// Bebo FC * Kuch Toh Hai Rabta \\

One expects AGENT VINOD to be an elegantly defined story with an exquisitely structured screenplay [writers: Sriram Raghavan and Arijit Biswas], with some unanticipated betrayals, sensational locations, slick action but with the absence of gadgets. If that's precisely the way you are looking at AGENT VINOD unleashing before your eyes, you've got it right. Contrasting the spy movies made in Bollywood, this one's truly bona fide and swanks of a pertinent plotline. What keeps you tongue-tied is the fact that the movie keeps you on the periphery for most parts, as the Agent takes on a whirlwind tour across continents, tackling the thorny and multifarious situations with flourish. As a matter of fact, besides having a bit of Bond and Bourne, there's a bit of Hitchcock and also traces of Tin Tin in this movie. After making films like EK HASINA THI and JOHNNY GADDAAR, Sriram Raghavan returns with yet another intelligent thriller that doesn't disrespect the astuteness of the moviegoer. As a matter of fact, you need to watch the narrative unfurl with a vigilant mind, since this is one of those films that demands your concentration. While I have listed the several winning points of this film, I'd like to add that Sriram himself is the vital USP of this endeavor. His method of exemplifying the anecdote is way too varied from the prototypes. Drifting away completely from the Bond movies of swanky cars and cool babes, this one is more about electrifying thrills along with a lot of wit and intelligence and a garnishing of the desi tadka. The nuggets of the quirky humor injected in the plot work incredibly well. The film suffers from a relatively slack midsection, which -- while not humdrum -- isn't as arresting as one might've expected it to be. The editing [Pooja Ladha Surti] is razor-sharp at most times, but could've been spruced up during those portions. The film's astounding stunts add extensively to the motion picture. In fact, the stunts, chase and action scenes [Peter Heins; additional action: Parvez Khan] are truly enticing. Pritam comes up with a striking score. 'Pungi' is, of course, a runaway hit, but I have a problem with its placement. 'Raabta' is imaginatively filmed, amidst gunshots and tension. The mujra, 'Dil Mera Muft Ka', is equally catchy. Muraleedharan C.K.'s cinematography is eye-filling and has an international feel to it.

After playing a straightforward simpleton in AARAKSHAN, Saif returns as a spy in AGENT VINOD. But the spy in this film is not remotely comparable to the British superspy. Saif has a distinct style of dialogue delivery that gels well with the character here. Saif is effectual and charming all through. It's a flawless performance and it's an absolute delight watching Saif get into the groove so magnificently.

Kareena has a pivotal part to play and the fact of the matter is that only a commanding actress could've pulled this role off with elan, flamboyance and vulnerability. The fact that she is superlatively talented only gets reiterated with this awe-inspiring and elaborate act.

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