Pankaj Tripathi's portrayal of Kadak Singh has piqued the curiosity of cinephiles, with the film's teaser and trailer garnering a positive response from the audience. The inclusion of Paravathy Thiruvothu in the cast further adds to the film's allure, drawing attention from all quarters. Directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, this much-anticipated film is set to premiere on Zee5 on December 8, 2023. It remains to be seen what kind of impact Kadak Singh will have on its viewers, as anticipation builds for its release.
The narrative of Kadak Singh revolves around an officer entangled in a complex web of intrigue after delving into a financial fraud investigation. AK Shrivastav, widely known as Kadak Singh and portrayed by Pankaj Tripathi, is an officer in the Department of Financial Crimes. The story takes a gripping turn when he unexpectedly wakes up in a hospital, grappling with retrograde amnesia, erasing crucial memories from his life.
As the plot unfolds, the mystery deepens, exploring the connections between the financial fraud and Kadak Singh's relationships with his daughter Sakshi (Sanjana Sanghi), girlfriend Naina (Jaya Ahsan), son Aditya (Varun Buddhav), nurse Kannan (Parvathy Thiruvothu), and boss Tyagi (Dilip Shankar). The narrative delves into the intricate threads of Kadak Singh's life, gradually revealing the enigma that binds these characters together.
Pankaj Tripathi effortlessly stole the spotlight with his natural and authentic performance, delivering a captivating portrayal. His expressions and emotions were nuanced, complemented by the right body language that perfectly embodied the character of the patient. Tripathi's seamless and convincing acting added a layer of realism to the role.
Parvathy Thiruvothu, in her role as the head nurse, made the most of her limited screen time, showcasing natural expressions and an apt portrayal of a nurse's body language. Despite the constraints, she brought charm to the character with her cute expressions and commendable emotive skills.
Jaya Ahsan, as the girlfriend, delivered a noteworthy performance, effectively bringing her character to life. Sanjana Sanghi, portraying Pankaj's daughter, skillfully depicted a range of emotions—from the initial anger due to her father's neglect to later showcasing heartfelt care and concern as a loving daughter.
Varun Buddhadev and Dilip Shankar, along with Jogi Mallang, Raaj Modi, Anindya Sen Gupta, and Gulshanara Khatun, performed commendably in their respective roles, contributing to the overall coherence and effectiveness of the ensemble cast. Each actor played their part well, adding depth and authenticity to the characters they portrayed.
The storyline of Kadak Singh, crafted by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury with contributions from Viraf Sarkari and Ritesh Shah, delves into the intricate world of financial frauds. The trio chose a pertinent subject, possibly drawing inspiration from the Sharada Chitfund Scam in West Bengal, evident in the film's Kolkata backdrop.
While the narrative kicks off on an engaging note and the hospital scenes intensify curiosity, the overall experience is hindered by a sluggish pace, a predictable plot, a lack of genuine twists and turns, and a dearth of gripping elements, ultimately turning the film into a rather monotonous affair. Despite attempts to draw inspiration from Hollywood, the director falls short of replicating the magic, with the screenplay failing to sustain the necessary momentum and direction lacking the ability to instill confidence in the audience.
However, the dialogues shine as a redeeming aspect, being both natural and realistic. They exhibit a blend of wit and thought-provoking elements, adding a layer of depth to the film's verbal exchanges.
Avik Mukhopadhyay's cinematography stands out with its captivating visuals. He skillfully captures the hospital atmosphere and the investigative segments, employing gripping camera angles that enhance the overall viewing experience. Shantanu Moitra's background music serves as a commendable addition, seamlessly immersing viewers deeper into the narrative. While the situational songs contribute to the story, there are instances where they act as minor speed bumps.
On the downside, Arghakamal Mira's editing could have been more refined. The film suffers from occasional drags that put the audience's patience to the test. Despite this, the production values remain commendable, contributing to the film's overall quality. The cinematography, music, and production values collectively create a visually and aurally appealing experience, albeit with room for improvement in the editing department.
In its entirety, Kadak Singh unfolds as a straightforward thriller. Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury aimed to captivate the audience by leveraging the talents of seasoned performers such as Pankaj Tripathi and Parvathy Thiruvothu. Despite their commendable and spirited performances, the storyline fell into the realm of the conventional and foreseeable, while the leisurely pace ultimately proved to be a challenge, testing the patience of viewers. Taking into account these critical factors, Cinejosh assigns a rating of 2 for Kadak Singh.