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Khakee (2004) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Khakee
HIT

Khakee(2004)

Hindi · Action, Crime, Drama

3h 0m · 23 Jan 2004

Music: Ram Sampath | DOP: K. V. Anand | Writer: Ranjit Kapoor, Shridhar Raghavan, Rajkumar Santoshi

Action

Ratings

Deccan ChronicleDeccan ChronicleAI3.5
FirstpostFirstpostAI3.75
Hindustan TimesHindustan TimesAI3.5
Times of IndiaTimes of IndiaAI3.75
Bollywood HungamaBollywood HungamaAI3.5

Our Rating

3.25

📖 Story

Khakee is a gripping action thriller revolving around a police team assigned to escort a dangerous criminal from a small town to Mumbai. The story unfolds with multiple twists involving betrayal, moral dilemmas, and intense confrontations. The narrative explores themes of duty, honor, and the thin line between good and evil, culminating in a high-stakes climax that tests the protagonists' resolve.

🔍 Analysis

Khakee delivers a taut and engaging narrative with a well-structured screenplay that balances action and drama effectively. The story is compelling, with a strong first half that sets up the characters and their motivations clearly, while the second half escalates the tension with thrilling sequences and unexpected twists.

The pacing is generally brisk, maintaining audience interest throughout, though some moments in the middle could have been tighter. The film’s music, composed by Ram Sampath, complements the mood without overpowering the scenes, and the background score enhances the suspense and emotional beats effectively.

Songs are used sparingly, fitting naturally into the narrative without disrupting the flow, which is a strength for a thriller of this nature. Cinematography by K. V. Anand captures both the gritty and scenic aspects of the film’s settings, adding visual depth to the storytelling.

🎭 Performances

Amitabh Bachchan: Commanding and nuanced, delivering a strong presence as the senior police officer.

Akshay Kumar: Energetic and intense, effectively portraying a determined and morally upright cop.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Subtle and restrained, providing emotional depth to her character.

Ajay Devgn: Powerful and menacing, convincingly playing the antagonist with layered menace.

Tusshar Kapoor: Supportive role with earnestness, adding to the team dynamic.

Atul Kulkarni: Strong supporting role, adding credibility and intensity.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Strong ensemble cast performances
  • Engaging and well-paced screenplay
  • Effective background score enhancing suspense
  • Tightly woven narrative with impactful twists
  • Cinematography capturing mood and tone

Weaknesses

  • Some pacing issues in the mid-section
  • Limited use of songs might not appeal to all audiences
  • Certain character arcs could have been explored more deeply

🎬 Direction & Writing

Rajkumar Santoshi’s direction is confident and assured, successfully blending action and drama while maintaining narrative clarity. His writing delivers a layered story with moral complexity and well-defined characters, making Khakee a memorable thriller.

🛠️ Technical Aspects
  • - Direction
  • - Screenplay
  • - Cinematography
  • - Music Direction
  • - Background Score
  • - Editing

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IBTimesIBTimes
3.50 / 5
Times of IndiaTimes of India
3.75 / 5
Deccan ChronicleDeccan Chronicle
3.50 / 5
Hindustan TimesHindustan Times
3.50 / 5
FirstpostFirstpost
3.75 / 5
Bollywood HungamaBollywood Hungama
3.50 / 5

Our Rating

3.25/5

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive70%
Neutral20%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics praised Khakee for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and technical finesse. The film was lauded for its mature handling of the thriller genre and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Some reviewers noted minor pacing issues but overall regarded it as a well-crafted and entertaining film.

Final Box-Office Result

HIT

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Khakee release in theatres?

Khakee released on 23 January 2004 (2004).

Is Khakee a hit or flop?

Khakee is declared a HIT at the box office.

What is the budget of Khakee?

Budget of Khakee is approximately ₹587877 Crore.

Where to watch Khakee online? OTT release date?

Khakee is available on Prime Video, Saina Play, Jio Cinema, Epic ON, YouTube, iTunes, YouTube. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Khakee?

Khakee directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Produced by Keshu Ramsay.

Who are the main cast members of Khakee?

Khakee stars Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Tusshar Kapoor.

What is the Tollybo rating for Khakee?

Tollybo rates Khakee 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.

Who composed the music for Khakee?

Music for Khakee composed by Ram Sampath.

What is the genre and runtime of Khakee?

Khakee — Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Runtime: 180 minutes, Language: Hindi.

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