'Phantom' review: Inconsistent screenplay lets down this Saif Ali Khan-Katrina Kaif starrer

Film: Phantom 
Rating: ***1/2
Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Zeeshan Ayyub
Director: Kabir Khan
 
What it's about: An interesting combination of fact and fiction, Kabir Khan’s Phantom is the story of one man eliminating the four masterminds of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. Daniyal Khan (Saif Ali Khan), a disgraced army officer, is living a life of isolation till the head of RAW offers him a discreet mission— killing the four big guns behind the terror attack in Mumbai. Daniyal’s operation begins in London where he encounters Nawaz (Katrina Kaif) who is entrusted with the job of helping him identify the first of the lot. Post his success in London, Daniyal heads to Chicago where his next victim is David Headley. The film then travels through war-torn Syria to finally land in Pakistan where Daniyal, aided by Nawaz, is now targeting Lashkar’s most dreaded man, Hariz Saeed.

What’s hot: Phantom is more of a fantasy tale, like the film’s tagline says: You wish it were a true story. Kabir pads the film with a big dollop of authenticity in terms of his treatment. He succeeds in giving the film the punch of patriotism. Though sometimes over-the-top, it never fails to deliver the intended impact. The film races like a bullet during the first 30 minutes and then, again, when it reaches the climax. Those are the best parts.The plot is very reminiscent of Akshay Kumar-starrer Baby but this one plays more towards the gallery without compromising on the core content. Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Daniyal Khan is delightful. Hard-core, dignified and always in character, this is Saif in absolutely great form. Katrina Kaif is still stumbling with her Hindi but her performance is true to her character. She is sans make-up for most of the film, and shines in the latter part of the film. Zeeshan Ayyub continues his brilliant streak with every film.
 
What’s not: An inconsistent screenplay hampers the overall pace of the film. All the portions where the victims are marked and eliminated keep you on the edge of your seat. The rest looks forced and almost a blur. The entire sequence in Syria is exhausting without really contributing to the overall film. Making it slightly edgier, crisper and cleverer would’ve made Phantom one of the finest thrillers– that’s where it just falls short.
 
What to do: In the month of Independence Day, Phantom is the perfect film to fuel up the patriotic spirit. Go for it.