Jewel Thief: A Flawed Heist Film Fails to Dazzle

Mumbai, India – The highly anticipated film “Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins” was released on April 25, 2025, but it has faced a mixed reception from audiences and critics. Starring Saif Ali Khan as the lead character, Rehan Roy, the film centers around his attempt to steal the rare Red Sun diamond, while navigating threats from a crime lord.

Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, the film features Rehan getting entwined in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with Rajan Aulakh, played by Jaideep Ahlawat. Rajan threatens Rehan’s family, leading to high-stakes deception and betrayal. Despite the thrilling premise, critics have noted the film’s reliance on clichéd tropes, which overshadow its potential.

In the film, Rehan’s heist unfolds in one of the world’s most secure museums. However, the story quickly spirals into predictability with familiar elements of a heist narrative, such as the hapless love interest and strained family dynamics. Critics pointed out that the plot lacks depth and has unresolved narrative threads, especially regarding the hinted but unexplored history between Rajan and a shadowy figure named Moosa.

Many viewers have commented on the film’s visual appeal, praising Jishnu Bhattacharjee’s cinematography for lending a high-gloss look. However, they expressed disappointment with the hollow storyline. One viewer commented on social media, “Jewel Thief is a fun-filled heist film, especially because of the twists and turns in the second half,” while another stated, “This movie started nose diving just after the Red Sun plot was introduced.”

Saif Ali Khan was noted for delivering a compelling performance, capturing the charm of a slick con artist. Jaideep Ahlawat, too, was recognized for his chilling portrayal of the villain. Nonetheless, despite their strengths, the film has been labeled by some as “forgettable” and riddled with obvious twist outcomes.

As audiences continue streaming “Jewel Thief” on Netflix, initial reactions suggest that while some enjoy the stylish execution, others feel let down by the lack of narrative fresh engagement. This mixed reception indicates the ongoing challenge of balancing excitement and storytelling in heist films.