The Pinkvilla Movie Review - Phantom

Phantom is the best fantasy tale you've seen in years. No, the film isn't impeccable and like every other movie, has it own share of reason errors and flaws, but we are pleased to inform that the film's chilling climax did give us a sense of catharsis. Yes, justice has been delayed but not denied. Lamentably, it is only fictional - a story you wish were true.

For starters, Kabir Khan and his writers along with Hussain Zaidi must be credited for the balanced story which is surprisingly value neutral. Often while discussing the Mumbai terror attacks, rage erodes our rationality, but Kabir and Zaidi's plot is careful to not let the colour of religion or the animosity towards Pakistan to blot the chastity of the mission. There is a line in the film that says if we are reeling under the terrorist atrocities, it is a daily life scenario in our neighbouring country. The wonderfully sketched character of a Pakistani nurse (played by Sohaila Kapur) losing her only son to an LeT mission and how she becomes instrumental in the film's climax unfolding, is a necessary inclusion which has more connotations than we see on screen. For starters, are common people in Pakistan supportive of Lashkar?  No, they aren't. Who would want their children to take up the Jihadi path under the effect of fanatics' brainwashing sermons? That attempt of detaching the people of Pakistan from the extremist groups who claim to be the face of that country was a stating the fundamentals right.

Though, Zaidi's novel Mumbai Avengers had the luxury of folding out over its 300 something pages, Kabir has reduced the subplots considerably, even changing how each mastermind is killed. If compared, the book is obviously far better than the film. It is more taut, more gripping and more realistic. Kabir takes far too many cinematic liberties with this film, jading the story with what is the film's biggest fault - convenience. Things happen too soon and too easily. In the first half, the film doesn't allow its plots to simmer. It is a close save that the tale doesn't come off looking contrived. In the Illinois sequence, the story still takes back its nail-biting tinge, but the London operation is far too smooth to be believable.

There are places where Kabir has sacrificed logic for thrills. The very fact that Saif reveals his real name and identity to ISI is so hard to digest. Beirut's drama climaxes too abruptly and that momentary lapse of logic compromises on the story's effortless flow.

The best thing is that the film never elaborates on how the next elimination is fleshed out. The nimbleness in  unplanning works for the film. You never know the next move until Daniyal (Saif) is there executing it. We are obviously not in the position to reveal the film's story and characters, but we assure that watching this one unspools on screen will be an absolute delight.

The second half of the film is far grittier than its first. It truly will keep you on the edge of your seats. With the drama moving to Pakistan, the ISI is faced with the challenge of addressing a conundrum which leaves by no traces of its existence - ghost-like, almost a Phantom. As the chase game between Daniyal and ISI gets close, you'll be sucked into the narrative, rooting for retribution and reliving the night of November 26, 2008 which no living Indian will be able to wipe out from their memory. 

At two and half hours, the film doesn't make us feel its length. Its fast pace and gripping narrative commands your attention. For us, the climax worked. Though you wish it were different, it brought home the point that we owe our safety to the many such agents who have readily taken up such anonymous lives. Though the film's story is overtly unidimensional but then again it is the only film from the stock made in the last few years on seeking justice for 26/11 that feels so palpable and close to you heart. Cinematically, there may be flaws but Kabir Khan and Hussain Zaidi, you guys deserve a bow for the sheer honesty of it story. It is more heartfelt than winsome which is what it wanted to accomplish.

The film's committed cast elevates the story especially Saif who is never gimmicky and get into the skin of his character. Though the melodrama of the backstory could've been diluted, it is hardly a hindrance in the larger scheme of affairs and more of wishful thinking. He elevates the story with his approach and earnestness. Katrina is adequate. She isn't fascinating but Kabir extracts from her a performance worth mentioning. While other actors are great in their parts , the overenthusiastic Md. Zeeshan could have done better with a little less energy.

With exquisite cinematography, charming shots and stellar stunts, Phantom scores as a terrific, taut, crisp, nail-biting thriller that will easily be unmatched for a long time to come. When we see the final shot of Taj and Gateway, it is hard to miss the feeling of satisfaction Kabir has conjured up. So what if isn't true yet, some day the souls of those killed on that gruesome night will be avenged. Some day...

We rate the film a 70% on the Pinkvilla movie meter.