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Pankaj Tripathi emerges as the sole savior in Kadak Singh, according to our review. However, the film falls short in terms of finesse and depth.

‘Kadak Singh’ made its debut on Zee5 on December 5th, featuring a talented ensemble cast including Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjana Sanghi, Jaya Ahsan, and Parvathy. However, our review suggests that the film lacks finesse. Despite the popularity of psychological thrillers in Bollywood, such as ‘Drishyam,’ ‘Kahaani,’ and ‘Talaash,’ ‘Kadak Singh’ fails to deliver the same level of intrigue and suspense. With a rating of ***, it falls short of expectations. The film is set to be released on December 8th, 2023.

Pankaj Tripathi, who plays the role of AK Srivastava, is a highly respected officer in the Department of Financial Crimes (DFC). After a series of mysterious events, he attempts suicide but ends up in a hospital with retrograde amnesia. He has lost most of his memories and can only partially remember people and events. During his time at the hospital, he displays his quirkiest behavior, while his daughter Sakshi (Sanjana Sanghi) regularly visits him and helps him recollect his past. Interestingly, individuals from different walks of life present contrasting stories about his past and the events leading to his suicide attempt. This raises central questions: Why did he try to take his own life? Whose account will he ultimately trust? Will he ever regain his memories? These questions unfold throughout the next two hours.

Pankaj Tripathi’s contribution to the film industry is highly regarded for good reason. His presence on screen, delivery of dialogues, and charm all enhance the film, despite its flaws. Pankaj’s character in the film showcases two sides – a strict father (which is why his children call him Kadak Singh) and a cheerful patient. Pankaj effortlessly portrays both aspects. If we were to give you a few reasons to watch the film, one of them would be to witness Pankaj’s exceptional talent.

Sanjana Sanghi is relatively new to the world of films and faced the daunting task of sharing screen space with a brilliant performer like Pankaj. However, she pleasantly surprises in the film. It is evident that she is honing her acting skills, and her growth is noticeable. South actress Parvathy makes a comeback to Hindi films after ‘Qarib Qarib Single’ with Irrfan. She has a substantial role and once again proves her acting prowess. Playing the role of Ms. Kannan, a nurse taking care of Pankaj, she delivers a compelling performance. Jaya Ahsan, a well-known name in the Bengali film industry, has a significant role, although her character lacks depth. Nevertheless, her talent shines through and she manages to stand out.

Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, known for his previous works like ‘Pink’, ‘Lost’, and ‘Antaheen’, delivers a lackluster performance in this film. Although the movie starts off strongly, it gradually loses its way as the plot unfolds. It may be tempting to dismiss it as just another psychological thriller with all the answers saved for the final moments, which could potentially leave you disappointed.

There are moments in the film that feel forced or monotonous, and the dull grey-blue screen shade might make it difficult to stay engaged or keep track of the storyline. However, there is something that continuously grabs your attention and brings you back to the screen. Besides the themes of suicide and death, there are deeper layers waiting to be explored, such as the complexities of family drama. While time constraints may have played a role and the story leading to the suicide could have been given more focus, Srivastava’s troubled relationship with his daughter Sakshi could have been highlighted further.

The film skillfully incorporated comic reliefs to alleviate the somber tone, although their effectiveness was limited. Unfortunately, ‘Kadak Singh’ is hindered by a sluggish pace and an inadequate screenplay, diminishing its overall impact. Despite the commendable performances by the cast, their potential remains untapped in this below-par psychological thriller.

In conclusion, I recommend watching ‘Kadak Singh’ solely if you are a devoted fan of Pankaj Tripathi and can overlook its shortcomings. Otherwise, there are always his other films to make up for any potential disappointment