Khel Khel Mein is the 20th-something remake of the 2017 Italian film Perfect Strangers. After so many remakes, you wonder if the story has been perfected to a fault but it has worked in this film's favour. The characters put the actors at ease bringing out a better and more funny portrayal; who are also more than capable of driving emotions to the opposite spectrum.
While the dialogues may not be at its best, the actors make it work, many jokes land and many make you laugh even before the jokes land. The film begins with a bit of background for all the characters introducing their sneaky behaviours, their relationship to each other and setting up the reason for their meeting. Instead of keeping it a subtle dinner among friends who wish to catch up, we meet then at one of the most expensive locations as these are one of the richest people in their industry.
One is a plastic surgeon with an author for a while, another is coach of a successful cricket team. Virk plays a rich car dealer with a social media influencer for a while, while Aditya Seal plays a brand manager who is also the son-in-law of the big company. The film sets itself in beautiful locations, among big celebrations and keeps the story going for a big preachy finale.
While it isn't exactly the need of the hour, it doesn't take away from the experience. All hell breaks loose after Vaani Kapoor, aka the author, suggests a game among a group of friends to disclose any texts, phone calls or emails they receive for the duration of the night. Often the songs and the background score doesn't match up to the plot but it keeps the story moving either way.
SEE ALSO: Akshay Kumar On Box Office Clash With John Abraham: 'It's Just A Clash And Not A Slash’ The first half remains funny to the core, with jokes majorly landing once everyone gets to the core of the plot. The film attempts to tackle many important lessons, some come off preachy but that could be due to the current perception of Akshay Kumar and his characters. While other sensitive topics like cheating, extramarital affairs, and homosexuality by other characters come with the ease of the writing.
Fardeen Khan is a delight to watch while Taapsee Pannu brings the right balance of an emotional performance to the comedy heavy story. Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal, Vaani Kapoor have an impressionable performance. No characters or actors are left behind but Ammy Virk's comic timing and his character-driven lack of chemistry with Happy (played by Pannu) adds charm to the film.
Akshay Kumar plays the comic relief in moments and the instigator often, but the writing does play a good role in setting the characters with a darker vibe. It has the audience questioning their actions for the rest of the run time. The plot and the writing may be predictable, but never dull.
The screenplay never shies away from take the chance to make the audience laugh. A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) SEE ALSO: Emergency Trailer: Kangana Ranaut Leads The Trailer With Iron Fist, Shreyas Too Leaves A Strong Impression Overall, Khel Khel Mein is a fun watch that leaves you with lessons but isn't too heavy to take over your day. An easy watch with friends that can be made light off without taking it too seriously.
Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India.
