Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins (2025) Movie Review
The high-octane world of diamond smuggling and international crime returns to the screen with “Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins”, released on Netflix in April 2025. Directed by Robbie Grewal and Kookie Gulati, led by Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat, the film is a stylish addition to the Indian heist genre.
⭐ Cast & Characters – A Perfect Mix of Grit and Glamour
Saif Ali Khan as Rehan Roy – A charismatic, aging but cunning jewel thief with a secret past.
Jaideep Ahlawat as Rajan Aulakh – A chillingly intense gangster with global ambitions.
Kunal Kapoor as Vikram – An honest cop obsessed with bringing Rehan to justice.
Nikita Dutta as Farah – A key player whose loyalties are constantly questioned.
Kulbhushan Kharbanda – Appears as an old informant from Rehan’s past.
Gagan Arora and Sumit Gulati – Add comic relief and tech expertise to the heist team.
🎥 Production Details – Behind the Scenes
Produced by:
Siddharth Anand (of Pathaan and War fame)
Mamta Anand under the banner of Marflix Pictures
Directed by:
Robbie Grewal (known for RAW)
Kookie Gulati (The Big Bull)
Distributed by: Netflix India
Runtime: 117 minutes
Release Date: April 25, 2025 (Netflix Global Release)
🔍 Plot Deep Dive (No Major Spoilers)
When a priceless diamond called the Red Sun goes missing during a high-profile museum exhibit in Dubai, all eyes turn to a legendary thief thought to be in retirement—Rehan Roy. But this heist isn’t what it seems. There are shadowy deals, double agents, and backstabs lurking behind every scene.
The film takes viewers on a whirlwind journey from the underground clubs of Mumbai to the penthouses of Dubai and secret vaults in Istanbul. Through a web of deceit and loyalty, Rehan must pull off one final job—while avoiding the law and betrayal from his own team.
🎞️ Interesting Facts & Trivia
Inspired by a Classic: While not a direct remake, the title and thematic essence of the 1967 Jewel Thief starring Dev Anand inspired the 2025 reboot’s name and concept.
Saif’s Return to Action: After focusing on OTT crime dramas like Sacred Games, Saif Ali Khan returns to slick action cinema, performing most of his own stunts for the film.
International Locations: Parts of the movie were shot in Dubai, Istanbul, and Mumbai, offering an international flair. Real museums and tunnels were used for heist scenes.
Real Jewelry on Set: The production used custom-designed replicas of real diamonds and rubies, crafted by a Mumbai-based jeweler, to make the scenes visually authentic.
OTT Debut of Siddharth Anand: Known for big-screen spectacles, this marks Siddharth Anand’s debut as a producer in a direct-to-digital release.
Netflix’s Strategic Release: The film was Netflix India’s most-watched title during its debut weekend, topping charts in several countries including UAE and Bangladesh.
Jaideep Ahlawat’s Preparation: He reportedly spent time with ex-police officers and studied the underworld’s history to shape his antagonist character with depth and realism.
🎵 Music and Score – Less Songs, More Tension
Instead of a typical Bollywood song-heavy soundtrack, the film leans into a tight background score:
Composer: Tanishk Bagchi (score only, no item numbers)
The music builds mood and tension, especially during the break-in sequences.
The only full-length song, “Kho Diya” (Lost It All), is a moody montage that reflects Rehan’s internal struggles.
📺 Where and How to Watch
Platform: Netflix (Available Worldwide)
Subscription Required: Yes
Languages: Hindi (Original), with subtitles in English, Arabic, Tamil, and more
Recommended Viewing: HD or 4K with surround sound for best experience
🧠 Themes & Message
More than just a heist film, Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins explores:
Moral Greys: It blurs the line between right and wrong, justice and revenge.
Aging and Redemption: Rehan’s character mirrors themes of regret, aging, and second chances.
Power and Greed: How far will someone go for power, and who can really be trusted?
📢 Audience & Critical Reception
While the film received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, it has been widely praised for:
Saif and Jaideep’s chemistry
The slick, fast-paced storytelling
Unique direction style that avoids typical Bollywood tropes
Critic Rating: 3.5/5
IMDb Score: 7.1/10 (as of May 2025)
Audience Poll: 81% would recommend
📝 Final Verdict
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins is a smart, thrilling ride for fans of high-stakes crime stories. With solid performances, tight direction, and an unpredictable plot, the movie successfully revives interest in one of Bollywood’s most iconic titles—without leaning too heavily on nostalgia. It’s a stylish, entertaining watch that makes excellent use of the OTT medium.
💬 Your Turn: What Did You Think?
Did Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins live up to your expectations? Who was your favorite character? Would you want to see a sequel or even a Jewel Thief Cinematic Universe?
Drop your comments below and don’t forget to share the review with fellow movie buffs!