Kunal Kapoor has responded to the criticism surrounding his Netflix film Jewel Thief, defending the thriller and emphasizing the hard work and sincere intentions behind it. Speaking in an interview with Hindustan Times, the actor acknowledged the film’s mixed reviews, but maintained that it delivered on its promise of entertainment.
The film, which stars Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta, and Kapoor himself, has been the subject of debate since its release, with some praising the performances while others criticized its plot and execution. However, Kapoor urged audiences to watch it with an open mind, saying,
“You would obviously want the film to land 100 per cent. That is the most important thing, of course, because if people enjoy the film, they enjoy your work.”
He further explained the film’s intent, saying it wasn’t meant to be profound or revolutionary:
“It was supposed to be fun and have enough surprises to keep you engaged... It was never supposed to be this profound thing that changes your opinion about the world. It was supposed to be a fun ride, and it has delivered on that.”
On why he signed the project, Kunal shared that the opportunity to try something new was his main motivation. He remarked,
“It was multiple things starting with a chance to do something I haven't done before. That's the most important thing for an actor... Sometimes a smaller part can make more of an impact if it surprises people.”
In contrast, the film has faced harsh criticism from several reviewers. India Today, for instance, panned its disjointed plot and lack of chemistry between leads, writing:
“It almost seems like after a point, everyone gives up, introduces their own twists in the narrative, and simply rushes to end the film... The chemistry between Saif and Nikita looks dry. Top it up with probably the most out-of-place lip kiss in the history of Bollywood and you get a pairing that is absolutely unsellable.”
Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, Jewel Thief is currently streaming on Netflix. Despite the polarised reception, Kunal Kapoor’s comments reflect the cast and crew’s commitment to delivering an engaging thriller, even if the final product has sparked divided opinions.
