Crew is not just a film; it’s a statement. Directed by Rajesh Krishnan and starring Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon, this 2024 Hindi-language heist comedy breaks new ground by delivering a fresh, female-centric narrative rarely seen in mainstream Bollywood. With its razor-sharp wit, social commentary, and a plot inspired by real-life corporate scandals, Crew stands out as one of the year’s most talked-about releases.

Story & Characters

Geeta Sethi (Tabu), Jasmine Bajwa (Kareena Kapoor Khan), and Divya Rana (Kriti Sanon) are the heart and soul of Crew. All three are air hostesses working for the fictional Kohinoor Airlines, a clear nod to the infamous Kingfisher Airlines saga. The film’s writers make no attempt to disguise the inspiration, even naming the airline’s chairman Vijay Walia thinly veiled reference to Vijay Mallya. When Walia absconds after declaring bankruptcy, he leaves thousands of employees stranded, their livelihoods in jeopardy.

Each protagonist is fighting her own battle:

• Geeta is the responsible, grounded one, running a cloud kitchen with her husband Arun (Kapil Sharma). Their dream is to own a restaurant in Goa, but financial constraints hold them back.

• Jasmine is the glamorous go-getter, always chasing the next big thing. She dreams of launching her own beauty brand but lacks the capital, contenting herself with posing beside luxury cars and handbags she can’t afford. Her only anchor is her loving grandfather.

• Divya is a trained pilot from Haryana who, unable to find work as a pilot, settles for being an air hostess while still paying off her student loans. Her budding romance with customs officer Jaiveer (Diljit Dosanjh) adds a sweet subplot.

The trio’s camaraderie is infectious. Their banter, mutual support, and shared frustrations form the emotional core of the film.

Plot Progression

The narrative kicks into high gear when the women, desperate for financial stability, stumble upon a gold smuggling racket after discovering a dead passenger carrying gold biscuits. What starts as a desperate act quickly spirals into a full-blown heist, with the three navigating a web of lies, law enforcement, and corporate intrigue. The plot is peppered with laugh-out-loud moments, clever set-pieces, and a satirical take on the airline industry’s collapse.

Performances

• Tabu delivers a nuanced performance, balancing vulnerability and strength as Geeta. Her portrayal of a woman torn between ethics and necessity is both relatable and inspiring.

• Kareena Kapoor Khan is in top form as Jasmine, blending sass, humor, and emotional depth. She brings a certain flamboyance to the role, making Jasmine’s ambitions and insecurities feel genuine.

• Kriti Sanon shines as Divya, capturing the struggles of a young woman burdened by debt and unfulfilled dreams. Her comic timing and earnestness are standout features.

Supporting actors, including Diljit Dosanjh and Kapil Sharma, add layers of humor and warmth. Saswata Chatterjee as Vijay Walia is a scene-stealer, embodying the arrogance and flamboyance of a billionaire on the run.

Direction & Screenplay

Rajesh Krishnan’s direction is sharp, maintaining a brisk pace and a light touch. The screenplay is witty, with dialogues that land more often than not. The film’s tone is unapologetically comic, but it never shies away from highlighting the real-world anxieties of job insecurity, corporate greed, and gender bias.

The first half is particularly strong, setting up the characters and their world with flair. The second half, while entertaining, occasionally stretches believability with its over-the-top twists. However, the film’s energy and the chemistry between the leads keep it engaging throughout.

Themes & Social Commentary

Crew is more than just a heist comedy. It’s a commentary on:

• Corporate Exploitation: The plight of airline employees mirrors real-life stories of workers left in the lurch by unscrupulous business tycoons.

• Gender Stereotypes: The film subverts traditional gender roles, placing women at the center of a high-stakes heist, a genre usually dominated by men.

• Female Solidarity: The friendship and loyalty among the three leads are a refreshing change from the typical portrayal of women as rivals.

• Aspirations and Realities: Each protagonist represents a different facet of the modern Indian woman, juggling dreams, responsibilities, and societal expectations.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography: The visuals are slick, capturing the opulence of the airline world and the chaos of the heist with equal flair.

• Production Design: Lavish sets, stylish costumes, and attention to detail elevate the film’s aesthetic appeal.

• Music: The soundtrack is peppy, featuring remixed classics and original tracks that complement the film’s energetic vibe.

• Editing: The film maintains a tight runtime, though the climax could have benefited from a more measured buildup.

Box Office Collection

Crew has not only won hearts but also set the box office on fire, especially for a female-led film. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its performance week by week in India:

• India Gross: Approximately ₹96.35 crore

• Overseas Gross: Around ₹55 crore

• Worldwide Gross: Estimated ₹151.35 crore

The film crossed the ₹75 crore mark in India within four weeks, and its worldwide gross surpassed ₹150 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing female-led Hindi films ever. Its performance in North America and other overseas markets has been particularly impressive, contributing significantly to the total gross.

Reception

Crew opened to mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised the performances of the lead trio and the film’s humor, though some felt the plot lacked the cleverness and depth of classic heist comedies. Audiences, however, have embraced the film’s breezy tone, stylish execution, and empowering message.

Many appreciated how the film blends entertainment with social relevance, highlighting issues like corporate fraud and gender bias without becoming preachy. The chemistry among the leads was often cited as the film’s biggest strength.

Comparison with Similar Films

Crew stands out for blending the heist genre with relatable social themes and for its unapologetic focus on female agency.

Strengths

• Stellar Lead Performances: Tabu, Kareena, and Kriti deliver career-best turns.

• Chemistry: The camaraderie between the leads is palpable and drives the film.

• Humor: The film is genuinely funny, with sharp dialogue and situational comedy.

• Glamour: Stylish costumes and sets add to the film’s appeal.

• Social Relevance: Tackles issues like corporate fraud, job insecurity, and gender bias.

Weaknesses

• Second-Half Dip: The plot becomes a bit far-fetched and loses some steam.

• Heist Elements: Lacks the intricate planning and twists of classic heist films.

• Supporting Characters: Some supporting roles are underdeveloped.

• Predictability: The resolution is somewhat predictable and convenient.

Cultural Impact

Crew is significant for its portrayal of women as flawed, ambitious, and resourceful human beings. It challenges the notion that only men can lead high-stakes, action-packed narratives. The film’s commercial success is likely to pave the way for more female-centric stories in Bollywood, encouraging filmmakers to explore diverse narratives that break traditional molds.

Final Verdict

Crew is a breath of fresh air in the Bollywood landscape stylish, witty, and empowering comedy that proves women can lead blockbusters just as well as men. While it may not be the most original heist film, its heart, humor, and performances make it a must-watch.

Rating: 3.5/5

Box Office Summary

• India Net Collection: Approximately ₹81.7 crore

• India Gross Collection: Around ₹96.35 crore

• Overseas Gross: Approximately ₹55 crore

• Worldwide Gross: Estimated ₹151.35 crore

Crew has set a new benchmark for female-led Hindi films, both in terms of box office performance and cultural impact.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a film that combines humor, glamour, and a dash of social commentary, Crew is your ticket. It’s a rollercoaster ride that entertains, inspires, and leaves you rooting for its unforgettable trio. Whether you’re a fan of heist comedies or simply want to see Bollywood’s leading ladies at their best, Crew is well worth your time.

Note: All box office figures are based on industry estimates and may vary slightly.