Vibe Movie Review: Kunal Kemmu’s Vibe combines comedy, friendship and espionage to create a different kind of Bollywood spy film. Starring Kunal Kemmu, Sparsh Shrivastava and Preity Zinta, the movie follows two ordinary friends who unexpectedly find themselves involved in a secret intelligence operation.
Released in theatres on 18 September 2026, Vibe has received a mixed response from critics. The film’s humorous first half, performances and unusual take on the spy genre have attracted appreciation, while its second half, screenplay and climax have received more criticism.
Vibe Movie Rating
Based on the reviews considered, Vibe has an average rating of 2.92/5, with a 75% positive score.
| Vibe Movie Review | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Rating | 2.92/5 |
| Positive Reviews | 5 |
| Neutral Reviews | 2 |
| Negative Reviews | 1 |
| Release Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Genre | Comedy / Spy / Action |
| Director | Kunal Kemmu |
| Lead Cast | Kunal Kemmu, Sparsh Shrivastava, Preity Zinta |
The critical response indicates that Vibe works particularly well when it focuses on its comic characters and friendship, while the espionage storyline becomes more conventional as the film progresses.
Vibe Movie Story and Plot
The story revolves around Hardik, played by Kunal Kemmu, and Bhagirath, portrayed by Sparsh Shrivastava. The two are close friends working at the same technology company, living relatively ordinary lives.
Everything changes when Hardik becomes involved with a secret intelligence agency headed by Madam H, played by Preity Zinta.
The agency is investigating a terrorist threat and needs information connected to a planned attack. Hardik’s technological connection eventually brings his friend Bhagirath into the operation as well.
The interesting part is that neither friend appears particularly prepared for the world of espionage. Instead of presenting highly trained spies, Vibe places two inexperienced and often confused characters in situations where precision and discipline are essential.
This unusual setup provides the foundation for much of the movie’s comedy.
Kunal Kemmu’s Performance in Vibe
Kunal Kemmu is one of the film’s central attractions. As Hardik, he combines comic timing with the character’s impulsive personality.
The humour largely comes from Hardik’s reactions to situations that are far beyond his normal life. Rather than turning the character into a conventional action hero, the film allows him to remain flawed, confused and occasionally reckless.
His performance is particularly effective during the comedy-driven portions of the movie. Film Information also highlighted Kemmu’s comic timing and dialogue writing while reviewing the film.
Sparsh Shrivastava’s Performance
Sparsh Shrivastava provides an effective contrast to Kunal Kemmu’s character.
His character Bhagirath is more restrained and technically skilled, which creates an entertaining dynamic between the two friends. Their contrasting personalities become one of the more enjoyable aspects of the film.
The friendship between Hardik and Bhagirath gives Vibe its emotional and comedic centre. Several reviews have noted that the chemistry between the two characters is more engaging when the film allows them to simply interact rather than constantly expanding the spy plot.
Preity Zinta in Vibe
Preity Zinta plays Madam H, the intelligence officer responsible for the operation.
Her character brings authority and seriousness into a story dominated by the chaotic behaviour of the two protagonists. This contrast creates several opportunities for humour.
Preity’s performance has also been noted positively in reviews, with Film Information describing her portrayal as convincing and well-suited to the character.
Vibe First Half Review
The first half appears to be one of the film’s strongest sections.
The movie spends considerable time establishing the friendship between Hardik and Bhagirath and placing them in increasingly absurd situations. The comedy feels more natural when the story focuses on their reactions rather than complicated espionage developments.
Several critics have specifically praised the first half for its humour and energy. Film Information noted that the pre-interval portion contains several effective comic sequences, while Hindustan Times similarly highlighted the strength of the film’s opening half.
The result is a breezy opening that establishes Vibe as a comedy before the story begins moving toward a more serious spy narrative.
Vibe Second Half Review
The second half is where the critical response becomes more divided.
After the interval, the movie gives greater importance to technology, terrorism and the larger espionage mission. This shift changes the tone considerably.
While the story continues to include comic moments, some reviewers felt that the humour becomes less effective once the narrative becomes more complicated. Film Information, for example, observed that the post-interval portion becomes more serious and loses some of the entertainment value found earlier.
India Today also pointed out that the screenplay sometimes introduces too many complications, which can dilute the appeal of the central friendship.
Vibe Movie Review: Comedy and Spy Elements
The most distinctive feature of Vibe is its attempt to combine two different genres.
