Review of Kathal: A self-assured Sanya Malhotra carries a shoddy crime drama on her own.
Saga: Kathal
Cast: Neha Saraf, Sanya Malhotra, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, and
Yashowardhan Mishra is the director
Score: 3 moons
Netflix, OTT
Kathal, a movie with a strange name, is not what it first appears to be. It’s a competently produced criminal drama that addresses a far more significant problem that persists in our culture. Sanya Malhotra, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Anantvijay Joshi, and Neha Saraf star in Yashowardhan Mishra’s Netflix movie, which at first glance appears to be a lighthearted comedy but actually explores a serious topic.
A local politician’s (Vijay Raaz) cherished jackfruits vanish from his yard at the start of the one-hour-55-minute movie. Mahima, a young police officer, is played by Sanya Malhotra. She works with colleagues Anantvijay Joshi and Neha Saraf to try to solve this peculiar case.
Mahima learns, though, that the problem is far deeper and more significant than just the Kathals going missing, thanks to the assistance of a local reporter (Rajpal Yadav). Kathal is a fascinating film to see because of the way Mahima resolves the entire matter with such honesty and diligence. Kathal gets off to a strong start but quickly turns into a rushed crime story.
As a police officer, Sanya Malhotra excels. She performs admirably and exudes professionalism in the way she moves, talks, and breathes. Sanya receives strong backing from Anantvijay Joshi and Neha Saraf, who portray their characters with complete honesty. Vijay Raaz and Rajpal Yadav give the movie just the right amount of humor and eccentricity.
Although the film’s director, Yashowardhan Mishra, does his utmost to quietly convey a societal message, there are instances when it seems to drag. The writing by Yashowardhan and Ashok Mishra should have been much better. Although Prerna Saigal’s editing should have been sharper, Harshvir Oberai’s cinematography is respectable. The soundtrack by Ram Sampath complements the movie’s mood.