Common Sense Media Review
By Ishmeet Nagpal
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent cop vs. gangster Bollywood crime drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Vikram Vedha
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In VIKRAM VEDHA, corrupt cop Vikram (Saif Ali Khan) leads a task force to capture notorious gangster Vedha (Hrithik Roshan). In the process he commits 18 extrajudicial killings and stages fake crime scenes. Vedha then hatches a plot to use Vikram to expose police corruption, leading Vikram to the realization that the police, including himself, are as culpable as the criminals.
Is It Any Good?
This Bollywood remake of a Tamil action movie is an enjoyable fare overall, though the constant violence and gore may become unbearable to some. Vikram Vedha's mystery and plot are constructed well and keep the audience on their toes. The songs are forgettable despite actor Roshan's excellent dance moves in "Alcoholia." Radhika Apte shines in an understated but firm performance as main character Vikram's wife Priya. They portray a modern couple grappling with professional conflicts of interest, and live in an egalitarian household that challenges gender roles prevalent in India. Filmmaking duo and real-life couple Pushkar-Gayathri have done an excellent job of writing and directing the film. The reference to the ancient myth of Vikram-Betaal as the string that binds the narrative is an inspired choice. Though the gratuitous violence and gun toting action may seem like the focal point of the film, it's the storytelling and plot twists that keep you hooked.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Vikram Vedha. How did it make you feel? Did it add to the story? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others?
How was drinking, smoking, and drug use depicted? Were they glamorized? Were there consequences? Why does that matter?
The movie has very little female representation. Did you find this problematic? Why, or why not?
What were some of the ethical questions the film raised? How were the police portrayed? Were their actions justified or not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 30, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : May 12, 2023
- Cast : Saif Ali Khan , Hrithik Roshan , Radhika Apte
- Director : Pushkar-Gayathri
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Reliance Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 160 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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