DIVYA DELHI : Ayushmann Khurrana’s latest film ‘Udta Teer’ attempts to bring a quirky, irreverent flavour to the spy-comedy genre, but the result is an uneven ride that struggles to achieve the comic energy it aims for. In an era where larger-than-life action entertainers such as Dhurandhar have raised expectations for spectacle and scale, the film takes a deliberately lighter and more eccentric route. Khurrana embraces the opportunity to play a character that is far removed from his usual grounded roles. His comic timing and screen presence remain among the film’s stronger elements, particularly in scenes that allow him to lean into the absurdity of the situation. However, the screenplay does not always provide enough consistently sharp material to support his performance. The film clearly draws inspiration from the outrageous spy-spoof tradition associated with ‘Austin Powers’, mixing action, humour and exaggerated characters. While some sequences manage to generate laughs, the jokes can feel predictable and the pacing occasionally loses momentum. The film’s attempt to balance parody with conventional Bollywood storytelling also results in an inconsistent tone. Overall, ‘Udta Teer’ has an interesting premise and a committed performance from Ayushmann Khurrana, but it does not fully capture the wild, fearless comic spirit it appears to be chasing. It may appeal to viewers looking for a lighter spy entertainer, though fans expecting the uninhibited madness of Austin Powers could find it underwhelming.
