Indya.com Rating: 3.5/5

Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Zayed Khan, Nikitin Dheer, Shweta Bhardwaj, Shreya Saran, Suniel Shetty, Shabbir Ahluwalia

Direction: Apoorva Lakhia

Apoorva Lakhia’s Mission Istaanbul is the story of a journalist Vikas Sagar (Zayed Khan) who takes up a plush job offer at Al Johra – a news channel head by Ghazini (Nikitin Dheer). A day into his new job the man who is showing him the ropes Owais Khan (Suniel Shetty) is shot in a cross fire leaving Sagar completely confused. Trying to deal with Khan’s death, Vikas finds himself face to face with a man called Rizwan Khan (Vivek Oberoi) who claims that Vikas’ life is in danger. Rizwan tells Vikas that what he doesn’t know is that the terrorists that he is expected to report on are connected to the very man he is working for. In an attempt to figure out what is actually happening, Vikas finds himself getting deeper into trouble with Ghazini and his men for knowing more than he should.

Will he be able to unveil the truth behind Ghazini before the world or will he lose his life just like the men before him who have tried to leave Al Johra?

So is the film worth the trek to the cinema?

Definitely if you are one who loves their films with large doses of action! Director Apoorva Lakhia has definitely pushed the envelope with some brilliant stunts in the film including a shot under water that has been done extremely cleanly. As far as the actors are concerned Nikitin Dheer will definitely find a lot of offers coming his way with this film – in true terms this is the actor’s debut film and not Jodhaa Akbar where we hardly saw the lad’s talent. Suniel Shetty in a special appearance brought in the star power but could have enjoyed a few minutes more on screen for sure! Shweta Bhardwaj does well in her stunts but the fact that she could kick butt in heels leaves me a bit baffled! Shreya Saran on the other hand was a tad disappointing... maybe her role like Suniel's could have been bigger.

As far as the main protagonists are concerned – Zayed and Vivek – both have given stellar performances. But it is Vivek who will stand out more despite lesser time on the screen. Zayed has definitely improved in acting and performance but it will take him a couple more films like Mission Istaanbul to make his presence felt.

All in all Mission Istaanbul will definitely find takers amongst the men considering the hard hitting and bone breaking action. And for the women … well the five men should more than suffice!