AK vs AK review: A treat for most part!

AK vs AK

Director: Vikramaditya Motwane

Cast: Anil Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap

Streaming on: Netflix

AK vs AK is where reel merges with real. The two AKs – Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap play semi-fictionalized versions of themselves. Versions often known to the audience through the media (and social media). Years ago, Kashyap wanted to make a film titled Allwyn Kallicharan with Kapoor in the lead. The actor opted out of it. Since then the two AKs have been warring occasionally is what we get to know through the film. Kashyap pitches a new film to Kapoor. Kashyap has abducted Kapoor’s daughter Sonam and wants him to find her without letting anyone else know, including the police. Kashyap plans to record Kapoor’s quest to find his daughter. The camera will continue to roll no matter what, he says.

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This is a tricky film to make. It’s a film within a film. Two celebrated artists play versions of themselves along with some cameos by real life people. Notably a hilarious cameo by Kapoor’s son Harshvardhan. Suspension of disbelief is important in any film; especially, something as unique as this one. The narrative is built with a ticking clock to build tension. But still at the back of the mind you tend to think what could be the potential end.

You know that it’s a proper, bankrolled Bollywood film. It’s not Borat, which is completely alien to you; hence, you’re more likely to believe everything that you see on screen. In AK vs AK, you know these two guys are acting. Didn’t really bother about what’s real and what’s fiction. So, two potential ends came to my mind. One of which was ruled out as soon as the ‘twist’ came. After that, the so far gripping narrative became a matter of time till everything is revealed.

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Kudos to both Kapoor and Kashyap to play these parts with absolute seriousness. Both men have been trolled massively on social media for their films, personal lives, and comments in the media. Haven’t really watched or liked all of their films. But have always admired both for the choices they’ve made in their film careers and their dedication towards their craft.

What’s the takeaway from AK vs AK? No matter what kind of films you like, you must watch this one for a new experience. It’s a treat for the most part. Films about making a film are often interesting. Interestingly, Motwane, the director, has never repeated himself in his entire filmography. AK vs AK may seem Meta or overindulgent for some but one shouldn’t bother much about that. It is streaming on Netflix. Give it a shot.