Movie Name: The Buckingham Murders
Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Brar, Keith Allen
Director: Hansal Mehta
Genre: Crime Thriller
Available on: Netflix
Hansal Mehta’s latest thriller, despite its promising premise, falls disappointingly short. Set in Buckingham, the movie centers around a crime case, but its uninspired execution leaves viewers scratching their heads rather than clinging to the edge of their seats.
Lots of questions arise from the outset: Why was this thriller set abroad with an all-Indian cast when a similar setup could have been achieved in India? Why did Kareena Kapoor, known for her strong performances, choose a project that lacks the intrigue one would expect from a thriller?
Rather than building suspense, the film rushes lamely through the case, failing to deliver the tension and intrigue crucial for a satisfying crime narrative. The pacing, combined with a lackluster screenplay, fails to engage viewers, resulting in a finale that clearly feels unsatisfying.
The subplot involving DI Hardik Patel, for instance, comes off as overly simplistic and even childish, detracting from what could have been a strong story. Mehta, a director known for his skill in creating gripping stories, seems to have missed the mark here, leaving fans disappointed and wondering if this film was truly his work or just bore his name.
Although the plot had potential, the overall execution felt uninspired. Originally inclined to give it at least two stars, I find it challenging to justify more than one. Perhaps Mehta was experimenting, but the film ultimately lacks the compelling narrative his fans expected.