Khel Khel Mein is a movie that’s hard to fault. Starring Akshay Kumar, it delivers exactly what it promises: a good time with plenty of laughs. This film is a comedy that doesn’t just rely on cheap gags or crude humor but instead offers something more thoughtful and entertaining.
It’s quite rare for a comedy to handle serious themes like infidelity, infertility, and inclusivity without falling into cliché or making a mess of it. Comedy films often take the easy route, using vulgar jokes or body shaming as their main tools. So, I approached “Khel Khel Mein” with some doubts, especially given Akshay Kumar’s impressive performance earlier this year in the intense biopic “Sarfira.” I was expecting another round of his physical comedy, but this film took a different approach.
A Night of Surprises
The film is set over the course of a single night during a wedding celebration, where seven friends decide to make their phones public for the night. This premise is based on the 2016 Italian film “Perfetti Sconosciuti.” While it’s a remake, the story is engaging enough that it doesn’t really matter. Remakes often get a bad rap for lacking originality, but “Khel Khel Mein” stands on its own merits.
Khel Khel Mein: The Plot Unfolds
In the movie, Akshay Kumar plays Rishabh, a plastic surgeon trying to mend his second marriage with Vartika (played by Vaani Kapoor), who is an author searching for inspiration for her next book. The couple, along with their friends Samar (Aditya Seal), his wife Naina (Pragya Jaiswal), Harpreet (Ammy Virk), Harpreet’s wife (Taapsee Pannu), and Kabir (Fardeen Khan) agree to let their phones be accessible to everyone for one night. This decision leads to unexpected and often humorous situations.
What’s refreshing about “Khel Khel Mein” is how it avoids the usual comedy clichés. Rishabh, played by Kumar, is portrayed as smooth and charming, much like George Clooney, as mentioned by Taapsee Pannu’s character. The film manages to keep things light while exploring mature themes. Director and writer Mudassar Aziz should be praised for balancing humor with thoughtful storytelling.
A Noteworthy Performance by Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar’s performance is a highlight of the film. He portrays a sensitive father who has a heart-to-heart conversation with his teenage daughter about her relationship. This scene is particularly noteworthy because it’s rare to see such depth in a comedy film. Kumar’s performance brings a genuine touch to his role, making it one of his more memorable comedic performances.
Supporting Cast Shines
The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Taapsee Pannu breaks away from her usual serious roles and excels as a social media enthusiast grappling with marital issues. Ammy Virk, her on-screen husband, brings depth to his role, while Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal, who is making her debut in this film, play a convincing couple dealing with a tragedy. Fardeen Khan, making a notable comeback, also delivers a performance that stands out, adding a fresh element to his acting career.
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. There is a moment in the second half where mental health and suicide are treated lightly, which feels out of place given the film’s otherwise sensible approach. While the movie successfully portrays the complexities of marriage and relationships, this particular scene might not sit well with everyone.
Overall, “Khel Khel Mein” is a fun and engaging film that keeps you entertained from start to finish. It manages to mix humor with more serious themes without losing its comedic touch. You leave the theater with a smile, which is exactly what you want from a good comedy. If there’s one downside, it’s the rehashing of Diljit Dosanjh’s song “Do You Know” during the credits, which feels a bit out of place. Despite this minor quibble, the film is definitely worth a watch for its clever writing and strong performances.
