Phantom, the latest film by Kabir Khan ( of the recent blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijan fame) has the tag line “ a story you wish were true”.
I would like to suggest an alternate one: “a film you wish wasn’t made.”

Sadly Phantom is no where near “Munich”. Recall Steven Spielberg’s copiously researched masterful film about Israel’s Mossad and the Munich Olympics killings. Nor is it anywhere near Zero Dark Thirty. Long way to go, Kabir Khan.

I think Phantom is a film that actually cocks a snook at India. Makes fun of the fact that there has been no retribution for the horrific 26/11 terrorist attacks and that the perpetrators haven’t been brought to justice.

It takes us on a fantasy ride showing us how each of the culprits is dealt with ( wasted) and expects us to clap, only to promptly end by declaring that none have been!
Had Phantom attempted to debate the nuances of India’s lack of political will, rejection of vigilante justice, or failure and non co-opertionn of some Nations, it would have been worthwhile. Phantom is empty calories….tastes good while it lasts and does little else.
The film casts Saif Khan and Katrina Kaif. When the casting is all wrong, performances are already condemned. You have to feel sorry for the flak that the two stars are getting.
Lastly, the film suffers from what I call “ the Bollylogic” … which basically means that all scenes don’t need be logical. Standalone they be, but arent as apart of the whole. So basically any logic that takes the film forward is acceptable. And ironically the film therefore gets nowhere.

Kabir Khan, after Kabul Express, New York, Ek Tha Tiger, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and now Phantom perhaps its time for some variety? Or at least a textured treatment of the topics?
Grow up Bollywood.

( PS The poster shows the best way to view the film)