Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 18: Kunal Kemmu’s latest directorial venture VIBE begins with an irreverent, light-hearted approach to the spy-comedy genre but struggles to maintain the same energy in its second half.
The film follows Hardik (Kunal Kemmu), who has recently returned from drug rehabilitation. His friend Bugs (Sparsh Shrivastava) encourages him to join his technology company and rebuild his life. Hardik soon develops feelings for intern Kareena (Vanshika Dhir) and asks her out despite Bugs’ warning.
Their ordinary lives take an unexpected turn when Madam H (Preity Zinta Goodenough), an officer working for a government agency, recruits them as part of a mission to capture a feared gangster.
From the opening credits, VIBE makes it clear that it does not take itself too seriously. Kemmu’s voiceover explaining the meaning behind familiar film-credit phrases sets the tone for the comedy that follows.
The first half is the film’s strongest stretch. The dialogues, penned by Kemmu, are packed with witty one-liners, while the brisk pacing keeps the story engaging. Watching the two inexperienced friends get caught up in a dangerous spy operation provides several genuinely amusing moments.
However, the film changes direction after the interval. The humour becomes less consistent as the plot grows increasingly complicated. The mystery surrounding the gangster’s identity and the introduction of a super-strength serum take the story into a more exaggerated territory, diluting the easy-going charm established in the first half.
Kemmu holds the film together with an effortless comic performance. Sparsh Shrivastava is equally effective as Bugs and shares a good comic chemistry with Kemmu. Vanshika Dhir makes a promising debut as Kareena, while Yashpal Sharma and Nirahua provide support as members of Madam H’s team.
Preity Zinta Goodenough plays Madam H, but her dialogue delivery occasionally feels mechanical, making some of her scenes less natural.
The music, featuring contributions from multiple composers including Amit Trivedi, complements the film’s mood and serves the narrative without overpowering it.
Overall, VIBE works best when it keeps things simple and focuses on the comic adventures of its two unlikely heroes. The first half delivers plenty of humour and energy, but the increasingly complicated second half takes away some of the film’s charm.
Kemmu demonstrates a strong instinct for comedy both as an actor and director. VIBE has enough wit and entertaining moments to make for a fun watch, even though it could have benefited from maintaining the uncomplicated spirit of its opening half.