Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh

Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya

Rating: **

"All that glitter is not gold", Thugs of Hindostan has proved it right. When the trailer of this film was dropped everyone went crazy owing to this grand and spectacular visual treat, and was expecting some fireworks on Box-Office with this Diwali release but Thugs of Hindostan fell flat on the expectations.

The film is set in the pre-independence era where a group of rebels are revolting against the oppression of British rule and want to get free. Khudabaksh (Amitabh Bachchan) is head of this group, Zafira (Fatima Sana Shaikh) is an associate of Khudabaksh who is also protector of Zafira as she is the daughter of Mirza Baig (Ronit Roy), who was the king of Raunakpur and was killed by John Clive (Lloyd Owen) a cunning and ruthless British General. Aamir Khan as Firangi is rogue, who cannot be trusted. He cons people into believing his stories.

The plot of the film has nothing to offer and nothing great which should be discussed. It's pretty ordinary and linear.

The director Vijay Krishna Acharya, who has also written the film didn't bother about the screenplay and it's too bland and won't engage you.


If we talk about the performances then all the actors have played their characters convincingly. Amitabh Bachchan as Khudabaksh is impressive and like his many iconic characters, Khudabaksh will stay in your mind for a really long time.

Aamir Khan as Firangi is treacherous but still likeable and relatable. His character has many shades, there are times when you hate him and at the same time you will love him for his comic timing.


Fatima has aced the look of a warrior thug Zafira. Her character is fiery and stunning. Fatima Sana Shaikh as Zafira brings vigour and freshness to Thugs of Hindostan. There are moments where Fatima will win your heart with her kick-ass action sequences.


If you are wondering why nothing has been said or discussed anything about Katrina Kaif then let me tell you she is not in the film. You'll hardly find her in the film apart from the two songs and two scenes. Her character, Suraiyya, in the film is kind of an extended cameo which is just to add the glamour quotient in the film. But her dance on Suraiyya Jaan song is superb and she will swoon you over with her killing moves.


All other actors in the film like Md. Zeeshan Ayub, Ila Arun and Ronit Roy (cameo) are good on their parts.

With this type of weaker plot, Vijay Krishna Acharya tried many things but he couldn't create any magic. Not only the plot is weak but there are many other things which are not up to the mark. The shoddy VFX, the visuals and costumes are so outdated that you don't get connected.

The only saving grace of this poorly made film is Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. Though Amitabh's character is short, still it leaves a lasting impression. A special mention for his entry, it'll surely impress you. Aamir Khan's different shades and comic timing is lovable. Watching these two biggest superstars on screen is an exhilarating experience.

The technical value of the film really deserves a mention. The action sequences are well choreographed but the editor Ritesh Soni should have spent some more time on the film. The background score by John Stewart Eduri is brilliant.

Overall, Thugs of Hindostan could have been better if the director has chosen to focus on writing rather than completely relying on the star value. So it is advised to maintain a safe distance from these thugs!