Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Cast: Tabu, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi
Khufiya, helmed by the master storyteller Vishal Bhardwaj, unfolds as a riveting espionage thriller with a backdrop set in the early 2000s, shortly after the Kargil War. Loosely based on Amar Bhushan's novel "Escape to Nowhere," the film follows RAW operative Krishna Mehra, aka KM (Tabu), on a mission to unveil a traitorous agent, Ravi (Ali Fazal), responsible for the death of her asset in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Bhardwaj, known for his edgy and gripping tales, delivers another compelling narrative. The movie authentically translates the world of espionage onto the screen, capturing the decoding of messages, secret information relay, office and home bugging, and the complexities of double-crossing agents. The poetic opening seamlessly transitions into a plot filled with intrigue and steely operatives that keep the audience on the edge.
The film, maintaining its course for most of its 2-hour-and-37-minute runtime, explores the personal lives of spies and the impact of secrets on their relationships. The humane yet hard-hearted nature of the spy team, led by KM and her boss Jeev (Ashish Vidyarthi), adds depth to the narrative. The latter half of the film occasionally loses its grip, but the overall tension and suspense are effectively maintained.
A notable highlight of "Khufiya" is its music. Collaborating with poet and lyricist Gulzar, Bhardwaj crafts magical compositions like the melancholic "Mat Aana" by Rekha Bharadwaj and the energetic "Mann na rangaav" by Rahul Ram.
Tabu delivers a remarkable performance as the sharp and conflicted spy, portraying the complexities of her character as a lover torn between her ruthless job and family life. Atul Kulkarni makes a powerful impact in his brief role as KM's ex-husband. Ali Fazal shines as the traitorous Ravi, unraveling in the face of his deeds, while Wamiqa Gabbi impresses as a loving yet sassy wife and mother on a perilous journey.
"Khufiya" engages with its engaging spy story, drawing inspiration from true events. Beyond the espionage, the film strikes a chord with its portrayal of personal loss, making it a compelling watch with interesting characters and events that keep the audience hooked until the end.
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