Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery

A really good social and political satire. It was also quite refreshing to see the traditional roles and power dynamics being reversed as well. Usually in an Indian crime movie it is usually a male protagonist in a position of power while the female characters just play second fiddle or at best a good sidekick; but Kathal reverses this whole power dynamic that is traditionally seen in a mainstream Indian movie.

It also provides a commentary on the caste dynamics that is still a major part of rural India.

Kathal is a silly comedy mystery but at the same time it does provide a biting social commentary.

"Kathal" is a satirical comedy that delicately delivers powerful messages, particularly targeting the patriarchal ecosystem and caste-divided Bharat. The story revolves around a lost jackfruit and the police's efforts to solve the crime, highlighting how influential politicians often mock the system. Sanya Malhotra portrays Mahima Basor, a delightful character who is passionate about her job, strong, independent, and tender-hearted, as seen in her romantic moments with a constable from an upper caste. Despite addressing numerous societal issues, the movie maintains a light-hearted tone, which contributes to its overall success. Bijaya Raj and his uncle's Hong breed kathal (jackfruit) serve as the focal point of the story. Rajpal Yadav shines in his role as a journalist, while the other performances are average.

Although the movie follows the template set by "Peepli Live," it fails to deliver the final punch and falls flat during the climax. Overall, the movie is enjoyable, except for the climax, which could have been more impactful.

Kathal is one of the finest light-spirited comedy movie with underlying tones of social message that I've seen in a very long time. Despite dealing with a subgenre that is almost a tightrope-balance between becoming a satirical comedy and a meaningless laughter riot it's heart remains at the right place and never attempts be either. It takes a brilliant attempt at humanising every character quite in a way "Panchayat" does . The boldness that lies in its simplistic story-telling that attempts keeps you hooked to your seat for two hours is itself commendable. "Kathal" is a must-watch for all aspiring screenwriters and cinephiles alike.

Just finished watching this on Netflix, and in summary I could say this is a must watch film.

The film premise may sound simple - solving a case of missing jackfruits, but it is actually a very cleverly and brilliantly written story which touches some of the most critical (and mostly ignored) topics of the Indian society. And it does that in a very simple yet strong and funny way.

The story is written and presented in a very beautiful way. The direction is superb. And the acting, by everyone, is outstanding.

Every moment of the film was enjoyable. If you like good satirical comedy, this would be really worth watching.

Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery, a well cooked social satire, cleverly intertwines the disappearance of two jackfruits with a captivating narrative that reveals broader societal issues. With a perfect balance of humor and a leisurely pace, the film skillfully highlights complex caste dynamics and gender biases without being preachy. While it could have delved deeper into these themes, Kathal beautifully captures the allure of rural life and its simple joys. The cast delivers captivating performances, infused with witty banter, while the police force is portrayed with raw authenticity. Kathal is a good-watch, offering 120 minutes of clean cinematic experience!