As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, audiences have been treated to a new kind of adrenaline rush, one that’s laced with high fashion, sparkling wit, and a trio of fierce women. “Crew,” directed by the acclaimed Rajesh Krishnan, carries these elements with stylish aplomb, ushering in a breeze of entertainment where every scene seems to be filtered through an Instagram-worthy aesthetic.
Crafted by the team that brought “Veere Di Wedding” to screens, “Crew” maintains the joyous spirit of women having the time of their lives. This time, the escapades are set against a backdrop of opulence that seems to mock adversity, providing an aspirational mirage for the social media generation. The film juggles the themes of risk and risqué with ease, as it parades three leading ladies who show that the playground of the wealthy is no longer reserved solely for the boys.
The charismatic ensemble of air hostesses—Tabu as Geeta, Kareena Kapoor as Jasmine, and Kriti Sanon as Divya—navigate the complexities of their personal lives while getting entangled in a perfect storm where roles of victim and victor blur. When a seemingly accidental windfall presents itself, the once law-abiding crew contemplate a heist, tempted by both necessity and desire.
The premise tantalizes – the underdog getting one over the swindler – and displays flashes of ingenuity courtesy of writers Nidhi Mehra and Mehul Suri. However, the trio of Tabu, Kareena, and Kriti are heavily relied upon to draw out the magic within the dialogue with their remarkable prowess. Engaging the audience in a dance of distraction, the film echoes the male characters who become ensnared by the women’s allure, unable to resist their gravitational pull.
The screenplay breezes through with snark and sass, thanks to the infectious chemistry among the leading ladies, which ignites from the film’s first moments. Yet, beneath the sheen and sparkle, the film cannot fully obscure the slightness of its story. We are reminded that high resolution cannot compensate for a lack of narrative depth. The writing at times resonates with the repetitive nature of airline routines, which, ironically, the film uses as fodder for humor. There is a conspicuous effort to elicit laughs, sometimes succeeding, other times falling short.
Tabu captivates with her impeccable comic timing, effortlessly charming viewers even when tasked with explaining mundane safety instructions. Kriti Sanon’s talent for dramatic flair shines through, but it is Kareena Kapoor who delivers a tour-de-force performance, grounding the movie even amid its sometimes chaotic tone.
Male counterparts, such as Kapil Sharma and Diljit Dosanjh, are given relatively minimal screen time, packaged in bite-sized roles that nonetheless leave an impression. Saswata Chatterjee gives a notable performance as a merchant mogul reminiscent of Vijay Mallya.
Musically, “Crew” borrows from Bollywood’s old-school charm, notably from Subhash Ghai’s “Khal Nayak,” reinforcing the film’s setting with a familiar sonic backdrop. Yet, the repetitious use of the song “Sona Kitna Sona” begins to grate on the nerves as the journey wears on.
Krishnan maintains a kinetic pace, artfully wrapping up the narrative before it loses its luster. The result is a film that, while not without its shortcomings, showcases a luminous trinity whose combined star power is as undeniable as it is entertaining.
“Crew” is now playing in theaters, presenting a glittering slice of Hindi cinema that promises to captivate its audience with glamour, laughter, and the sheer joy of watching these formidable women take charge of the skies—and the screen.
