A Departure from Conventional Heist Comedies
It's been a while since we've seen a female-centric film hit the screens, let alone a Bollywood heist comedy featuring an all-female cast. The genre has typically been dominated by male-led narratives, leaving little room for female characters to shine beyond the sidelines. However, Crew breaks this mold with a refreshing premise and a stellar cast led by Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon.

Directed by Rajesh Krishnan and written by Nidhi Mehra and Mehul Suri, Crew revolves around three cabin crew members – Geeta Sethi, Jasmin Bajwa, and Divya Rana – working for Kohinoor Airlines. Struggling with unpaid salaries and unfulfilled dreams, each woman harbors aspirations beyond their current circumstances. Geeta (portrayed by Tabu) dreams of opening a restaurant in Goa with her partner Arun (played by Kapil Sharma), while Jasmin (Kareena Kapoor Khan) envisions launching her own skincare line. Meanwhile, Divya (Kriti Sanon) longs to become a pilot, a dream hindered by the harsh realities of the industry.

Their lives veer unexpectedly when a colleague, Rajvanshi, meets his demise during a flight, adorned with gold bars fastened to his body. This discovery leads them into the world of smuggling orchestrated by Manoj Mittal, the HR head of Kohinoor Airlines. Faced with mounting troubles, the trio decides to take matters into their own hands and delve into the illicit business. However, their newfound venture is short-lived as an anonymous tip-off exposes their activities, prompting a shift from crime to revenge.

The strength of Crew lies in its exceptional cast, with Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon delivering standout performances. Tabu brings humor and charm to her role as Geeta, while Kareena captivates as the multi-dimensional Jasmin. Kriti Sanon impresses with her nuanced portrayal of Divya, showcasing her versatility as an actress. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, adding depth to their characters' interactions.

Supporting performances from Diljit Dosanjh, Kapil Sharma, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda further enhance the film's appeal. Despite their limited screen time, each actor leaves a lasting impression, contributing to the overall richness of the narrative. However, the film falters in its pacing, particularly in the first half, where the plot feels drawn out and disjointed. The constant shifts between past and present detract from the overall cohesiveness of the story, leaving audiences feeling disconnected at times.

Additionally, while the characters are endearing, their backgrounds remain largely unexplored, leaving untapped potential in their development. The music fails to leave a lasting impact, and the comedy, though present, feels overshadowed by the weightier themes at play. Rajesh Sharma and Saswata Chatterjee's characters, while well-performed, fail to add significant value to the narrative, hinting at missed opportunities for their inclusion.

In conclusion, Crew offers a refreshing take on the heist comedy genre, driven by a strong female-led ensemble and a compelling storyline. While it may stumble in its execution at times, the film ultimately delivers an entertaining and heartfelt experience that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.