IB 71 Movie Review: Vidyut Jammwal Shines in this Espionage Thriller by Sankalp Reddy
IB 71, directed by Sankalp Reddy, is an espionage thriller that delves into a top-secret mission that played a crucial role in India's victory during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Starring Vidyut Jammwal and Anupam Kher in pivotal roles, the film explores the world of spies, patriotism, and the untold heroes who sacrificed for their nation. While the film has its flaws, it manages to deliver an engaging experience for viewers.
Plot Summary
Set against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, IB 71 follows Intelligence Bureau Chief Avasti (played by Anupam Kher) and his top agent Dev (played by Vidyut Jammwal). Together, they devise a plan to save the nation without firing a single bullet. The mission involves blocking the air space and preventing Pakistan and China from attacking India. Dev, along with 30 undercover agents, embarks on a race against time to accomplish this vital mission within 10 days.
Review
IB 71 starts off on a high note, immersing viewers into a world of espionage and intrigue. However, the film loses its focus in the first half, leaving the audience confused about the exact timeline and purpose. The multitude of visuals, voice-overs, text captions, and flashbacks create a convoluted narrative that is challenging to follow. Despite these initial setbacks, the film gains momentum in the second half as the pieces of the puzzle start coming together, offering a more coherent storyline. However, this redemption comes somewhat late in the film, leaving viewers wishing for a stronger first half.
The screenplay, credited to Sankalp Reddy, Arjun Varma, E. Vasudeva Reddy, Arun Bhimavarapu, Gargee Singh, and Abhimanyu Srivastava, suffers from disjointed storytelling. The screenplay lacks cohesion, making it difficult for the audience to connect with the unfolding events. Nonetheless, Aditya Shastri's intriguing story holds great potential and keeps viewers engaged.
Despite the film's shortcomings, IB 71 manages to infuse subtle humor into its narrative. This unexpected element of humor provides a refreshing twist to the otherwise serious subject matter of the film. The dialogues, penned by Junaid Wasi and Sahar Quaze, deserve credit for seamlessly incorporating humor into a spy thriller.
Vidyut Jammwal delivers a commendable performance, breaking away from his typical action hero persona. As Dev, the IB agent, Jammwal's restrained portrayal showcases his versatility as an actor. His body language and mannerisms are on point, and he shines in the hand-to-hand combat sequences. Anupam Kher delivers a commanding presence in his limited screen time, portraying the intelligence bureau chief with authority and conviction. Vishal Jethwa impresses as Qasim Qureshi, a brainwashed youth, infusing his character with depth and adding a touch of humor.
Conclusion
IB 71 is an intriguing espionage thriller that sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of history. While the film suffers from a disjointed first half and a flawed screenplay, the second half manages to redeem itself with a more coherent narrative. Vidyut Jammwal's standout performance, along with moments of subtle humor, adds depth to the film. Despite its flaws, IB 71 is worth watching for its untold story of unsung heroes and its patriotic undertones.
IB 71 (2023) - info
- Release date: May 12, 2023
- Genre: Mystery, Adventure
- Director: Sankalp Reddy
- Writers: Sahar Quaze, Sankalp Reddy, Vasudev Reddy
- Stars: Anupam Kher, Vidyut Jammwal, Bijay Anand