Review: 'Jewel Thief'- Saif returns in style! Jaideep Ahalwat menaces, Nikita Dutta impresses in a slick heist

For everyone out there who was silently (or not-so-silently) mourning Saif Ali Khan’s recent string of underwhelming roles like Ravana-in-a-polo-neck phase, yes, we’re looking at you. Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins is the redemption arc you’ve been waiting for. Saif is back, and not just backhe’s bouncing, flirting, styling, and stealing the scene (and diamonds) like it’s a walk in the park.

Let’s dive into this Marflix Pictures production, crafted with the signature style we usually associate with Siddharth Anand, even if he didn’t direct this one. Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, the film is a heady cocktail of scenic foreign locales, slo-mo shots, glittering style, and of course, a perfectly planned heist.

The Plot: A Red Diamond, a Mafia Kingpin, and a Thief With Style

The movie opens with Jaideep Ahlawat as Rajan Aulakh, the kind of mafia villain who doesn’t need a second line to show you who's boss. He’s brutal, calculated, and makes an impact right from the first frame, slitting throats and punching faces like he owns the room (because he kinda does). His financial empire is in shambles—accounts frozen, panic mode activated. The only way out? Rob the Red Sun, a priceless red diamond brought to India by a South African king as an exclusive exhibit.

To pull this off, Rajan needs the best. Enter: Rehan Roy, played by Saif Ali Khan, who is hiding out post multiple high-profile heists. Rehan is a charmer, a con artist, a flirt, and a thief rolled into one irresistible package. The two men, each with their own secret agendas, join forces for a heist that’s slick, stylish, and just campy enough to keep you grinning. Meanwhile, hot on Rehan’s trail is police officer Vikram Patel (played by Kunal Kapoor), who is determined to stop this grand theft from happening.

Family Feels and Forced Flashbacks

In between the thrilling cat-and-mouse chase and sparkling diamonds, the film makes some unexpected emotional pit stops. Rehan’s strained relationship with his father (played by Kulbhushan Kharbanda) is a recurring subplot. Rehan was kicked out of the house, and while this adds a layer of depth, it does tend to veer into unnecessary family drama territory, slightly breaking the adrenaline rush.

We’re also introduced to Avi, Rehan’s younger brother, played by Gagan Arora, who adds a touch of youthful energy to the backdrop, though mostly staying in the sidelines.

Love, Loyalty, and Nikita Dutta’s Twisted World

Here’s where it gets interesting: Farah, played by Nikita Dutta, is Aulakh’s wife. But not out of love, out of some dark, undisclosed compulsion. She’s trapped, vulnerable, but not without strength. Her character brings an emotional weight and a slow-burning romantic tension with Rehan. Yes, there’s chemistry. Yes, there are stolen glances. But thankfully, it doesn’t hijack the plot, it compliments it.

Nikita Dutta holds her own among these big names, and her role hints at more layers, possibly teasing a sequel? The film certainly leaves breadcrumbs in that direction.

Let’s be honest, this is what we came for. And the film delivers. The actual heist is where Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins truly shines. It’s a fast-paced, stylish ride full of clever maneuvers, disguises, betrayals, and chase sequences straight out of the Race franchise playbook. There’s a whole lot of Bang Bang energy and Dhoom 2-esque flair infused here, and you’ll enjoy every second of it. Don’t expect gritty realism, this is all about campy thrill and escapism. Think glitter, slo-mos, edgy cuts, techno beats, and our favorite thief cracking one-liners as he pulls off yet another impossible move.

Saif Ali Khan: The Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed and Jaideep's Aura

Let’s give it up for Saif. He’s sassy, he’s smooth, and he’s absolutely relishing the role. Whether he’s sliding into a tux, throwing a flirt, or slipping into a getaway car, Saif is having fun, and so are we.

In one scene, he smirks and says, “Itne nawaabo waale shauk toh mere bhi nahi hai”—and it's peak Saif: witty, meta, and self-aware. You’ll catch a few pop culture references, including some Bachchan-style lines thrown in for good measure. He flirts like a ‘90s heartthrob, plots like an Oceans 11 mastermind, and walks like the camera owes him rent. It almost feels like he’s rehearsing for Race 4, and you know what, we’re here for it.

Honestly, in a rare moment, Saif Ali Khan steals the show from Jaideep Ahlawat. That’s no small feat. Jaideep is, as always, terrifyingly good—decked in bathrobes, striking slo-mo swimming pool entries, and channeling pure villainy. But Saif? He eats up the limelight, scene after scene.

The Verdict

Let’s set expectations straight: this isn’t a genre-defining masterpiece. It’s not meant to be. Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins is a campy, stylish, masala entertainer, and it fully owns that space.

It’s a perfect OTT watch, grab a beer, kick back with some popcorn, and let this film charm you. It’s fast-paced, fun, packed with style and swag, and anchored by a comeback performance that might just make you fall in love with Saif Ali Khan all over again.

Rating- 3/5 stars