Director Rajesh Krishnan’s debut film, “Lootcase,” provided a much-needed dose of comedy during the dark days of lockdown, leaving a lasting impression with its humor. His latest venture, the Hindi film “Crew,” features a stellar cast including Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon in pivotal roles. While the movie kicks off smoothly, introducing the leading ladies with finesse, it grapples with establishing a compelling conflict, leading to a somewhat turbulent narrative that, though funny, lacks the sheer hilarity of its predecessor.
The storyline revolves around three women who form part of the cabin crew at Kohinoor Airlines. Geeta Sethi, the seasoned member of the group, shoulders the financial responsibilities of her family, including supporting her brother. Jasmine, aspiring for a life of luxury, harbors dreams of entrepreneurship. The youngest, Divya Rana, initially aimed to become a pilot but settled for an air hostess role. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they become entangled in a gold smuggling case amidst their airline’s financial crisis. The film delves into the decisions they make to navigate these challenges and their subsequent responses under the direction of Rajesh Krishnan.
The flashbacks used for character development are engaging and humorous, offering quirky insights into each character. The camaraderie among these spirited women is a joy to behold. However, as the trio encounters adversity, the narrative loses some of its spark and creativity. The conflict between the characters feels underdeveloped, failing to evoke the desired emotional depth, even amidst personal struggles like bereavement and financial woes. Despite this lull, Rajesh manages to inject humor back into the storyline towards the climax, albeit in a somewhat formulaic manner, elevated by the performances of the cast.
Tabu shines as Geeta Sethi, effortlessly portraying the character’s range from whimsical to serious, effectively capturing the essence of seniority. Kareena Kapoor Khan, in a role reminiscent of her iconic Poo character, delivers a nuanced performance. Kriti Sanon impresses as the naive and insecure member of the trio, contributing to the palpable chemistry among the leads that enhances many scenes. Noteworthy performances are also delivered by Rajesh Sharma as Mittal, along with Kapil Sharma and Diljit Singh Dosanjh in cameo roles.
Rajesh Krishnan opts for a simplistic approach in setting the tone, maintaining a light-hearted comedic atmosphere throughout. However, the film falters in generating sufficient dramatic tension due to the exaggerated nature of the characters’ actions, making it challenging to resonate with their middle-class struggles. The lack of emotional coherence is evident, particularly in the revenge subplot against Vijay W(M)alia. Despite these shortcomings, the film refrains from incorporating unnecessary item numbers, utilizing its soundtrack judiciously to complement the narrative.
“Crew” sustains viewer engagement through witty banter and sharp dialogues, ensuring an entertaining watch. While the midsection lacks the necessary dramatic depth, relying heavily on the charisma of the leading ladies to carry the over-the-top finale, the film manages to deliver an overall enjoyable experience. Although the trailer hinted at a comedic high akin to “Lootcase,” Rajesh falls short of replicating that success with his sophomore effort.
Final Thoughts
While the trailer raised expectations for “Crew” to match the comedic brilliance of “Lootcase,” the film falls slightly short of that mark, offering an entertaining yet somewhat uneven cinematic experience.