Review: 'Khel Khel Mein' is a laughter-riot; Introduces Akshay back in his comic form & Taapsee at her best

Mudassar Aziz’s latest venture, Khel Khel Mein, boldly steps into the tricky terrain of relationship dynamics, trust, and the messiness of human connections—all under the guise of a light-hearted comedy. This film is reported to be an adaptation of the 2016 Italian comedy-drama Perfect Strangers, a movie so beloved it’s been remade an astounding 28 times globally.

The Plot: A Game with High Stakes

The narrative of Khel Khel Mein revolves around a seemingly harmless game that unravels the deep, dark secrets of its players. Rishabh Malik (Akshay Kumar) and Vartika (Vaani Kapoor) are a couple navigating the choppy waters of marriage, made more complex by the presence of Rishabh’s teenage daughter, Anaaya, from his previous marriage. The setting is a family wedding, where they, along with a group of close friends, find themselves in an unexpected and intense game. The rules are simple: everyone must place their phones on the table, and every incoming message or call must be read out loud or answered on speakerphone. What starts as a fun and silly game quickly spirals into chaos as hidden truths, long-held grudges, and unspoken feelings come crashing into the open.

Character Dynamics: A Showcase of Vulnerabilities and Strengths

The strength of Khel Khel Mein lies in its ensemble cast, each bringing their unique flair to the story. Akshay Kumar, returning to his comedic roots after a hiatus, shines as Rishabh, a man caught in an unhappy marriage yet striving to be a good father and friend. His effortless charm and impeccable comic timing remind us why he remains one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. His portrayal of a father navigating the sensitive issue of his daughter’s budding relationship is both heartfelt and humorous, showcasing a more mature side to his comedy.

Vaani Kapoor as Vartika brings depth to her role as a wife struggling with trust issues and the ghosts of her husband's past. While the more vibrant personalities around her somewhat overshadow her character, Kapoor delivers a nuanced and compelling performance.

Taapsee Pannu steals the show as Harmeet Kaur, or Happy, a character who starts as a seemingly timid and neglected wife but gradually reveals layers of complexity. Her transition from being a subdued partner to an unapologetic woman who stands up for herself is one of the film’s highlights. Pannu’s ability to balance humor with intense emotional depth adds a richness to the narrative, making her the film’s true powerhouse.

Fardeen Khan makes a striking comeback as Kabir, a character whose laid-back charm masks deeper insecurities. His chemistry with Ammy Virk’s Harpreet Singh is a delight, especially in scenes where they are forced to swap phones, leading to awkward yet hilarious situations. Virk, known for his strong presence in Punjabi cinema, holds his own in this ensemble, portraying a man struggling with his own secrets and the complexities of his marriage.

Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal, as Samar Tanwar and Naina, round out the cast, representing 'baby-shona' couple. While their characters are not as deeply explored as the others, they contribute effectively to the overall dynamic.

Comedy and Chaos: Laughter with a Side of Dark Realities

Khel Khel Mein walks the tightrope between comedy and drama, with mixed success. The first half of the film is packed with jokes, one-liners, and playful banter that, while occasionally feeling forced, largely hits the mark. The humor is particularly sharp in scenes where the phone game leads to awkward revelations, such as when Harpreet’s extramarital affair comes to light, or when Taapsee’s character is humiliated by a friend’s unfiltered comments on speakerphone.

However, the film is not just about laughs. As the secrets start to pile up, the tone shifts, and what began as a light-hearted comedy transforms into a darker exploration of trust, betrayal, and the masks people wear. The transition from comedy to drama is handled well by Aziz, though the shift in tone might feel jarring to some. The film’s pacing suffers slightly here, with some scenes dragging on longer than necessary, but the tension and intrigue are maintained, keeping the audience invested in the characters’ fates.

Direction and Writing: A Balancing Act of Humor and Emotion

Mudassar Aziz deserves credit for managing to keep a film largely set in a single location—the hotel suite—engaging and dynamic. His direction ensures that the film does not become visually monotonous, with clever use of space and movement within the room. The writing, while not without its flaws, is sharp and often insightful, particularly in its exploration of modern relationships. The dialogues are witty, and the banter between the characters feels natural, though some of the humor does lean on the stale side, especially when it veers into sexual jokes that might not land for all viewers.

The Verdict

Khel Khel Mein is a daring attempt to explore the complexities of relationships through the lens of comedy. While it may not be perfect, it succeeds in delivering both laughs and emotional depth, making it a film worth watching. Akshay Kumar’s return to comedy, combined with strong performances from Taapsee Pannu and Fardeen Khan, ensures that Khel Khel Mein is a film that will entertain while also giving you something to think about. 

Rating

***(3/5) stars