It’s about time Bollywood filmmakers rid themselves of their old and outdated mindset where even a suspense thriller needs to be crowded with the usual romantic mush and sedating song and dance. It takes a daring filmmaker to tread an unusual path; alas, director Deepak Tijori doesn’t show that dare.

Deepak Tijori thankfully abstains from any sleaze in his new movie Fox. The thriller is about a sharp but dishonest criminal lawyer Arjun (Rampal) who makes a career out of defending bad guys. A conscience attack makes him re priorities his life and Arjun decides to take a break.

During his break, he lands upon a dead lawyer’s manuscript. Arjun releases the copy in his own name and the manuscript turns into an overnight bestseller. Trouble begins when a cop (Sunny Deol) frames Arjun for murder, based on clues in the manuscript. Arjun of course has to prove his innocence against a manuscript that doesn’t even belong to him.

Fox picks up an appealing but deliberately puzzling subject. Deepak Tijori weaves in too many characters and forced twists to keep the audience perplexed. Unluckily his execution lacks bite. Most of the sequences flow in a sluggish manner. After a fast paced start, the film slips into a long love triangle. Sunny’s impressive entry at the interval point increases expectations. But none of mystery elements add up to a truly fascinating climax.

What makes Fox slightly engaging is Arjun Rampal and Sagarika Ghtage's chemistry. The two somehow manage to rise above the dull proceedings. Rampal is enjoying acting these days so even his wooden expressions really work. Ghatge deserved a better dubbing artist, but has a pleasing screen presence. All she needs is truly exciting role in a lavish movie. Udita Gowswami provides some of the liveliness factor. However her role adds no meat to the subject. Deol tries hard to rise above a unclear character and is saddled with ordinary dialogues.

Despite some erratic camera movements, Tijori shows a liking for thrillers in his shot taking. Next time he needs a superior screenplay.

Fox has its thrilling moments but is too slow to make an impact. Overall It’s an average film.