Kadak Singh Review

Kadak Singh - A Compelling Yet Overstuffed Narrative

Director - Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury

Star - Pankaj Tripathi, Jaya Ahsan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Sanjana Sanghi Jaya Ahsan

Rating - 3

Platform - ZEE5

Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's "Kadak Singh" follows the story of AK Srivastava (Pankaj Tripathi), an officer at the Department of Financial Crimes (DFC) who suffers from selective amnesia after a failed suicide attempt. As he tries to piece together the events leading to his attempted suicide, he unravels a complex financial scam case he was investigating.

The film opens with Srivastava in the hospital, struggling to remember the details of his life. His family, friends, and colleagues offer different perspectives, presenting varied sides of his personality and circumstances. The narrative explores Srivastava's professional prowess as a dedicated officer, juxtaposed with his struggles as a single father and his strained relationships at home. The title "Kadak Singh" reflects his abrasive nature and the challenges he faces in balancing his personal and professional life.

The storytelling approach involves multiple characters providing their versions of Srivastava's life, creating layers of complexity. However, the film's attempt to weave these layers into a cohesive and engaging narrative falls short. The pace is slow, and the overstuffed plot takes time to reveal its suspense thriller elements. The lack of an intense background score for a thriller further contributes to a sense of placidity.

Despite these drawbacks, "Kadak Singh" benefits from the performances of its seasoned cast. Pankaj Tripathi effortlessly navigates the diverse notes of his character, showcasing his range as an actor. Parvathy Thiruvothu delivers an understated yet effective performance, while Jaya Ahsan makes a notable impact in her limited screen time. Sanjana Sanghi, handling a challenging role, manages to hold her own in some scenes but appears listless in others.

The film gains momentum in its final half-hour as it connects the dots, revealing the main culprits of the financial scam and shedding light on Srivastava's colleague's suicide. However, by this point, some viewers may have already anticipated certain plot developments. Despite its shortcomings, "Kadak Singh" qualifies as a decent one-time watch, particularly for fans of suspense thrillers.

The film's exploration of complex relationships and its portrayal of a flawed yet dedicated protagonist add depth to the narrative, making it a suitable option for a weekend viewing.