Watch Drive

"Drive" is a 2019 Indian action-thriller film, helmed by the director Tarun Mansukhani and bankrolled by Karan Johar under his production house Dharma Productions. The movie is an official Bollywood remake of the Hollywood hit of the same name and brings its own spin to the tale with a story steeped in high-octane action sequences, sleek cars, and the thrill of heists. It marks the first installment in a planned franchise and ventures into a genre that combines the adrenaline of racing with the intrigue of a crime caper.

Headlining the film are Sushant Singh Rajput and Jacqueline Fernandez, who bring their charm and chemistry to this fast-paced thriller. The actors take on roles that challenge their conventional film personas and present them in a light quite unfamiliar to their fans.

Sushant Singh Rajput plays the role of Sam, a street-smart and enigmatic racer with an elusive past. His charisma and skills behind the wheel are unmatched, making him a formidable presence on and off the racetrack. Sushant's character encapsulates the ethos of the anti-hero, where his motivations and the choices he makes keep the audience guessing about his true intentions.

Jacqueline Fernandez portrays Tara, a talented and ambitious racecar driver who shares more than just a love for the road with Sam. She is fierce, independent, and not afraid to play in a male-dominated arena. Jacqueline's character adds not only a sense of glamour to the movie but also displays a strength and acumen in a high-stakes environment.

Vikramjeet Virk supports the main cast as Bikki, a member of an elite racing syndicate with questionable morals and a penchant for luxury. His portrayal adds another layer of depth to the story as it unfurls, with the characters’ lives interweaving to create a complex tapestry of alliances and betrayals.

The movie's narrative revolves around a grandiose heist that is as audacious as it is meticulously planned. The central story arc deals with an infamous gang of street racers who double as skilled thieves. This group, led by Sam, targets the impenetrable vault of the Reserve Bank of India. What calls for curiosity is their motivation – whether it is mere monetary gain or a deeper cause that propels them towards such a risky undertaking.

The stakes are exceptionally high, and the team must navigate a maze of obstacles that include not only the technological fortifications of the vault but also the law enforcement lead by a determined cop who is hell-bent on taking them down. The cat-and-mouse game that ensues is fraught with sharp twists and turns that keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

The screenplay of "Drive" interlaces thrills with a subtle undercurrent of romance. The relationship between Sam and Tara adds a human element to the high-velocity narrative. Their bond is tested by the events that unfold, and it deepens their character arcs, allowing the audience to invest more emotionally in their journey.

"Drive" is as much about the visual experience as it is about the storyline. The film features an impressive array of racing sequences and stunt work that showcase the prowess of modern filmmaking. The camera work is slick, capturing the essence of the racetrack's excitement and the breakneck pace of the heist. Enhanced by a dynamic background score, the movie tries to immerse its audience in a world that is at once exhilarating and dangerous.

Another hallmark of the film is its use of exotic locations and set pieces that range from the plush landscapes of Israel to the urban sprawls of Delhi. These backdrops provide a vibrant canvas for the unfolding action and lend an international feel to the movie.

The ensemble cast contributing to the film includes a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces, each bringing their own flair to the ensemble. They populate the world of "Drive" with characters that are diverse, colorful, and integral to propelling the plot forward.

In terms of its genre, "Drive" takes inspiration from various Hollywood heist and action films but tries to localize the trope for the Indian audience with Bollywood’s signature drama and flair. The film does not shy away from the use of dance and song sequences, which are choreographed to meld seamlessly with the tempo of the narrative, adding to its entertainment quotient without detracting from the action.

While "Drive" is ambitious in its scope to fuse elements of grand theft auto with Bollywood style, it is ultimately a story about pursuit – the pursuit of thrill, of justice, and of personal agendas. It offers a mix of entertainment and suspense, targeting movie-goers who enjoy action-packed stories with an added gloss of high-end extravagance.

Drive is a 2019 action movie. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.2.