IB 71 is about a fascinating lesser known chapter of Indian history. The plot is quite promising and some scenes are shot in a commercial manner. But the biggest issue with the film is the first half. It’s too confusing and one doesn’t really get what exactly is happening and why. The angle of a 17-year-old militant, very crucial to the film, is also bewildering and later this track gets sidelined. The second half thankfully is better and a few massy and clapworthy scenes save the day. But when the base is not strong, the impact is sadly minimal. Speaking of performances, Vidyut Jammwal gives his best. His entry scene is quite good. Vishal Jethwa is terrific and repeats his Mardaani 2 act. But his track is not well fleshed out. Anupam Kher is sincere though his screen time is limited. Dalip Tahil looks damn good as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto but is wasted. Ashwath Bhatt (ISI chief Afsal Agha) and Hobby Dhaliwal (General Abdul Hamid Khan) leave a huge mark. Niharica Raizada, Bijay Anand (co-pilot) and Suvrat (Sangram) are quite good in supporting roles. All in all, IB 71 could have been another Baby, Parmanu or Raazi but ends up being an average fare due to its weak first half.
My rating – ** ½ out of 5!