twists but some illogical situations.@S1dharthM ittefAq ka Sahara liya aur murder kar k bhaaga
_starboyin: Saw Ittefaq. Was a good one time watch. Some loopholes though.
travelport123: #Ittefaq worst movie. Ghatiya acting by @S1dharthM . Good acting by Akshay Khana. But movie is totally crap.
TheVineetDubey: siddharth:- no acting . sonakshi-over acting . wht an ittefaq!!!
Sahir_Dhoom: Watched Ittefaq today on Big screen . Flawed script , at times nonsense . Final confession scene was ridiculous Rating 2/5
raozfx: My dear friends.."ittefaq" what a boring movie...pls dont waste ur money...akshay khann as usually he given his... https://t.co/XwPMWqjXyw
KapilSharmaK10: #Ittefaq lacked the level of thrill which one expect from a crime thriller. There weren’t enough wow or edge of the seat moments in the film
Ikashifsiddique: #Ittefaq bakwas thi.
absolutesatya: So who was the Muderar in #Ittefaq Me : @sonakshisinha and @S1dharthM , Yes they killed a beautiful movie.
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Plot Summary
Two whodunnits.
What Worked
- The introduction of the twist. Even if it was expected, the way it came about was done well.
- The difference in how an accused man and woman are treated for the murder of a spouse. Came across as real.
What did not
- Why is the film called Ittefaq?
- Why dosn’t Vikram Sethi ever get a lawyer?
- The scene with the dog.
- The scene with Dev in the toilet.
- The old maid knocking on Maya’s door. Isn’t it late in the night? Why is a maid coming in to do some scrubbing?
- The whole timeline of events at J W Marriott. Didn’t Vikram say they had arrived just for the book launch? How come they were caught fighting a couple of days before the book launch?
- Dev’s monologue doesn’t help to keep the suspense.
Nitty-Gritty
- Is there a crematorium by the sea in Mumbai?
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: A couple of murders shown over and over again a few times. Same with a fist fight.
- Language: A few expletives muted.
- Nudity & Sexual content: One making out scene. Mention of sex, safety during sex, and rape.
- Concept: Whodunnit?
- General Look and Feel: An attempt to infuse dry humor in an otherwise intense murder mystery.
![[Facebook page of Ittefaq]](/static/images/icons/facebook_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Twitter account of Ittefaq]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Ittefaq]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Ittefaq]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Ittefaq]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (2)
Take a fairly twisty plot. Give it the blandest treatment possible. Juggle between the flashbacks till the audience no longer cares about who-dun-what-to-whom. Very disappointing film.
This film is supposed to be based on the film with the same name, Ittefaq. Personally I consider the original Ittefaq as one of the best thriller made by Bollywood. The film had tanked at the box office as it was considered too short, less than 2 hours running time in days when audiences wanted no less than 3 hours; it was considered bland - with zero songs in days when at least 5 songs was the norm; and a chocolate hero being shown with shades of grey? The film was well ahead of its times. Made for the 2017 audiences.
The 2017 version comes across as a very lazy attempt to recreate the tension. But it fails. Many reasons but principally it is very slow paced, kind of Lootera pace. One can be pardoned for saying that fast paced thriller only happens in films and not in real life, just as a hawaldar remarks in the movie that police paying an informer only happens in films.
The worst part of the film is the revealation of the crime. It just spoils whatever little interest was remaining in the story.
The only good part were the few moments of dry humour sprinkled across the film.
Akshay Khanna stands out but then we have seen him in this role, including dress and behaviour, in quite a few films now.
Watch it to learn how a classic can be massacred in the hands of novices.
Leave a Comment