Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins – A Glittering Premise Undone by Weak Execution

Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language heist action thriller directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, starring Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat. Premiering on Netflix on April 25, 2025, the film attempts to blend high-stakes heist action with emotional drama but ultimately falters due to a lackluster script and underdeveloped characters.

Plot Overview

The story centers on Rehan Roy (Saif Ali Khan), a legendary thief who is coerced out of retirement by the ruthless gangster Rajan Aulakh (Jaideep Ahlawat). Rajan enlists Rehan to steal the African Red Sun, a priceless diamond valued at Rs 500 crore, which is set to be displayed in Mumbai. As Rehan assembles a team and devises a meticulous plan, he faces numerous obstacles, including the determined police officer Vikram Patel (Kunal Kapoor), who is intent on thwarting the heist. Complicating matters further is Farah (Nikita Dutta), Rajan's wife, who becomes romantically entangled with Rehan, adding a layer of emotional conflict to the narrative.

Performances

Saif Ali Khan delivers a charismatic performance as the suave and calculating Rehan. His portrayal of a master thief is both compelling and fresh, showcasing his versatility in the action genre. Jaideep Ahlawat, known for his intense and layered performances, brings depth to the role of Rajan, effectively conveying menace and unpredictability. However, despite their strong performances, the chemistry between Khan and Dutta lacks depth, and the romantic subplot feels forced and underdeveloped.

Direction and Screenplay

The film's direction by Gulati and Grewal is competent but uninspired. The screenplay, penned by David Logan, follows a predictable trajectory with cliched plot twists and character arcs. The inclusion of a troubled family backstory for Rehan, a token romance, and a convoluted heist involving hackers and high-tech security elements contribute to a sense of déjà vu rather than innovation. The narrative attempts to echo Western heist classics like Ocean’s Eleven but falls short due to a lack of originality and coherence.

Cinematography and Music

Cinematographer Jishnu Bhattacharjee captures the grandeur of international locales and the gritty underbelly of urban crime. The dynamic shifts between opulence and tension are seamlessly executed, adding to the immersive experience. The music score by Shezan Shaikh complements the film's mood, though it doesn't stand out as a significant highlight. The promotional songs "Jaadu" and "Ilzaam," composed by Sachin–Jigar and OAFF–Savera respectively, add a commercial touch but fail to leave a lasting impact.

Critical Reception

Upon release, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins received predominantly negative reviews from critics. Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times awarded the film 1 out of 5 stars, criticizing it for being a "lazy and banal" thriller with "zero sparkle" . Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express echoed similar sentiments, describing it as a "deadly dull" heist thriller . Sukanya Verma of Rediff also panned the film, stating, "This Vault's Empty!" .

Conclusion

Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins had all the ingredients for an engaging and stylish heist thriller — a seasoned lead actor in Saif Ali Khan, an intense antagonist in Jaideep Ahlawat, international settings, and a high-stakes central plot revolving around the theft of a rare diamond. Yet, despite this potential, the film struggles to rise above mediocrity. The main culprit lies in its uninspired writing and uneven pacing. The film tries to juggle too many genres — a slick heist, a revenge saga, a romantic subplot, and emotional backstories — but fails to fully develop any of them, leaving viewers with a muddled and inconsistent narrative.

The heist itself, the film’s supposed centerpiece, is overly convoluted and lacks the thrilling, edge-of-your-seat moments expected from the genre. The suspense is diluted by a reliance on predictable tropes and overused cinematic devices, such as last-minute double-crosses and unnecessary flashbacks. There’s little innovation in how the theft is executed, and the build-up lacks the clever layering that classic heist films are known for.

Performances are the film’s saving grace to some extent. Saif Ali Khan, as always, brings charm and polish to his role, though the character of Rehan Roy is not as sharply written as it could have been. Jaideep Ahlawat makes a valiant effort to bring gravitas to his villainous role, but even his considerable acting prowess can’t rescue the film from its narrative shortcomings. The supporting cast does little to elevate the material, with characters often reduced to stereotypes or shallow plot devices.

From a technical standpoint, the film is competently made. The cinematography captures a sleek and polished aesthetic, with glossy visuals that suit the high-end world of jewel theft. The action sequences are well-choreographed but lack emotional stakes. The music and background score are serviceable but ultimately forgettable, never truly amplifying the tension or emotional weight of scenes.

Ultimately, Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins is a case of style over substance. It’s a film that visually impresses but lacks the narrative intelligence and emotional depth to leave a lasting impact. For a story that promises cunning strategies and mind games, it offers neither the cleverness nor the excitement that fans of the genre crave. Viewers might enjoy the film as a one-time watch, especially for the star power and glossy visuals, but those expecting a smart, gripping thriller will likely come away underwhelmed. It's a heist movie that, ironically, steals time more than hearts.