Aug 29, 2015 09:03 AM
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When USA forces discreetly entered Pakistan and finished off world’s most wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden on May 2, 2011, a question that aroused in the minds of a lot of Indians was – when would we become brave enough to do something of this sort? Nikhil Advani’s D-Day was born out of this thought and now Kabir Khan’s Phantom also tackles this idea but in a more elaborative and realistic manner. With Kabir at the helm of affairs, one can be sure that the film won’t wrong and sure enough, Phantom turns out to be one of the bravest and thrilling pieces of cinema from Bollywood in recent times!
The story of the movie: Daniyal Khan(Saif Ali Khan) is an ex-armyman who is employed by India’s RAW for a very dangerous and secret mission. The goal is to finish off four terrorists who are responsible for the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. He gets the help of Nawaz Mistry(Katrina Kaif) who later becomes his most trusted aide. Their adventure takes them to London, Chicago, and Beirut, Pakistan. How they go about executing their mission forms the crux of the film
Phantom moves swiftly from the word ‘Go’. At times one does feel that the film should have been a bit slower so that viewers can soak in the goings-on. But on second thoughts, the ultra-fast pace helps the film. The first scene initially seems ‘silly’ but soon enough, one realizes the truth behind it and everything then seems sensible. And this is the beauty of the film from start to finish. Everything falls into place neatly. How the mission was born, why Daniyal was chosen and not someone else, how Daniyal went about murdering the terrorists and the roadblocks he faces – everything is explained systematically and clearly. Hence, Phantom surely has a mainstream appeal. The London episode is damn exciting and even the Chicago portions keeps the interest alive. The Beirut sequence boasts of loads of action and thrill. However, at this only juncture of the film, the makers goofed up a bit. They could have better explained the situation. Nevertheless, it’s a minor goof up. The second half is even better as the madness shifts to Pakistan. The tension reaches at an all-time high in the pre climax which is surely the most exciting part of the film. The climax too keeps the interest going. The film ends on a justified note and more importantly, it justifies the title very well. The final scene is a masterstroke.
Phantom boasts of some terrific performances. Saif Ali Khan is in top form after a long time. He looks fit and is totally into his character. His trademark sense of humour is missing but that’s fine – it doesn’t go with the character anyways. One empathizes with what he has gone through and one can’t help but hoot for him as he goes about executing his mission. And one feels a sense of pride as he finishes off terrorists one by one. He, in fact, has a clapworthy slow-motion moment in the pre-climax that will be loved a lot! Great work Saif and hope Phantom ends the rough patch in his career! Katrina Kaif looks extremely charming as always and delivers a stupendous performance. Thankfully, she has a significant role and she does total justice to it. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is a bit funny and leaves a very huge mark as the ‘what an idea sirjee’ guy. Sabyasachi Chakrabarty is dependable as always. The actors playing the terrorists(named in the film Sajid Mir, David Headley, Sabahuddin Umvi and Hariz Sayeed) are excellent. The one who leaves maximum is mark is obviously Shahanawaz Pradhan, who plays Hariz Sayeed. He looked like the twin brother of Hafiz Sayeed! Sohaila Kapur(the widow) leaves a deep impact – a performance to watch out for. The actor playing RAW’s asset in Lahore, the groom, ISI officials and the stuntman also do a fine job.
Pritam Chakraborty’s music is fine. Songs are relegated to the background and don’t obstruct the narrative. Afghan Jalebi is the best followed by Saware and Nachada. Julius Packiam’s background score is damn exciting and helps to enhance impact. Aseem Mishra’s cinematography is amazing and each locale is beautifully captured. Aarif Shaikh’s editing is razor sharp that adds to the thrill. Sham Kaushal’s action is raw and gripping and never gets gory. Phantom’s story is inspired from the book Mumbai Avengers by S Hussain Zaidi. But the film story(Kabir Khan, Parveez Shaikh) is exciting and something that resonates with Indians. Screenplay is fast-paced. Kabir Khan and Kausar Munir’s dialogues are simple and sharp. At few places, one might get the feeling that the dialogues are going over the top but it is necessary. Kabir Khan’s direction is brilliant. The manner in which he manages to grip viewers from start to finish is praiseworthy. However, in the Beirut episode, he could have made things a bit simpler and more understandable. Also, sadly, one can’t help but draw parallels with Baby that released recently and which is based on similar lines. Now Baby was slightly better and more thrilling than Phantom. Yet, Kabir deserves respect for coming up with something like Phantom. Hats off!
Some of the best scenes:
The first scene
Daniyal gets convinced to take the mission
The London episode
Daniyal in Chicago State Penitentiary
Daniyal picked up by terrorists in Beirut
Nawaz’s scenes with the widow
The pre climax
The climax
On the whole, Phantom is entertaining, sensible, thoroughly satisfying and definitely not anti-Pakistan or anti any country. It moves at a quick pace and keeps one engrossed from start to finish. Saif Ali Khan is at his best while Katrina Kaif too delivers a great performance. Director Kabir Khan too shines and it’s great to see that he can handle a gritty film like Phantom as brilliantly as he can execute an emotional tale like Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Here’s hoping viewers go in hordes and support this film. It deserves it!
