Crew Movie 2024 Review: A Star-Studded Comedy

Synopsis

“Crew” (2024) follows the journey of three ordinary air hostesses from Mumbai who, while pursuing their dreams, become entangled in unexpected misfortunes. The movie blends comedy, drama, and a touch of glamour to present a tale of ambition, desperation, and camaraderie.

Story

Co-workers Geeta Sethi (Tabu), Jasmine Kohli (Kareena Kapoor Khan), and Divya Rana (Kriti Sanon) serve as air hostesses for Kohinoor Airlines. These three women, each battling their own personal demons and hiding their own secrets, find solace and strength in their collective misery. The bond between them grows stronger as they face the grim reality of their debt-ridden airline on the brink of bankruptcy. Driven by desperation, they turn to drastic measures for survival, leading them down a path of crime, specifically gold smuggling.

The narrative centers around their involvement in this illegal activity. What starts as a desperate bid for financial stability quickly spirals into a series of comic misadventures. The women’s plans, although ill-conceived and often leading to humorous situations, highlight their resilience and determination. However, as they delve deeper into the world of crime, they are forced to confront their own morals and the consequences of their actions.

Review

Performances and Chemistry

The strength of “Crew” lies in its star-studded cast and their captivating performances. Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon bring their characters to life with a mix of charm, humor, and depth. Tabu excels as Geeta, a woman torn between her responsibilities and desires, delivering a performance that is both powerful and nuanced. Kareena Kapoor Khan, as Jasmine, blends oomph and substance, portraying a hustler who conceals her loneliness with flair. Kriti Sanon, although sometimes feeling like a third wheel, adds to the film’s charm with her lively performance and great chemistry with Diljit Dosanjh.

The supporting cast, including Diljit Dosanjh and Kapil Sharma, provide solid performances that complement the leads. Dosanjh, in particular, stands out with his comedic timing and memorable moments, such as his humorous interaction with Kriti’s character about social media. Kapil Sharma and Kulbhushan Kharbanda also add to the film’s humor and emotional depth, despite their limited screen time.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Rajesh Krishnan handles the film with a light touch, reminiscent of his previous work, “Lootcase.” The screenplay, particularly in the first half, is engaging and fast-paced, keeping the audience invested. The narrative structure, with its back-and-forth style, works well in the initial stages, creating a dynamic and entertaining experience.

However, the second half of the film is where “Crew” stumbles. The heist episode, while entertaining, lacks logical coherence and depth. The climax feels rushed and convenient, detracting from the overall impact. The film’s attempt to balance comedy and social commentary is commendable, but the execution falls short in certain areas, particularly in maintaining a consistent tone.

Technical Aspects

The technical aspects of “Crew” are well-executed, with Anuj Rakesh Dhawan’s cinematography enhancing the visual appeal of the film. The background score is impactful, and the situational songs blend seamlessly into the narrative. The production values are decent, contributing to the film’s polished look. However, the editing could have been tighter, particularly in the rushed sequences towards the end.

Personal Opinion

“Crew” is a light-hearted entertainer that, despite its flaws, offers an enjoyable viewing experience. The film’s greatest strength lies in its leading ladies, whose performances elevate the narrative and keep the audience engaged. The chemistry between Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon is the film’s trump card, driving much of its appeal.

While the logic-defying heist episode and the rushed conclusion prevent “Crew” from reaching its full potential, the humor and camaraderie among the characters make up for its shortcomings. The film’s social commentary on the struggles of the upper middle class and their relationship with money, ethics, and dead-end jobs adds a layer of depth to the otherwise light-hearted narrative.

“Crew” is not a perfect film, but it succeeds in delivering a fun and entertaining experience. The humor, driven by the characters’ unapologetic approach to life and their delusional ambitions, keeps the audience laughing and invested in their journey.

What’s Good

• Performances: The star-studded cast, particularly Tabu and Kareena Kapoor Khan, deliver captivating performances that elevate the film.
• Chemistry: The on-screen chemistry between the three leading ladies is the film’s strongest asset.
• Humor: The film’s humor, stemming from the characters’ unapologetic and often oblivious approach to life, provides consistent laughs.
• Social Commentary: The film offers an interesting take on the struggles of the upper middle class, adding depth to the narrative.
• Technical Execution: The cinematography, background score, and production values are well-executed, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

What’s Bad

• Climax: The climax feels rushed and convenient, detracting from the overall impact of the film.
• Heist Episode: The heist segment lacks logical coherence and depth, making it less effective.
• Editing: The editing could have been tighter, particularly in the second half, where certain sequences feel rushed.
• Inconsistent Tone: The film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, balancing comedy and social commentary with varying degrees of success.

Rating

Overall, “Crew” is a time-pass entertainer that relies heavily on the star power of its leading ladies and its humorous moments. Despite its flaws, the film manages to deliver a fun and enjoyable experience. The chemistry between the leads and the engaging performances make it worth a watch.

“Crew” may not be a memorable film, but its frivolity, humor, and glam make it a decent and enjoyable watch for those seeking light-hearted entertainment. If you’re looking for a film that combines comedy, drama, and a touch of glamour, “Crew” is worth diving into.