April 25 is set to be a big day for Netflix India subscribers, as they’ll get to witness an epic showdown between two prominent and highly anticipated releases: Jewel Thief, starring Saif Ali Khan, and Havoc, led by Tom Hardy. Which of these movies will emerge victorious in this OTT face-off?
Jewel Thief marks Saif Ali Khan’s next major project with Netflix following the popular Sacred Games series. The plot revolves around a skilled jewel thief who is contracted by a formidable crime boss to steal the highly coveted African Red Sun diamond. However, his meticulously crafted plan goes awry, setting off a chaotic chain of surprises, shifting loyalties, and a dangerous pursuit filled with deception and betrayal.
Joining Khan are Jaideep Ahlawat, Nikita Dutta, and Kunal Kapoor in this upcoming heist thriller, directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal. War and Pathaan fame Siddharth Anand has co-produced the project with Mamta Anand under the Marflix Pictures banner.
The buzz around Jewel Thief is currently low, mainly due to the lack of promotional and marketing efforts by the makers and Netflix. This scenario certainly puts more pressure on the film to meet audience expectations, as much depends on how the final product is received.
Based on the film’s first teaser (which runs nearly one minute), Jewel Thief appears packed with action, stunt work, and intense fight sequences. With two exceptionally talented actors—Khan and Ahlawat—on board, the film has the potential to perform well.
As for Tom Hardy’s Havoc, the first 20 seconds of its latest trailer are enough to signal that this film is the work of Gareth Evans, the creative mastermind behind the iconic The Raid movies. It looks brutal, violent, bloody, and gritty, with Hardy appearing more menacing and ruthless than ever.
Tom Hardy enjoys a massive global fanbase, including in India. Gareth Evans, too, has cultivated a dedicated following over the years. Their collaboration will likely boost Havoc’s viewership. But the real stars of this film are its action and fight sequences, which look absolutely intense and breathtaking.
Tom Hardy’s Havoc is expected to become the #1 movie on Netflix globally during its first week of release. But will it outshine Saif Ali Khan’s Jewel Thief in India? That seems unlikely—even if Jewel Thief turns out to be underwhelming. Still, Havoc could give it stiff competition in terms of viewership. Stay tuned for more updates.