Review: Udta Teer: Ayushmann Khurrana’s Spy Comedy Hits the Target with Humour and Patriotism!
The success of espionage dramas and spy thrillers has made the genre an exciting space for Bollywood, with filmmakers experimenting with action, suspense, patriotism and unconventional storytelling. Films like Dhurandhar have demonstrated the audience’s appetite for stories revolving around intelligence operations, national security and larger-than-life missions. Riding this wave, Udta Teer, directed by Akash A. Kaushik, takes a decidedly different route by combining espionage with comedy and satire. Instead of presenting a conventional, deadly serious spy, the film builds its narrative around mistaken identity, memory loss and a series of unexpected situations. Its attempt to make patriotism entertaining without completely abandoning the thrills of a spy adventure gives it an interesting premise, although balancing humour with the seriousness of national security proves challenging at times.
The story centres on Bilal, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, a Pakistani spy who suffers memory loss and begins believing that he is Vikrant Thapar, an Indian counter-terrorism operative. This unexpected identity crisis turns him into an unwitting disruptor of terrorist networks, triggering a chain of misunderstandings, comic encounters and dangerous situations. Sara Ali Khan plays Yamini, wife of Vikramt, while Rahul Bose, the late Mukul Dev, Ram Kapoor and Gulshan Grover add to the ensemble. The screenplay offers several amusing situations, witty exchanges and unexpected twists, with the first half maintaining a lively pace. However, the narrative occasionally becomes uneven in the second half, particularly when it shifts between slapstick comedy, emotional drama and patriotic fervour. Some situations demand that viewers suspend disbelief, but the situational humour compensates for these shortcomings in parts.
Ayushmann is the film’s biggest asset, bringing his characteristic spontaneity and impeccable comic timing to a character caught between two identities. His understated performance makes Bilal’s confusion entertaining without turning every scene into exaggerated comedy. Rahul Bose surprises with his humorous portrayal, while late Mukul Dev makes a memorable impression with his comic timing and distinctive screen presence. Sara Ali Khan looks appealing, although her character could have been explored more substantially. Akash A. Kaushik’s direction deserves credit for attempting a fresh combination of espionage, satire and patriotism, while the dialogues and situational gags generate some genuine laughs. Sachin-Jigar’s music and the background score contribute to the film’s entertaining mood, though tighter editing would have helped maintain the momentum.
Ultimately, Udta Teer is an unconventional spy comedy that prioritises entertainment over realism.
Rating: ***
By Keerti Kadam