Saif Ali Khan-Jaideep Ahlawat's much-anticipated heist thriller Jewel Thief has finally arrived on OTT, marking Saif’s much-talked-about return to the screen. The film, also featuring Nikita Dutta and Kunal Kapoor in key roles, premiered digitally today and quickly became the center of discussion among fans and critics alike. While some viewers hailed it as a “mass hit” and praised the twists and performances, others found it underwhelming, leading to a polarising verdict on day one.
The action-packed thriller has been produced by Pathaan director Siddharth Anand, while the creative vision behind the lens was shared by directors Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal. Given the star power, high-octane heist plot, and Saif’s comeback following his real-life injury, expectations were understandably high. But did Jewel Thief live up to the hype? Let’s dig into the reactions and early reviews.
Saif’s Comeback After Real-Life Incident
What makes Jewel Thief all the more special is the fact that it marks Saif Ali Khan’s first screen appearance following an unfortunate real-life incident. Earlier this year, the actor was reportedly stabbed during a robbery attempt at his Bandra apartment. The news left fans shaken, but Saif bounced back with resilience and was soon seen promoting Jewel Thief with his usual charm. The film’s release was thus not just a cinematic event but also a personal milestone for the actor.
In the film, Saif plays Rehan Roy, a suave and enigmatic thief who masterminds a series of sophisticated heists. His character is equal parts charming and dangerous, adding to the thrill of the story. Matching his energy is Jaideep Ahlawat, who plays the antagonist—a menacing figure trying to outsmart the mastermind thief. The battle of wits between the two forms the crux of the story.
Audience Reaction: A Mixed Bag
Despite the fanfare, the film received a mixed response from the audience on the first day of its release. While some viewers found it engaging and entertaining, others were left disappointed, calling it forgettable.
On social media, reviews started pouring in within hours of the release. A fan who clearly enjoyed the film wrote, “#JewelThief is a fun-filled heist film which works very well especially because of the twists and turns in the second half of the film. #SaifAliKhan is brilliant in the lead role. #NikitaDutta is reliable and #JaideepAhlawat is outstanding as the antagonist. Mass Hit.”
Another user praised Saif’s performance in glowing terms, saying, “In #JewelThief, #SaifAliKhan shines as Rehan Roy, bringing depth and flair to his portrayal. His charismatic thief steals the show with effortless style and razor-sharp lines. Every moment he’s on screen captivates, leaving us in awe of both his look and performance.”
However, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. Some viewers criticized the film for lacking a strong narrative structure and said the plot felt stretched despite the promising premise. One viewer tweeted, “Had high hopes from #JewelThief but it turns out to be a forgettable heist drama. Some good moments but largely unmemorable.”
Highlights: Twists, Performances, and Style
Even among mixed reviews, several aspects of the film were consistently praised. The plot—although deemed weak by some—was noted for its intriguing twists and unpredictable turns, especially in the second half. This twist-heavy structure helped maintain the suspense, making it suitable for a binge-watch.
Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Rehan Roy is another standout element. Known for effortlessly slipping into complex roles, Saif manages to blend charm with criminal intent in a way that keeps viewers guessing. His styling, screen presence, and witty dialogue delivery add layers to an already intriguing character.
Jaideep Ahlawat, who’s been enjoying a strong run in both films and web series, brings gravitas to the screen as the film’s antagonist. His intense performance provides a solid counter to Saif’s flamboyance. Many fans noted that the chemistry between these two talented actors was one of the highlights of Jewel Thief.
Supporting Cast and Direction
Nikita Dutta and Kunal Kapoor play pivotal supporting roles. While their screen time is relatively limited compared to Saif and Jaideep, both actors make their presence felt. Nikita, in particular, adds emotional depth to the narrative, while Kunal Kapoor delivers a steady performance.
Directors Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal manage to keep the pace brisk for most parts of the film. Their combined vision results in a slick, visually appealing thriller that makes clever use of urban locations and stylized cinematography. However, some critics pointed out that the film could have benefited from tighter editing, especially in the second act.
The Verdict So Far
Jewel Thief seems to be one of those films that divides audiences sharply. It has its moments of brilliance—especially the performances, visual style, and plot twists—but may fall short for viewers expecting a more grounded, realistic take on the heist genre.
For fans of Saif Ali Khan, the film is a treat. His comeback is strong, and his portrayal of Rehan Roy is charismatic enough to carry the film through its slower parts. Jaideep Ahlawat’s performance adds further weight, and together they deliver an entertaining game of cat-and-mouse.
But for those looking for a tightly-woven, mind-bending heist thriller, Jewel Thief might not fully satisfy. It’s fun, flashy, and stylish—but not flawless.
With its OTT debut, Jewel Thief is likely to find an audience that enjoys sleek thrillers with charismatic leads. Whether you end up loving it or finding it forgettable, one thing’s for sure—Saif Ali Khan’s return to form is the real steal.
As more viewers tune in over the weekend, it will be interesting to see if public opinion shifts or if Jewel Thief settles into the polarising niche it currently occupies.