By Meghana Pawar - Jan 8, 2016 11:00 AM

Rating: 3/5

One line Review: The game of chess and its moves are reflected on the life of two players. The intriguing plot and apt storytelling backed by exceptional performances.

Positive Points: The narration of this revenge tale is gripping and, witnesses powerful performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar. The story is narrated in the run time of just 1 hour 43 minute which is sheer genius. The plot is intelligent and crisp. The screenplay is good with a smooth transition of frames.

Negative Points: The second half of the movie loses its hold and seems dull at a few frames. There are a few predictable twists.

Plot: Daanish Ali (Farhan Akhtar), an officer of the ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) is happily married to Ruhana (Aditi Rao Hydari) and has a four year old daughter. His happy family life is devastated when his daughter is killed while he is chasing some terrorists. Ruhana blames Daanish for the death of their child. While Daanish is recovering for this great loss, he meets the former chess master - Omkarnath to whom every one lovingly called Panditji (Amitabh Bachchan). Both, Daanish and Panditji are suffering from the grief of losing their daughters. Hence, Panditji and Daanish become friends. Panditji taught the game of chess to Daanish, while trying to console him and take him out of his sorrow. But, Panditji reveals to his new found friend that, his daughter Nina has suffered a mysterious death and, he suspects that the Welfare Minister Izaad Qureshi has brutally murdered her. Daanish takes this case as his own and begins the investigation, when, a mystifying man named - 'Wazir' tries to attack Panditji. Who is Wazir and why does he want to kill Panditji? Also, what is the mystery behind Nina's death? The answers to these questions are put forth in the climax.

Direction and other Technical Aspects: Director Bejoy Nambiar has done an appreciable task with the narration of the storyline. The film skilfully illustrates many shades of grey and, depicts how a single moment can turn around a person's entire life. The plot is strong and the dialogues are impactful. The intelligent references to the game of chess with life are exceptionally portrayed. The dry moments in the second half are alarming and get dull. The predictable sequences in the second half, forces the gripping story to drop its hold.

Performances: This revenge tale is completely performance driven. The spectacular performance by the two leads is worth all the praise.

Amitabh Bachchan has delivered a marvellous performance which is so flawless. His scenes with Farhan were so natural and casual as if real.

Farhan Akhtar portrayed a series of emotions in the film and, scored a straight A+. He is exceptional as the ATS officer, a loving husband, a caring father and a dear friend. He deserves all the praise.

Aditi Rao Hydari features in fewer frames but, looks gorgeous in all of them. She manages to justify to her role of a mother, expressing every emotions aptly.

Manav Kaul essays the role of the Welfare Minister. He plays his role with conviction and manages to stay true to its character of a baddie.

Neil Nitin Mukesh has only a limited screen time but, is seen in a dangerous avatar. He has an impactful presence. John Abraham's cameo does not add much to the story.

Music: The music of this movie is a pleasure. The track 'Tere Bin' stays with you for long after you have left the theatre. Other tracks including 'Tu Mere Paas', 'Maula' and 'Atrangi Yaari are musical marvels.

Final Verdict: The film offers incredible performances and, an interesting plot. The story telling with its clever references to the game of chess is another appealing aspect. The film is a fast pace revenge saga and lives up to its thriller genre.