‘Vibe’ Movie Review: Kunal Kemmu’s Spy Comedy Delivers Big Laughs Despite Second-Half Stumble

Kunal Kemmu’s latest directorial venture, Vibe, has hit theatres, drawing a mixed-to-positive response from film critics. The action-comedy spy film, which Kemmu also wrote and stars in alongside Sparsh Shrivastava and Preity Zinta, follows two ordinary, hopelessly unprepared friends who inadvertently stumble into a high-stakes national security operation. Early reviews highlight the project's self-aware humour and strong performance ensemble, though critics note that an overstuffed second half prevents it from fully reaching its potential. ‘Vibe’: Kunal Kemmu’s Upcoming Directorial Starring Preity Zinta Gets a Release Date (View First Look Poster).

‘Vibe’ Movie Review

Critical consensus largely praises the film's refusal to take the espionage genre too seriously. Kemmu’s direction leans heavily into situational comedy, relying on awkward character dynamics and absurd escalations rather than standard spy tropes. Reviewers particularly commend the lead dynamic between Kemmu and Shrivastava, citing their comedic timing and grounded rapport as the narrative's central anchor. Preity Zinta’s turn as senior intelligence officer Madam H has also received favourable mentions for offering a sharp, composed counterweight to the chaotic protagonists.

Watch the Trailer of ‘Vibe’:

However, multiple reviewers point to pacing issues and screenplay clutter as notable drawbacks. While the first half wins points for its lighthearted rhythm and effective one-liners, critics argue that the narrative falters when the setting shifts abroad. The second half attempts to juggle broader geopolitical stakes, action sequences, and convoluted plot twists, leading to a climax that some writers felt was overly dramatic and repetitive compared to its promising setup.

Hindustan Times: "Overall, VIBE starts off with exactly the kind of madness you want from a film like this. It is funny and doesn’t seem too bothered about following the usual rules initially. Kunal Kemmu and Sparsh Shrivastava make for an entertaining pair, and the first half has enough laughs. It is in the second half that the film loses some of that easy charm, as the story starts adding layers and twists nobody really asked for."

Bollywood Hungama: "On the whole, VIBE works due to Kunal Kemmu’s strong command over humour, several hilarious one-liners and entertaining performances. Though the film loses steam in the second half and the villain track feels routine, it has enough madcap moments to keep viewers amused. At the box office, its urban appeal and youth-friendly humour should help it find its target audience."

NDTV: "Vibe is Kemmu's film all the way, but it belongs more to the actor than the director. His performance packs all the madness that the role demands. Sparsh Shrivastava, playing the relatively quieter of the two roles, gets the pitch of the character just right. He is neither too obtrusive nor too withdrawn. Vibe isn't deliriously funny, certainly not in the way that Madgaon Express was. But it has just enough steam to keep rolling without letting the missteps get in the way of the vibes that it wants to transmit."

Times of India: "If you’re looking for a laugh riot driven by good performances and unabashed silliness, this one will match your vibe. The comedy begins even before the opening credits roll, as two voices discuss the special thanks and the seemingly endless list of partners, and keeps popping up right until the end."

More About ‘Vibe’

Marking Kemmu’s second directorial effort following his 2024 hit Madgaon Express, Vibe represents a significant scale-up in production for the actor-filmmaker. The film's ensemble cast also features debutante Vanshika Dhir alongside veteran actors Sharmila Tagore, Yashpal Sharma, and Dinesh Lal Yadav in supporting roles. Who Are the 18 Members of Newly-Formed CBFC?.

With a runtime of nearly two and a half hours, the project blends buddy-comedy elements with homage to classic Bollywood cinema. Industry analysts expect the film's box-office trajectory to depend heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations from audiences seeking a lighthearted theatrical entertainer.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2026 05:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).