Nowadays, Terrorism has become a hot issue. Every director wants to make movies/documentaries/short films that expose the ghastly face and effects of terrorism. Apoorva Lakhia follows that path as well in MISSION ISTAANBUL.

In MISSION ISTAANBUL, there's an Osama carbon copy, bunkers in Afghanistan where he is apparently hiding, also a TV channel that telecasts special footage from the terrorists [Al Johara in movie], a George Bush mirror image… Lakhia seems to have integrated snippets and vignettes from real-life to celluloid in an effort to make the goings-on applicable and authentic.

But, somewhere in between, the fight against terrorism becomes too Bollywoodish as the two heroes abolish an entire army of terrorists and put an end to the evil activities of a TV channel. And that's difficult to swallow!

Perhaps, Lakhia's intentions are correct, to make a hard-hitting film that marries realism and fiction beautifully, but the script indulges in too many cinematic liberties and that's precisely why MISSION ISTAANBUL goes off target.
However, lovers of action fares are in for a treat, since the stunts, action and chase sequences in MISSION ISTAANBUL are truly appealing. Sure, a few sequences aren't for the timid, but you can't help but put your hands together for these sequences and the men behind those dangerous stunts.

All said, MISSION ISTAANBUL goes off mark!

Vikas (Zayed Khan) is one of the most promising journalists in the country. Owais (Suniel Shetty), who heads a controversial Istanbul-based news channel Al Johara, makes him an offer to head the channel. This offer comes at a time when Vikas is undergoing a divorce with his wife Anjali (Shriya Saran).

But little does Vikas know that the decision will change his life forever. Owais is killed and Turkish commando Rizwan (Vivek Oberoi) tells Vikas that if he decides to quit as well, he would be bumped off as well. In a place where the gun has the last laugh, will a journalist survive or will he fall prey like many others?

MISSION ISTAANBUL unravels at a feverish pace and that's most important for a adventure movie. The story travels from India to Turkey to Afghanistan to Turkey again, in the very first hour. The characters are well established, the writing is laced with incidents that seem straight out of newspapers. Coupled with Lakhia's implementation, top-notch cinematography and fashionable action, the film begins to grow as reel after reel unspools.

But, unfortunately, the film goes for a toss in the second hour. Things actually idle as the two heroes turn into super-heroes and combat an army of villains on land, sea and air. By the way, they don't get injured even once! Lakhia and writer Suresh Nair seem to have substituted action for content and that's the clearest flaw. In fact, you feel that Lakhia and Nair must've decided to go on a vacation in the second hour, entrusting the responsibility on the stunt directors to conclude the second hour.

There's not much scope for music in the film, but in terms of composition, just one track -- 'Jo Gumshuda' -- is easy on your ears. The Abhishek Bachchan track is such a waste. Even the tune is totally forgettable. Gururaj R.J.'s cinematography is top notch. Action, as mentioned earlier, is the hallmark of the enterprise.

Both Vivek and Zayed come up with proficient performances. Vivek does a excellent job, essaying his part with ease. But why does he sport a smirk on his face most of the times? The director could've avoided that! Zayed is equally charged. In fact, you witness a new Zayed in this film, the transformed confidence shows. Shriya Saran is wasted. Shweta Bhardwaj does well in stunts, but wears one expression all through.

Suniel Shetty is as usual. Nikitin Dheer is effective. First JODHAA AKBAR, now MISSION ISTAANBUL, this boy's going from strength to strength. Shabbir Ahluwalia is another talent that needs to be tapped by filmmakers. He's very good!

On the total, MISSION ISTAANBUL rests on action and only action to salvage the show. But that's not enough.