Kakuda (2024) – Movie Review
Director: Aditya Sarpotdar
Starring: Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, and Saqib Saleem
Genre: Horror-Comedy
Language: Hindi
Streaming On: Zee5
Plot Summary:
“Kakuda” is a horror-comedy that centers around a village cursed by a malevolent ghost named Kakuda. Those who fall victim to Kakuda’s curse develop a hump on their backs and are doomed to die within 13 days. The film follows Sunny (Saqib Saleem) and Indira (Sonakshi Sinha), a couple challenging societal norms and superstitions. To save Sunny from the curse, they enlist the help of Victor (Riteish Deshmukh), a quirky and eccentric ghost-hunter. Together, they embark on a mission to unravel the mystery behind Kakuda and put an end to the curse.
Performance:
Sonakshi Sinha delivers a commendable performance, especially with a twist in her character that adds depth to the narrative. Her portrayal of Indira is both strong and relatable, bringing a sense of determination to the story. Riteish Deshmukh, known for his impeccable comic timing, shines as Victor, the ghost-hunter. His character adds much-needed humour to the film, and his quirky personality is a highlight. Saqib Saleem as Sunny plays his role effectively, although his character is more of a supporting element to the leading duo.
Direction and Screenplay:
Aditya Sarpotdar, known for his work in the horror-comedy genre, attempts to blend scares with humor in “Kakuda.” The screenplay, while entertaining at times, struggles to maintain a consistent tone. Some scenes successfully hit the mark with their humor, particularly those involving references to other films by the makers of “Stree” and “Bhediya.” However, the horror elements feel somewhat diluted, lacking the scare factor that the genre demands. The film’s pacing is steady, but it occasionally falters in maintaining the audience’s engagement throughout.
Visual Effects and Animation:
The use of animation in the film, particularly for Kakuda’s backstory, is a creative touch that adds a unique flavor to the narrative. The animation sequences are well-executed and serve as an effective storytelling tool. However, the visual effects used to depict the supernatural elements and the curse could have been more impactful. While the effects are competent, they don’t quite elevate the horror aspect of the film, leaving the scares feeling underwhelming.
Comedy and Horror Elements:
“Kakuda” attempts to balance horror with comedy, but the results are mixed. The comedy works in certain scenes, especially those involving Riteish Deshmukh, but it doesn’t consistently hit the mark. The horror, on the other hand, is more light-hearted than terrifying, making the film more of a comedy with supernatural elements rather than a true horror-comedy. Fans of “Stree” and “Bhediya” might appreciate the nods to those films, but the overall execution feels less sharp.
Overall Impression:
“Kakuda” offers a decent take on the horror-comedy genre, with a mix of supernatural elements and light-hearted humor. While it doesn’t deliver the scares that horror enthusiasts might expect, it succeeds in providing a few laughs and some entertaining moments. Sonakshi Sinha’s strong performance and Riteish Deshmukh’s comic timing are the film’s saving graces, but the uneven balance between horror and comedy might leave some viewers wanting more.
Final Verdict:
“Kakuda” is worth a watch if you’re in the mood for a light, fun film with a supernatural twist. It’s not the scariest horror-comedy out there, but it has its moments of entertainment, particularly thanks to the cast’s performances. If you’re a fan of films like “Stree” and “Bhediya,” you might find some enjoyment in the familiar territory this film explores. Streaming on Zee5, “Kakuda” offers a casual viewing experience with a few laughs and a dash of spookiness.