Ittefaq

Ittefaq is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language mystery-thriller movie directed by Abhay Chopra and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Dharma Productions. An intricately constructed suspense thriller, Ittefaq stands as a remake of the 1969 film of the same name directed by Yash Chopra. The film renowned for its fresh approach, remains dedicated to flawlessly portraying an invigorating story of murder and unsolved mystery, pieced together by subtle detective work.

Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, and Akshaye Khanna headline the cast, each delivering strong and engaging performances. Sidharth plays the role of Vikram Sethi, an acclaimed novelist, while Sonakshi Sinha plays the role of Maya, a homemaking woman. Akshaye Khanna brings life to the character of Dev Verma, an investigative officer who is responsible for solving the mystery revolving around the two murders.

In Ittefaq, Malhotra’s character, Vikram, becomes a prime suspect in his wife's murder case. Fate plays its hand and leads to a thrilling turn of events; Vikram finds himself trapped in a predicament, a well-networked web of crime and deception. He stumbles upon another murder scene and is now suspected of not one, but two gruesome murders. Sinha’s character, Maya, is strangely connected to the second murder scene, creating an added layer of tension and intrigue.

Meanwhile, Dev (Akshaye Khanna), a dedicated police officer with refined investigation skills, is thoroughly committed to unraveling the mystery behind these puzzling murders. Throughout the movie, we see him struggling to connect the dots between these two murder cases and dealing with the conundrum of two diametrically opposite statements by Vikram and Maya, both claiming their innocence.

In the thickening plot of Ittefaq, every character carries an air of enigmatic secrecy, with their backstories lazily unraveling, gradually gripping the audience. The alternating narratives of Vikram and Maya cleverly embroil the viewer in a thrilling guessing game of 'whodunit.' 'Ittefaq' successfully cherishes the age-old Bollywood culture of storytelling, with flashbacks playing a critical role, thereby keeping viewers continually engaged and on their toes.

Attention to minute details is what makes the treatment of 'Ittefaq' enticing. With an air-conditioner repair sticker, blood-stained clothes, a sedative injection, and a blackmailer, the film creates a collection of clues that Dev endeavors to assemble accurately. Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of a persistent detective lost in the silent melee of scattered hints is one of the most engaging aspects of the acting performances in Ittefaq.

Shot mostly indoors, the film does an excellent job maintaining an eerie ambiance, keeping you hooked to a perplexing series of events. The dark and shadowy visuals lend to the mystery genre and set the appropriate mood for a thriller plot.

What makes Ittefaq stand out from traditional Bollywood thrillers is its adherence to the original narrative's non-linear structure and the well-managed suspense. Predominantly, the film is sans any unwarranted Bollywood style song and dance sequences, which allows the plot to stay focused, making for an intense viewing experience.

However, amidst the multitude of thrillers vying for attention, what truly sets Ittefaq apart is its storytelling. Right from the onset, the film ensures viewers are drawn deep into the mystery. The narrative foregoes the usual escape routes of melodrama and relies heavily on suspense and the evolved detective work presented.

In conclusion, Ittefaq is a stylized, well-executed mystery thriller that pays tribute to a classic while innovating its storytelling approach with a tight narrative and compelling character work. Sidharth Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, and Akshaye Khanna have put forth exceptional performances that make the film a must-watch, especially for thriller-enthusiasts. Amidst the growing fascination for mysteries and crime dramas, Ittefaq holds its ground firmly and creates a unique space for itself.

Taking viewers on a roller-coaster ride of suspense and intrigue, Ittefaq is a well-rounded, engrossing mystery thriller that ensures nail-biting moments, right until the very end. It's a film that promises to keep viewers guessing throughout and rewards them with a satisfying resolution. A captivating watch indeed!