Tabu-Vishal Bhardwaj duo returns with spy thriller ‘Khufiya’

Tabu and Vishal Bhardwaj's onscreen partnership boasts a history spanning two decades. It all began with the 2003 gangster drama "Maqbool," in which Tabu starred alongside Irrfan Khan.

Their collaboration continued with the 2014 crime drama "Haider", where Tabu portrayed the mother of the titular character, Haider, played by Shahid Kapoor.

Recently, Tabu and Vishal Bhardwaj have reunited again for the spy thriller "Khufiya".

"Khufiya" also marks the Bollywood debut of Bangladeshi popular actress Azmeri Haque Badhon.

Photo: Collected

Earlier in September 2021, Badhon went to Mumbai for the look test of the web-film, directed by Vishal Bharadwaj. Later, in October of that year, she started shooting in Delhi. 

Regarding her acting experience in the latest production, the "Rehana Maryam Noor" famed actress shared, "While my character in the movie doesn't have extensive screen time, I have shared the majority of my scenes with Tabu."

Photo: Collected

In a clever promotional move, Netflix India recently unveiled the release date through an Instagram promo. The video teaser features Tabu in her role as a spy, urging her colleague to scrutinise CCTV footage captured by a covert camera. As they zoom in, a mysterious character labelled "khufiya" transmits a confidential message through a fax machine. The revelation lies within the fax paper itself, boldly displaying the film's release date– October 5.

Accompanying the promo, Netflix India's caption cryptically stated, "Kuch raaz, raaz hi rahe to behtar hai (Some secrets are better kept as secrets). But not this one (eyes emoji)."

Photo: Collected

When asked about the secret behind their explosive onscreen chemistry during the teaser launch of "Khufiya" last year, Vishal Bhardwaj candidly replied, "It's love".

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"Khufiya" is a neo-noir spy thriller adapted from Amar Bhushan's espionage novel, "Escape to Nowhere". Besides Tabu and Vishal, the film features a stellar cast, including Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Ashish Vidyarthi. 

Notably, Wamiqa previously collaborated with Vishal in his Prime Video India anthology project, "Modern Love Mumbai", last year, as well as in his short film earlier this year, "Fursat", alongside Ishaan Khatter.

"Khufiya" is set to release on Netflix on October 5.