Kakuda Review
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Saqib Saleem, Aasif Khan |
| Director | Aditya Sarpotdar |
| Genre | Horror, Comedy |
| Duration | 1 hour 56 minutes |
| Setting | Fictional village of Ratauri |
| Main Plot | Villagers must be home by 7:15 PM on Tuesdays to avoid kakuda |
| Key Strengths | Strong performances, especially by Sonakshi Sinha |
| Key Weaknesses | Half-baked script, lack of originality in horror elements |
Introduction
Bollywood’s horror-comedy genre has seen a revival, sparking renewed interest without causing fatigue. Aditya Sarpotdar’s “Kakuda,” released on Zee5 on July 11, is the latest addition. But does it manage to strike the right balance between horror and comedy?
Setting and Plot
“Kakuda” is set in the fictional village of Ratauri, which feels as unknown to outsiders as it does fictional. The movie opens with an elderly man urgently cycling home to avoid the curse of the ‘kakuda.’ The residents must be home by 7:15 PM every Tuesday to avoid being attacked by this malevolent entity, which leaves a bump on their back, starting a countdown to their demise.
Characters and Performances
- Sonakshi Sinha stars as Indira, the central figure, handling the responsibility of the film’s anchor well. She’s determined to elope with her boyfriend Sunny (Saqib Saleem) to escape her father’s matchmaking efforts.
- Saqib Saleem as Sunny, though limited in screen time, leaves a lasting impact.
- Riteish Deshmukh plays Victor, a ghost hunter. Despite his strong comic timing, his character feels overly familiar and lacks depth.
- Asif Khan as Kilvish, Sunny’s best friend, provides some humor through deadpan delivery.
Narrative and Execution
“Kakuda” draws parallels to films like “Stree” and “The Ring,” with a hint of “In the Tall Grass.” However, it lacks the novelty typical of Maddock Films. The script, following a basic three-act structure, feels underdeveloped. Despite a promising story and a brilliant cast, the film doesn’t fully deliver.
The portrayal of the kakuda entity was more effective when it remained unseen. The attempt at Lovecraftian horror could have elevated the story. The film’s commentary on gender issues is noteworthy but not as nuanced as in “Stree.”
Strengths
- The detailed setup of Indira’s life adds depth to the narrative.
- Sonakshi Sinha’s performance as the anchor of the film.
- The film’s brief exploration of gender dynamics in a patriarchal society.
Weaknesses
- The script feels half-baked.
- The ghost hunter character lacks originality.
- The horror element is not compelling enough.
Conclusion
“Kakuda” has potential, with a strong cast and interesting premises, but ultimately falls short in execution. The laughs and performances are not enough to make up for the lack of horror and mystery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is “Kakuda” about?
A: “Kakuda” is a horror-comedy set in the fictional village of Ratauri, where villagers must be home by 7:15 PM on Tuesdays to avoid the curse of the kakuda.
Q: Who are the main actors in the film?
A: The film stars Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Saqib Saleem, and Aasif Khan.
Q: How does “Kakuda” compare to other horror comedies like “Stree”?
A: While “Kakuda” has a promising premise and strong performances, it falls short in execution and lacks the novelty and depth found in films like “Stree.”
Q: Is “Kakuda” worth watching?
A: If you enjoy horror comedies and strong performances, “Kakuda” may be worth a watch, but it may not fully satisfy those looking for a compelling horror or mystery.
Q: What are the main strengths of the film?
A: The detailed setup of Indira’s life, strong performances, and brief exploration of gender dynamics are notable strengths.
Q: What are the main weaknesses of the film?
A: The script feels underdeveloped, the ghost hunter character lacks originality, and the horror element is not compelling enough.