The much-awaited movie Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins was released on Netflix on April 25, 2025. Following its release, Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins has been receiving mixed reviews. Directed by Robbie Grewal, Kookie Gulati, Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins on Netflix revolves around a gangster named Rajan Aulakh who hires a master thief to steal the Kohinoor of Africa, named "Red Sun". The character of the master thief is called Rehan Roy, played by Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Since you have landed on this page, True Scoop assumes that you have already watched Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins on Netflix and are wondering about the real Kohinoor of Africa. Below is what you need to know-
Is Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins based on true events?
The answer is no. Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins is an original story written by Sumit Arora and directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal. In the movie Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins, gangster turned businessman Rajan Aulakh forces Rehan to come back to India from Budapest and steal an elusive diamond of Africa Red Sun that costs Rs 500 crore in the market. While the story is original, you must know that there is indeed a diamond in Africa that is famously called the 'Kohinoor of Africa'.
Real Life 'Kohinoor of Africa' Cullinan diamond
Famously known as the 'Kohinoor of Africa', the real name of the Red Sun is the Cullinan Diamond. Cullinan Diamond is the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, weighing 3,106 carats (621.20 g), discovered at the Premier No.2 mine in Cullinan, South Africa, on 26 January 1905. It was named after Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine. In April 1905, it was put on sale in London, but despite considerable interest, it was still unsold after two years.
In 1907, the Transvaal Colony government bought the Cullinan, and Prime Minister Louis Botha presented it to Edward VII. It was then cut by Joseph Asscher & Co. in Amsterdam. Like the Indian Kohinoor diamond, the Cullinan diamond was presented to the British monarchy and now forms part of the British Crown Jewels. Also known as the Great Star of Africa, it is displayed in the Tower of London now.
Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins: Who plays what?
Rehan Roy is hired by gangster Rajan Aulakh, played by Jaideep Ahlawat. Bollywood actress Nikita Dutta plays the character of Farah. Farah is Rehan’s former love interest, who is now married to Rajan.