Kathal A Jackfruit Mystery Movie Review: A Entertaining Premise But Falls Short Due To Dull Script And Lack Of Humor
"Kathal" is a Hindi film with an unusual title and a unique combination of producers, Balaji Films and Sikhya Entertainment. The film successfully combines humor and satire to shed light on everyday corruption and the manipulation of the police force by local politicians, without being preachy.
The central story of "Kathal" bears similarities to "Dahaad." It revolves around an efficient female police officer, Mahima Basor (Sanya Malhotra), working in a semi-rural area in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh. She stumbles upon a series of missing girls that the police have failed to find. However, "Kathal" takes a comedic approach, frustrating and entertaining the audience simultaneously. The film draws inspiration from Emir Kusturica's style of filmmaking, where both the cops and criminals are portrayed as goofy, and the politician controlling the police force becomes unintentionally funny.
"Kathal" follows Mahima, a dedicated police officer, as she navigates the normalization of crime in her area and the police force's complacency. Her team includes a constable obsessed with finding his stolen car, which is crucial for his daughter's wedding. Her bosses often make errors during press briefings, and they unquestioningly obey the commands of the local MLA, Munnalal Pateria (Vijay Raaz). The main hunt revolves around two hybrid jackfruits, needed for a political exchange, which have mysteriously gone missing. Amid the absurdity of this case, Mahima and her half-interested squad stumble upon a more significant crime—a young girl, the daughter of a poor gardener, who has vanished.
In a caste-driven society, where her lower stature makes her voice less heard, Mahima takes advantage of the high-profile jackfruit theft to investigate the missing girl. She uncovers numerous unaddressed missing persons cases. Using her wits, Mahima involves the local media and her team to search for the missing girl, leading to a series of comedic errors. The film culminates in a hilarious climax, featuring a downpour of weaponized vegetables and fruits wreaking havoc on Mahima and her team, ultimately resulting in her triumph.
Yashowardhan Mishra skillfully addresses caste prejudices, gender bias, gender-based discrimination, and petty corruption through humor and colloquial situations. The film maintains a light and breezy tone, while still making relevant social commentary on the deployment of the stretched police force. Sanya Malhotra shines in her role as Mahima, delivering a pitch-perfect performance with an authentic accent and naturalistic acting. The ensemble cast, including Rajpal Yadav, Gurpal Singh, Anant Joshi, Neha Saraf, and Govind Pandey, enhances the comedy with their witty repartee and conversational dialogues.
However, despite its strengths, "Kathal" might feel derivative, drawing comparisons to other similar films in its genre. Additionally, some viewers may find the comedic treatment of serious social issues to be a drawback, as it might dilute the gravity of the subject matter.
In summary, "Kathal" stands out as a unique film with its blend of humor and social commentary. The authentic writing, supported by a talented cast, elevates the comedy while addressing pertinent issues in Indian society. Sanya Malhotra's standout performance and the ensemble's strong acting contribute to the film's success. Although it may lack originality and the comedic approach may not resonate with all viewers, "Kathal" remains an entertaining and relevant ensemble comedy worth watching.
