Review: Zee5’s ‘Kakuda’ – A Fun Ride Through Horror and Comedy
With the success of horror comedies like ‘Stree’, ‘Roohi’, ‘Bhediya’, and the recent hit ‘Munjya’, filmmakers have discovered a formula that resonates well with audiences. Continuing this trend, Zee5 brings ‘Kakuda’, a film that blends folklore, humor, and a touch of horror. Starring Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, and Saqib Saleem, ‘Kakuda’ offers an enjoyable experience, even if it leans more towards comedy than genuine scares.
Plot Overview
The story of ‘Kakuda’ draws heavily from folklore. In a quaint village, the locals have constructed a shorter door at their entrance to ward off a ghost named Kakuda, who appears every Tuesday evening. According to the legend, if Kakuda finds a door shut, he curses a man from the household with a bulge on his back and a death sentence within 13 days.
Main Characters:
Indira (Sonakshi Sinha) and Sunny (Saqib Saleem): A couple in love, struggling to marry due to Indira’s father’s demand for an English-speaking son-in-law.
Victor (Riteish Deshmukh): A quirky ghost hunter and Cupid for souls, who uses charcoal painting to understand and fulfill the desires of spirits.
Kilvish (Aasif Khan): The couple’s jittery but loyal friend.
As Sunny fails Indira’s father’s language test, the couple decides to elope. On their wedding day, Sunny’s delay results in him being cursed by Kakuda. Indira, reminiscent of the mythological Savitri, vows to save her husband. Enter Victor, who along with Indira and Kilvish, sets out on a comedic and adventurous journey to break the curse.
Performance Highlights
Riteish Deshmukh shines as Victor, the modern-day tantrik. Known for his impeccable comic timing, Deshmukh breathes life into the film, keeping the audience engaged with his humor and charisma. His portrayal of Victor is both entertaining and endearing, making him the standout performer.
Sonakshi Sinha delivers a commendable performance as Indira. She effortlessly switches between being a determined wife fighting to save her husband and adding comedic relief with her reactions and timing. Having portrayed strong characters in ‘Dahaad’ and ‘Heeramandi’, Sinha’s performance in ‘Kakuda’ is a refreshing change, showcasing her versatility.
Saqib Saleem and Aasif Khan play their roles sincerely, but their characters lack substantial depth and development. While Saleem’s character, Sunny, is central to the plot, his screen presence is overshadowed by Deshmukh and Sinha. Aasif Khan’s Kilvish provides comic relief, but his role is limited.
Narrative and Direction
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, fresh off the success of ‘Munjya’, ‘Kakuda’ benefits from his understanding of the horror-comedy genre and folk tales. Sarpotdar successfully creates an engaging narrative, balancing humor and folklore elements. However, the film could have benefited from tighter editing to avoid the occasional drag in the storyline.
The screenplay, penned by Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg, effectively sets up the comedic and horror elements. While the story is compelling, the screenplay could have been more concise, as some scenes feel unnecessarily prolonged. The dialogues, however, are witty and well-executed, thanks to the actors’ timing and delivery.
Visual and Technical Aspects
One of the film’s highlights is the use of animation to depict Kakuda’s backstory. This creative choice adds a unique dimension to the storytelling, making it visually engaging. The VFX and background score complement the narrative, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The prosthetic work on the ghost of Kakuda is commendable, giving it a distinct and memorable look. However, the film lacks genuine jump scares, making it more of a comedy with horror elements rather than a true horror-comedy.
Themes and Social Commentary
‘Kakuda’ explores several themes and societal issues through its narrative:
Superstition and Blind Beliefs: The villagers’ fear of Kakuda and their blind adherence to rituals reflect the deep-rooted superstitions prevalent in rural India.
Language and Class Barriers: Indira’s father’s insistence on an English-speaking son-in-law highlights societal prejudices and the perceived superiority of the English language.
Acceptance of the Differently-Abled: The mystery behind Kakuda touches upon the societal neglect and mistreatment of differently-abled individuals, adding a layer of depth to the ghost’s origin.
These themes are woven into the narrative, providing a subtle commentary on societal issues without overshadowing the film’s primary focus on humor and entertainment.
Music and Songs
The music in ‘Kakuda’ is forgettable and does little to enhance the film. The songs are not integral to the narrative and feel like unnecessary additions. Skipping the musical numbers does not detract from the overall experience, indicating their limited impact.
Final Thoughts
‘Kakuda’ is a fun and entertaining film that blends folklore with comedy, even if it falls short on the horror front. The performances, particularly by Riteish Deshmukh and Sonakshi Sinha, are noteworthy and keep the audience engaged. The creative use of animation and a strong background score add to the film’s charm.
While the editing could have been more precise and the screenplay tighter, ‘Kakuda’ manages to deliver laughs and engage viewers with its quirky storyline and characters. The social commentary, though subtle, adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a simple horror-comedy.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
‘Kakuda‘ is worth a watch, especially for fans of the horror-comedy genre. It may not deliver spine-chilling scares, but it offers plenty of laughs and a unique take on folklore. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted film to enjoy over the weekend or are a fan of the lead actors, ‘Kakuda’ is sure to entertain.
