Phantom Review

One line Review: With 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai in the back drop, this action thriller fairly manages to narrate a fictitious patriotic tale and make it seem believable to some extent.

Positive Points: The underlying theme of the film is reprisal which comes out strongly and is opened up well through the storyline. The film manages to keep up the grip and keep the audiences hooked. In the second half particularly, the film tightens its grip and manages to hold the suspense well through its presentation. Smooth transition of the sequences and comprehensible narration.

Negative Points: Though the film is majorly engaging, it does not have a lasting impact on you. The reason of both Daniyal and Nawaz of being on the mission seems unjustified. The true reason of revenge for any army man will be out of love for his country and not for any underlying grounds also Nawaz does it for her family's association with the Taj, over tea celebrations! It really does not fit the bill. There has to be a strong and convincing driving factor.

Plot: 'Phantom' is a patriotic action thriller that narrates a fictitious revenge tale. India's Intelligence Agency RAW plans to unofficially carry out a mission to kill all the terrorists and the people who were involved in the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai. The chief of RAW - Roy (Sabyasachi Chakraborty) who is initially unconvinced by the idea later decides to give it a nod after his subordinate (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) convinces him for the plan. Roy decides to carry on the mission with a single person and not by any team or force. The man chosen for the same is Daniyal Khan (Saif Ali Khan) who is an ex army officer, suspended for an alleged reason. He then executes the plan and start slaying the targets one by one across multiple countries. In this mission, Nawas Mistry (Katrina Kaif) becomes his prime support. Nawaz is a security consultant and has an underground connection with RAW.

Direction and other Technical Aspects: Director Kabir Khan attempts to narrate a fictitious patriotic tale that we wish were true! But, sure, there are flaws and faults in the script and execution, which we wish to excuse for the sheer effort of creating the film with such a brave thought that no-one, can dare or seem impossible in reality. The director should have given a second thought while making the casting decisions of the film. The movie is not overly impactful, but yes, it does hit you at times. The second half of the movie is executed quite skilfully.

Performances: Saif Ali Khan performs the role of an ex army officer who agrees to carry on a deadly mission for RAW. He does fair justice to his role and tries to give his best shot but is not overly impressive. Katrina Kaif, the female lead of the film, essays the role of a security consultant. Though, she looks exceptionally beautiful in every frame that has her in it but is not convincing enough. Her dialogue delivery has improved quite a lot and the effort is noticeable. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub performs his role extremely well and makes the entire scenario of the mission plan believable. He truly shines as a supporting actor in the thriller. Sabyasachi Chakraborty also essays his part convincingly as the RAW Chief.

Music: This film being a suspense thriller does not have many songs. The background score is good and is in support and proper sync with the visuals. 'Afghan Jalebi' is a likeable number and its tune stays with you for long.

Final Verdict: 'Phantom' manages to hit the patriotic chords and is relatively moving. Despite having its share of errors, the film can be a onetime watch! Though, the action suspense thriller did not have a lasting impression but it does have a brief overall impact and thus deserves the three stars.