‘Phantom’ is a tribute to those who lost their lives in 26/11 attack


Spy movies are not new to Hindi cinema. In the past, we have seen films like ‘D day’, ‘Tiger’ , ‘Baby’ and many  others, based on RAW,  deputing a secret agent or an undercover agent in the interest of nation’s security ,to thwart the plans of enemies. Now, producers Sajid Nadiadwala and Siddharth Roy Kapur and director Kabir Khan present one such action filled spy film, ‘Phantom’, which is a ‘tit for tat’ answer to 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai, killing 166  people. The screenplay of this film, is in coordination with Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Mumbai Avengers’ which is based on the aftermath of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. Phantom poster new

In the very first scene of the film, ‘Phantom’  begins with a car chase somewhere in Chicago, where we notice a man plunging into a river, after he is intercepted by  the  protagonist Jude  (Saif Ali Khan) . He is convicted for murder and jailed. The film takes you in flashback,  to show, what happened six months ago. So, we come to know, how  Daaniyal Khan, a dead-declared  and dismissed ex-soldier of Indian Army , turns as an undercover agent for Indian R.A.W.  We also come to know, how the RAW  chief (Sabyasachi Chakrabarty) and his trusted men (Rajesh Tailang, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub) plan a daring covert operation, giving a new identity to Daniyal as Jude.Phantom photo

The mission is not easy. It is to inflict vengeance on the men who planned the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. So, Daaniyal alias Jude begins his mission initially with the name of Jude, on the lines of Hussain Zaidi’s book, till he meets  a beautiful Nawaz, a so called security consultant in England. Nawaz helps in his mission, trace his first target, at England- Pakistan match  played at Oval. Then, it is over to Chicago, to kill another target ,who actually visited Mumbai to survey the target spots , before 26/111 blast. Thereafter, we see the duo touring places like Beirut, Syria to target the fugitives and finally to Pakistan, to kill the mastermind of the 26/11 attack.

There are some unbelievable action scenes and also plots, which are good to read in the books; but difficult in actual operation. Nevertheless, director Kabir Khan has succeeded in inspiring the Indian Government and people of India, that nothing is difficult, if there is a will, to teach a lesson to the enemy. The action scenes have been shot very well. Wonderful cinematography by Aseem Mishra is another plus point of this film, with clever editing work by Aarif Sheikh and Aditya Banerjee. Director Kabir Khan has succeeded in giving a complete Hollywood style action film look to this film, with his gripping screenplay in the entire first half and last 20 minutes of the film. Few scenes in the second half are boring.  Surprisingly, the end of the film is not predictable and that makes this film stand apart, from the routine spy films.

 

Both Saif Ali Khan and Katrina kaif have done a good job in all action scenes, as they don’t get much time to display their emotions. Among those in the supporting cast, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty looks very natural, while other RAW members, are more like performing as per director’s instructions, like newcomers. However, all the other character artistes in the film are perfect selection for their respective roles.  If we have to compare this film with previous spy films, ‘Baby’ and ‘D-Day’ were better films, except for the unpredictable end , shown in this film. But, looking at the sincere  efforts put in by director and all the artistes and using the real names of the masterminds of the 26/11 attack, ‘Phantom’ gives a realistic look. The film is technically well presented and is a worth watch for action film lovers. It is a tribute to all those who lost their lives, during  26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai.  That’s what the last scene indicates.

 

Rating (*** )