Jewel Thief Movie Review: Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat add spark and keep things rolling in an otherwise silly heist ride

Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat in Jewel Thief

‘Jewel Thief’ starring Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat is one of those films that manages to keep a smile on your face—not out of admiration, but amusement. It isn’t the performances, technical finesse, or even the premise that causes it, but the sheer absurdity stitched into most of the scenes.

Promising a taut diamond heist thriller, the film instead delivers a glossy but hollow ride. The thrill is absent, the plot threadbare, and what remains is a line-up of bizarre set pieces and cardboard characters. Sample this - the antagonist proudly displays a painting stained with his accountant’s blood—a trophy from a murder committed after Interpol uncovered his offshore secrets. Or take the sequence where Saif Ali Khan’s character calmly cracks open a multi-lock safe aboard a turbulent aircraft moments before its landing. These are not rare moments; they’re scattered all over. Embrace the madness, and you might just enjoy the ride. Apply logic, and the illusion collapses.

The story follows Rehan Roy (Saif Ali Khan), a globe-trotting thief now in Budapest, estranged from his principled father (Kulbhushan Kharbanda). The rift between them is deep—Rehan blames his father for his mother's death, while the father believes his son is blinded by greed for money. Enter Rajan Aulakh (Jaideep Ahlawat), a crime lord and art enthusiast who learns that the prized Red Sun diamond will soon be on display in India. Knowing Rehan’s capabilities and their shared past, he forces him into stealing the diamond by trapping his father in a scheme. With no other choice, Rehan agrees, and what follows is an elaborate and often laughable attempt to pull off the heist.

It soon becomes apparent that the makers were more excited about exotic locations and visual sheen than about coherence. The glossy look masks a screenplay that’s punctuated with glaring holes. Kunal Kapoor as Vikram Patel, a determined cop trying to nab Rehan, is aided by two plainclothes officers stationed in Budapest. These two, however, are such caricatures that their continued presence in the task force is more baffling than comic. These aren’t isolated misfires; the film is dotted with such creative liberties. There’s little in terms of fresh ideas—'Jewel Thief’ feels like a throwback to dated capers of the '80s, dressed in modern packaging.

Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat look like they had a great time filming, and perhaps that’s part of the problem. There’s a certain casualness in their approach, as if the film was meant more for their amusement than for the audience. While both actors put in sincere efforts, there's only so much they can do when the script barely holds together. A standout (and unintentionally comic) stretch is when Rehan gets himself arrested in Budapest just so he can be extradited to India—an outlandish plan that unfolds with baffling ease. Nearly every twist relies on outrageous convenience, and just when you think it can’t get any more implausible, the flight sequence proves otherwise.

The final act—set aboard a plane—is where the film finally picks up some momentum. The heist itself is mounted with flair and has a few surprising turns. But by then, the film has tested your patience to a point where the payoff feels too little, too late. What keeps it from being a complete misfire are the performances by Saif and Jaideep. Saif’s breezy charm and Jaideep’s icy menace offer occasional relief, making certain scenes tolerable, even fun. Still, these can’t salvage the overall product.

Nearly six decades ago, Vijay Anand gave us ‘Jewel Thief,’ a film that blended tension, elegance, and music with unforgettable precision. This new-age namesake doesn't even pretend to be in the same league. A passing reference or homage to the cult film would’ve gone a long way. ‘Jewel Thief’ offers entertainment—provided you're in the mood for some unintentional silliness. And yes, be prepared—this film clearly has a sequel in the pipeline.