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When was the last time you watched a comedy film that tackled heavy themes like infidelity, infertility, and inclusivity with finesse? Creating a successful comedy can be a challenging endeavor. The easiest way to generate laughs has often been through vulgar or double entendre jokes, and let’s not forget the unfortunate reliance on body shaming, something many television shows treat as comedy gold. With that in mind, I was understandably cautious as I settled in to watch Khel Khel Mein, led by the versatile Akshay Kumar. After all, he’s done it all throughout his illustrious career. Just earlier this year, he impressed with a powerful performance in Sarfira, a biopic that showcased a side of Kumar we hadn't seen before.
Given his history, I fully expected Kumar to lean into his well-honed physical comedy routine, something we’ve seen in countless films. However, Khel Khel Mein took me by surprise, and I found myself sighing in relief as the end credits rolled. This film is not just another slapstick comedy; it’s a refreshing take on the genre.
The story unfolds over a single night, with seven friends gathering for a party during a wedding. While it is a desi adaptation of the 2016 Italian film Perfetti Sconosciuti (Perfect Strangers), this doesn’t hinder the film’s originality. Remakes often get a bad reputation for lacking creativity, but sometimes it’s essential to judge a film for what it is, and Khel Khel Mein holds its own.
In the film, Akshay Kumar plays Rishabh, a plastic surgeon struggling to save his second marriage with Vartika, portrayed by Vaani Kapoor. Vartika, an author in search of inspiration for her next book, is part of the close-knit group of friends. Joining them are Samar (Aditya Seal) and his wife Naina (Pragya Jaiswal), a wealthy couple; Harpreet and Harpreet (played by Ammy Virk and Taapsee Pannu); and Kabir (Fardeen Khan). The group decides to make their phones public for the night, allowing everyone to see what’s on each other’s devices—a bold and intriguing premise.
As the night progresses, it’s clear that Khel Khel Mein isn’t relying on conventional comedy tropes. Rishabh, for example, is portrayed as smooth and charming, with a friend even comparing him to George Clooney in a phone conversation. The film navigates mature themes with surprising ease, thanks in large part to director and writer Mudassar Aziz, who has managed to keep the narrative light while still exploring deeper issues.
However, it’s important to mention a trigger warning: the film takes a misstep when it reduces mental health and suicide to a comedic gag in the second half. This moment is particularly jarring given the sensible tone maintained up until that point. Despite this flaw, the rest of the film remains grounded and believable, emphasizing that no one outside a marriage can truly understand what happens within it.
Some scenes deserve special mention for their sensitivity and realism. Akshay Kumar, in top form, delivers an unexpected moment of tenderness as he discusses relationships with his teenage daughter, a conversation you wouldn’t typically anticipate in a film marketed as a comedy.
Beyond Kumar, the rest of the cast delivers strong performances. Taapsee Pannu, often typecast in serious roles, shines as a social media-obsessed wife grappling with infertility. Ammy Virk, playing her husband, brings depth to his character and impresses with his range. Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal, the latter making her debut in this film, are both convincing as a couple dealing with their own personal tragedy. Fardeen Khan, in a role that truly showcases his talents, makes a notable return to the screen, far outshining his previous, more forgettable performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi.
Ultimately, Khel Khel Mein succeeds because it delivers exactly what it promises—a fun and entertaining time. You leave the theater with a smile, which is often all one hopes for in a movie. If only they hadn’t rehashed Diljit Dosanjh’s Do You Know during the closing credits—but that’s a minor quibble in an otherwise delightful experience.
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