Image: Udta Teer promotional poster, supplied by the contributor. Source: The Hindu; original photo credit: Special Arrangement.
Ayushmann Khurrana is back, and this time, he has enough twists, turns and confusion around him to make you question everyone on screen. The trailer gives away a fair bit of the premise, but thankfully, there are still enough surprises to keep you hooked.
A spy thriller with a comic twist
Udta Teer is a little bit Dhurandhar, a little bit Pakistani spy drama, and a whole lot of comedy. Every time the film threatens to get serious, a gag comes along to rescue the audience from feeling too many emotions.
The mission, it seems, is not just to fool the enemy but also to make the audience laugh. And it works! There are plenty of giggles, along with a few moments when the theatre erupts in laughter.
The biggest question, though, is Ayushmann's character, Bilal Ahmed. Which side is he really playing for? Given the nature of the character, you keep wondering whether he is the hero you should root for or someone who deserves a rather unpleasant ending.
The film cleverly keeps that confusion alive, and the final 30 minutes are genuinely gripping.
Twists that keep things moving
Credit also goes to the editing. At around two-and-a-half hours, the film has plenty to cover, but it rarely feels like it's dragging its feet. There is always something happening, and just when you think you've figured it all out, another twist comes along.
The performances: laughs, intensity and a memorable farewell
One of the highlights is Maqsood, played by the late Mukul Dev. His performance is fantastic, and knowing this was his final film makes his presence all the more special. He leaves a mark without needing to shout for attention.
Ayushmann looks bulkier than usual and carries his role well. His friend, played by Suhail Nayyar, is a pleasant surprise and delivers some excellent comic moments.
Gulshan Grover and Ram Kapoor are equally entertaining as Pakistani generals, with Gulshan particularly enjoying himself. After all, few actors can make a threatening expression look this entertaining!
Rahul Bose has a smaller but crucial role. He brings an intensity that stands out, proving once again that even a limited screen presence can make a lasting impact when the actor knows exactly what he's doing.
Where the romance falls short
Sara Ali Khan looks lovely, but her role is fairly limited. The romance between her and Ayushmann also lacks the chemistry needed to make you emotionally invest in their relationship.
Considering they have worked together before, one expected a little more spark. The film clearly has bigger fish to fry than romance.
A story that keeps you guessing
The story, written by Aakash Kaushik, who has been associated with films such as Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, packs in plenty of twists. As a director, he does a decent job of bringing this rather elaborate story together without letting the pace collapse under its own weight.
The verdict
The verdict? Udta Teer may not be a spy thriller that will make you rethink the genre, but it knows exactly what it wants to be: a fun, fast-paced entertainer that doesn't take itself too seriously.
You walk out feeling that your money and time were well spent. And honestly, after sitting through films that seem to last longer than your workday, that's no small achievement!
Watch it for the laughs, the twists and Mukul Dev's memorable performance. It's a good family entertainer, and you won't be disappointed if you go in expecting fun rather than a serious spy masterpiece.
In Singapore: Catch Udta Teer at Golden Village (GV) cinemas. Check current showtimes and availability before visiting.