On one side, the movie is a buddy comedy about two friends who regularly find themselves in trouble. On the other, it is an espionage story involving intelligence agencies, terrorism and national security.
This combination gives the film its identity, but it also creates some tonal challenges.
When the film concentrates on Hardik and Bhagirath, the comedy has room to breathe. When the screenplay focuses heavily on the larger spy mission, the narrative becomes more conventional.
That contrast is one of the main themes running through the critical reviews.
Vibe Direction by Kunal Kemmu
Kunal Kemmu takes on both the lead role and the director’s chair.
His direction gives the movie a distinctly comic personality. Rather than treating espionage entirely as a serious genre, Vibe uses the awkwardness and incompetence of its protagonists as a source of entertainment.
The direction has been appreciated for its technical execution and comic approach, although the transition between the film’s comedic and serious portions has been identified as an area where the movie could have been more consistent.
Music and Technical Aspects
The film’s music contributes to its youthful and playful atmosphere.
Among the songs mentioned positively in the reviews are “Raaton Mein Aana” and “Aisi Meri Vibe.” The background score and cinematography also add to the film’s overall presentation.
The action sequences are designed to complement the comedy rather than turn the movie into a conventional high-octane spy thriller.
What Works in Vibe?
1. Kunal Kemmu’s Comic Timing
Kemmu remains comfortable with comedy, and his performance provides several of the film’s lighter moments.
2. Kunal Kemmu and Sparsh Shrivastava’s Chemistry
The friendship between the two protagonists is one of the film’s most engaging elements.
3. Fresh Approach to the Spy Genre
Instead of presenting espionage as an entirely serious world, Vibe uses comedy to explore what happens when ordinary people become involved in an extraordinary mission.
4. Entertaining First Half
The opening portion establishes the characters effectively and contains several humorous situations.
5. Supporting Cast
Preity Zinta, Vanshika Dhir and other supporting actors add variety to the film’s ensemble. Film Information also noted appearances by actors including Sharmila Tagore, Yashpal Sharma and Dinesh Lal Yadav.
What Doesn’t Work in Vibe?
1. Uneven Second Half
The biggest criticism concerns the tonal and narrative shift after the interval.
2. Overloaded Screenplay
The film sometimes introduces additional twists and complications when the simpler friendship-based comedy is already working.
3. Less Effective Comedy Later
As the story becomes more focused on espionage and terrorism, some of the humour loses the impact it had in the first half.
4. Climax
The climax has also received criticism for not delivering the same level of entertainment established earlier in the movie.
Vibe Critics Review
The critical response to Vibe is varied.
India Today appreciated the film’s distinctive comic voice and the chemistry between its two central characters, while also noting that the screenplay can become overloaded.
Film Information praised the humour, performances and technical aspects but felt that the shift toward a more serious second half reduced the film’s entertainment value.
Hindustan Times similarly highlighted the energy of the first half and the chemistry between Kunal Kemmu and Sparsh Shrivastava, while observing that the film becomes less effective when the spy storyline takes over.
You can read the complete reviews here:
- India Today – Vibe Movie Review
- Film Information – Vibe Review
- Hindustan Times – Vibe Review
- News18 – Vibe Review
- Times Now – Vibe Review
- Rediff – Vibe Review
- Bollywood Bubble – Vibe Review
- Times of India – Vibe Movie Review
Vibe Movie Review: Final Verdict
Vibe is a Bollywood comedy-spy film that stands out because of its unusual combination of humour, friendship and espionage.
The movie is most effective when it focuses on Hardik and Bhagirath and allows their contrasting personalities to drive the comedy. Kunal Kemmu’s comic performance, Sparsh Shrivastava’s natural acting and Preity Zinta’s composed presence give the film a strong cast.
However, the screenplay becomes more complicated after the interval, and the shift from light-hearted comedy to a more serious espionage plot affects the consistency of the film.
With an average rating of 2.92/5 from the reviews considered, Vibe has generated a varied critical response. For audiences interested in a light-hearted spy comedy built around friendship and comic situations, the film offers a different take on the genre.
Vibe Movie Review Rating
Average Rating: 2.92/5
Genre: Comedy / Spy / Action
Release Date: 18 September 2026
Director: Kunal Kemmu
Lead Cast: Kunal Kemmu, Sparsh Shrivastava, Preity Zinta
Language: Hindi