Crakk: Jeetagaa Toh Jiyegaa breaks new ground by seamlessly blending heart-pounding action with a captivating exploration of the exhilarating realm of extreme sports, redefining the cinematic experience for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers alike.
Embarking on a pulse-pounding odyssey from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the adrenaline-fueled arenas of Poland’s extreme sports scene, our protagonist is driven by a singular ambition: to seize victory in the championship and pay homage to his departed brother.
Yet, his quest is fraught with peril as he confronts a relentless adversary, navigates treacherous obstacles, and unravels a clandestine plot that could plunge the competition into chaos and danger.
Movie Storyline
Opening with Siddharth ‘Siddhu’ Dixit (played by Vidyut Jammwal) executing electrifying yet perilous stunts atop a roaring Mumbai local train, “Crakk” thrusts viewers into a realm of heart-stopping action. As the adrenaline surges, one can’t help but cringe at the thought of youthful emulation, yet the sequence sets the stage for an exhilarating rollercoaster ride.
Initially, director-writer Aditya Datt delivers on this promise as the narrative shifts to Krakow, Poland, where Siddhu embarks on a perilous journey through the treacherous extreme sports arena, Maidaan, driven not only by the desire to triumph but also to honor the memory of his brother Nihaal (portrayed by Ankit Mohan).
While the film dazzles with visually stunning action set pieces, the trio of Datt, Rehan Khan, and Sarim Momin’s storytelling and screenplay lack depth.
Siddhu’s archetypal underdog narrative, his romance with social media luminary Alia (played by Nora Fatehi), predictable confrontations with the villainous Dev (depicted by Arjun Rampal), and the camaraderie among contestants adhere to a well-worn formula.
Even a subplot involving a cop, Patricia (portrayed by Amy Jackson), on the trail of plutonium smugglers feels like an unnecessary diversion.
CRAKK – Jeetegaa… Toh Jiyegaa narrates the tale of Siddhart Dikshit, known as Siddhu (played by Vidyut Jammwal), a daredevil residing in Mumbai with his parents. Siddhu’s elder brother Nihal perished during an extreme sports event named Maidaan, yet Siddhu remains undeterred, pursuing risky stunts against his parents’ wishes.
Ignoring their pleas, Siddhu sends his stunt videos to Maidaan’s organizer, Dev (Arjun Rampal), who admires his audacity and recruits him for the upcoming edition. Sneaking into Poland with Dev’s aid, Siddhu encounters Alia (Nora Fatehi), an influencer, and sparks fly between them.
As the games commence, Siddhu triumphs, but his victory is overshadowed by Patricia (Amy Jackson), an intelligence official coercing him to spy on Dev’s potential illicit activities in exchange for avoiding deportation. The ensuing events unfold the remainder of the film.
Starcast Performance
Vidyut Jammwal effortlessly embodies his character, exuding a natural coolness while executing death-defying stunts with finesse.
Arjun Rampal delivers a commendable performance, albeit occasionally veering into exaggerated territory in certain scenes.
Nora Fatehi radiates charm and elegance, adding a delightful touch to the film. Amy Jackson’s portrayal is solid, although her Hindi accent may come across as slightly forced at times. Ankit Mohan impresses with his confident portrayal, while Rajendra Shisatkar, Shalaka Pawar, and Bijay Anand provide reliable support.
Jamie Lever leaves a lasting impression with her impactful portrayal of Junaida. Michael Owusu as Zack delivers an acceptable performance. Pooja Sawant and Rukmini Maitra sizzle in the end credit song, adding a captivating flair to the film’s conclusion.
Direction and Production
Despite its narrative shortcomings, “Crakk” shines in its action choreography, skillfully crafted by Kerry Gregg, and breathtaking cinematography, masterfully helmed by Mark Hamilton. From the gritty streets of Mumbai to the dystopian landscapes reminiscent of “Mad Max,” the visuals are undeniably captivating.
The film excels in showcasing daredevil maneuvers that leave audiences gasping and holding their breath. Whether it’s daredevils evading swinging wrecking balls or escaping from deadly hounds, these thrilling sequences are captured with precision and intensity.
However, the relentless onslaught of stunts can sometimes overshadow the plot, detracting from the overall storytelling experience.
Vidyut Jammwal is in top form as the quintessential action hero, effortlessly owning the pulse-pounding sequences and embodying the essence of Mumbai slang, although his portrayal of a lower-middle-class character may not be entirely convincing.
Arjun Rampal brings a palpable sense of menace to the role of the villainous Dev, showcasing his brawn and stunt prowess with ample opportunity. Nora Fatehi delivers a passable performance in her limited role, demonstrating proficiency in her action sequences.
Ankit Mohan impresses with his physical presence and holds his own in the action department. Amy Jackson delivers a serviceable performance, contributing to the ensemble cast’s dynamic.
Music and Visual Effects
The music in “Crakk” is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, with the title track standing out as particularly catchy. However, tracks like ‘Jeena Haraam’ and ‘Khayal Rakhna’ fail to leave a lasting impression.
‘Rom Rom,’ though played during the end credits, feels somewhat out of place but manages to make an impact. Vikram Montrose’s background score effectively heightens the excitement throughout the film. Mark Hamilton’s cinematography sets a benchmark, matching international standards with its stunning visuals.
The ensemble of action choreographers including Federico Cueva, Kerry Gregg, Dr. K. Ravi Verma, Cyril Raffaelli, Dawid Szatarski, Raj Shinde, Sunil Rodrigues, and Vikram Dahiya deliver the standout moments of the film, showcasing thrilling sequences that elevate the viewing experience. The costume design by Somya Chauhan, Gabriella Demetriades, Trushala Nayak, and Anushka Tugnait adds a stylish flair to the characters.
Juhi Talmaki’s production design is functional, effectively creating the necessary settings for the narrative. However, the VFX falls short, appearing tacky and lacking refinement.
Sandeep Kurup’s editing feels loose, resulting in a film that could benefit from being shorter by 20-30 minutes. Despite its flaws, “Crakk” excels in its action sequences and visual appeal, offering an adrenaline-fueled experience for viewers.
Yomovies Conclusion
“Crakk: Jeetagaa Toh Jiyegaa” delivers a thrilling ride packed with adrenaline-pumping action, providing audiences with a captivating glimpse into the exhilarating world of extreme sports on the grand scale of the big screen.
However, the film’s heavy reliance on predictable tropes and a somewhat underwhelming storyline may leave viewers craving a more substantial narrative experience.
Despite its shortcomings, “Crakk” still manages to deliver heart-pounding excitement and visual spectacle, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of action-packed cinema.
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