An out-and-out vanity project that takes itself far too seriously, Surkhaab lacks the strength to go all the way either to become a masala thriller or to blossom into an insightful take on the exploitation of immigrants. Because it wants to do both, it ends up doing neither.

Surkhaab is extremely relevant and a poignant tale of survival that deserves to be seen.

Surkhaab is perhaps one of the finest examples of those small budget films which start with a good intention of dealing with a relevant issue, but then fall into the trap of making it ‘safe’ to ensure a box office hit.

A cross-over film which has its moments, but is bogged down by its screenplay and acting.

Many Indians leave in search of a better life, convinced that a dollarwielding pauper is more respectable than a rupee-wielding pauper.

Surkhaab exposes their naivety, albeit with dignity, despite an awry third act that threatens to dilute the strength of its hero. As a frustrated Kuldeep wryly notes, Jeet eventually lives up to her name. In a way, this film does too.

The Indo-Canadian co-production promises to be a stirring depiction of the plight of illegal migrants to Canada. It is indeed a tale of survival in the globalised world but the perils and the ensuing threats don’t fall in place naturally. They rather seem manufactured by smart editing.