This lukewarm financial fraud tale on Zee5 falls short of expectations and misses a golden opportunity.
Synopsis
AK Srivastava (Pankaj Tripathi), a Department of Financial Crimes (DFC) officer, grapples with selective amnesia after a failed suicide bid. As he navigates through conflicting accounts of the events preceding his attempt, he starts to reconstruct the puzzle, unveiling the details of the financial scam case he was investigating. The narrative unfolds as Srivastava delves into the complexities of his own past, gradually connecting the dots to unravel the truth behind the financial scandal.
Review
Exploring the psychological thriller genre, Zee5’s ‘Kadak Singh’ features a formidable cast—Pankaj Tripathi, Parvathy, Sanjana Sanghi, Jaya Ahsan, Paresh Pahuja, and more in a cinematic landscape that has witnessed successes like ‘Drishyam,’ ‘Kahaani,’ and ‘Talaash,’ the film endeavours to leave its mark. However, the question lingers: Does ‘Kadak Singh’ join the ranks of successful psychological thrillers, or is it merely another attempt that falls short of expectations?
The narrative, intricately woven by Viraf Sarkari, Ritesh Shah, and Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, unfolds with captivating intrigue, masterfully brought to life by director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury in the initial segments. Pankaj Tripathi impresses with a performance that seamlessly blends gravitas with humour, injecting witty punches into serious scenes that undoubtedly elicit smiles from the audience. Sanjana Sanghi takes the spotlight, delivering a compelling performance that carries substantial emotional depth. Jaya Ahsan makes a noteworthy Bollywood debut, leaving a lasting impression with her impactful portrayal. Supporting actors Dilip Shankar and Paresh Pahuja contribute satisfactorily in their respective roles, adding to the overall ensemble’s commendable performances.
While the concept of an amnesia patient solving a case through gathered stories holds promise, the director falters in execution, primarily grappling with screenplay issues.
A significant downturn occurs in the second half, where the director loses narrative control. Scenes, including the climax, lack the punch to evoke curiosity and instead result in boredom. Despite attempting to maintain a cohesive connection, efforts to infuse intensity through the screenplay fall disappointingly flat.
The casting choices become another hindrance as the director fails to fully capitalize on the potential of lead actor Pankaj Tripathi. The decision for Parvathy Thiruvothu to accept a role seemingly unrelated to the story raises questions, leaving these two talented actors underutilized.
Further, the inappropriate background music during tense scenes adds to the viewer’s detachment. It’s surprising to witness the use of the Sitar even in moments meant to evoke tension, contributing to a jarring viewing experience.
Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury grapples to make a significant impact with both his writing and direction. While the first half unfolds with adept narration, the second half struggles to sustain the established momentum.
The music disappoints, falling short of expectations and failing to captivate at crucial moments. While the cinematography proves satisfactory, the editing could have been more dynamic, particularly in the latter half of the film.
Verdict
In a nutshell, Kadak Singh disappoints as a thriller. While Pankaj Tripathi and Sanjana Sanghi shine, pacing issues, especially in the second half, lead to dull moments. Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s direction and lacklustre score add to the film’s drawbacks. Exploring alternative entertainment options this weekend is advised.