Phantom continues to spark strong reactions years after its release, which in itself says something about the film’s impact. Recent discussions comparing it to Dhurandhar have reopened the debate around whether Phantom was underrated, misunderstood, or simply uneven in execution.
At its core, Phantom aimed to be a grounded, serious spy thriller rather than a glossy, larger-than-life spectacle. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film leaned into real locations, a sombre tone, and morally conflicted characters. Saif Ali Khan’s restrained portrayal of a damaged intelligence operative stood apart from the more flamboyant spy archetypes popular in mainstream Hindi cinema at the time. Katrina Kaif, for many viewers, delivered one of her more credible performances, especially in the film’s emotional moments.
One aspect that received near-universal appreciation is the film’s music. Songs like Afghan Jalebi and Saware remain memorable, with the latter often cited as emotionally effective, particularly toward the climax. The soundtrack helped elevate key scenes and left a lasting impression even on viewers who were otherwise divided about the film.
That said, Phantom was not without its shortcomings. Some viewers felt the screenplay lacked tightness, with certain character motivations—especially the protagonist’s backstory—feeling underdeveloped. The political and intelligence-agency dynamics also drew mixed reactions, with a section of the audience finding them simplistic or implausible. For others, the pacing and subdued approach made the film feel slow rather than intense.
Comparisons with Dhurandhar naturally invite debate. While Dhurandhar is often praised for its sharper narrative focus and stronger tension, Phantom seems to operate in a slightly different space—less intricate, more introspective, and more interested in emotional weight than procedural detail. Whether that makes it “at par” largely depends on what one expects from the genre.
In hindsight, Phantom may not fully succeed in all it set out to do, but it also feels more mature than many of the louder spy films that followed. It sits somewhere between ambition and execution—flawed, but sincere. For viewers interested in a quieter, mood-driven espionage story with strong music and a serious tone, Phantom remains worth revisiting, even if it doesn’t universally earn the same stature as the very best in the genre.
