Kathal is a satirical comedy-drama film with an essential slice-of-life message, which sets it apart from other usual Bollywood movies. Netflix original film Asha Network Yashowardhan Mishra has directed this unconventional rural Indian village plot. Enjoy the sardonic take on political and societal corruption mixed with some media sensationalism, “Kathal” will not be just another cinematic experience. Sanya Malhotra leads the film and she is supported by an ensemble cast that helps bring the quirky premise to life.
Plot Overview
Kathal is a story about two rare jackfruits gone missing from a politician’s house in a small town. Recovering these fruits is the work assigned to the local police force and that too instead of ensuring the prevention of serious crimes. With this unreasonable base, the movie stories the rest of its screenplay that traces funny and philosophical circumstances out of how the case of missing jackfruits is investigated. Sanya Malhotra plays the role of Mahima, a fierce police officer in charge of searching meticulously through the town and its nutty, quirky residents.
Throughout the story, the film makes statements on political corruption, how the media gets distracted by pop culture, and how uninterested (or ineffective) law enforcement can be regarding actual issues. Fun finding the jackfruit cracking opens into a realistic portrayal of rural India where everything is all lala, but in actuality sanctioning the authority by tearing apart the nexus of it.
Performances
Sanya Malhotra is in her top form as Mahima, the stern and tough cop — very much like any one of us but also an ideal human being. Thankfully, she can balance comedy and drama, most of which and established in the film. Malhotra comes off as high-spirited and her timing in all the comedy dialogues adds charm to the character.
Rajpal Yadav swoops in with typical Rajpuettesque humor as a quirky journalist Hilarious and true to the Indian Media dynamics… sensationalist reporters, running behind headlines, instead of being newsworthy…. Yadav’s character contributes to a lot of the film’s comedy but also serves as a pointed commentary on media practices.
The solid supporting cast, which includes Vijay Raaz as the politician and Anant V Joshi as Mahima’s underling provides a good balance of depth and color to the already quirky Kathal universe.
Direction and Screenplay
The way Yashowardhan Mishrahas interwoven satire, comedy, and social commentary is unlike any other. What makes “Kathal” unique, is the fact that the director has created an authentic world but its value systems are so absurd. Mishra keeps the story moving at a swift pace and not for a moment does the audience become restless because even though it is just another matter involving real estate [which, let’s face it, no one cares about other than those who revel in making our public spaces look like crap] this real-life saga has enough bite within its jaws to keep everyone well entertained. Don’t Miss: The screenplay, co-authored by Ashok Mishra and Yashowardhan manages to strike a fine balance between humor and comment such that the film never comes across as preachy without making its point.
Their presence in the countryside, coupled with real locations and a collection of charming cameo appearances, benefits the film immeasurably. Here is a satire on how an Indian small town and its eccentricities are revealed, with the satirical portrayal making it even more relatable.
Cinematography and Music
Harshvardhan A Kulkarni’s cinematography has the perfect treatment that mirrors the tone of the movie. The rustic scent of the dusty lanes, local market, and madly chaotic police stations is touched in a manner that does not appear exaggerated for the rural set-up of the film. Visually authentic, the film doesn’t glamorize its small-town backdrop with unnecessary glamour and style shots.
Ram Sampath, enriches the story with as spritely and unconventional background sounds. The balance of music never overwhelmed the comedic moments or pandered to them and flowed well throughout.
Social Commentary and Themes
The most interesting part of Kathal is the subtlety with which it weaves in some social commentary rather than being overt. The movie raises such questions on the political missile, the flat feet of people working for law, and showy diversions from the media tower — all in a relatively natural way. This morning a police team was in the field searching for… jackfruits, This is as good as it gets on understanding where our problem lies with pressing issues being overshadowed by trivialities.
The film also subtly comments on the women in law enforcement with Mahima’s character portraying the same. Mahima, who plays a female police officer is subtly discriminated against and underestimated by her superiors and peers.
However, she is determined and competent and demonstrates her value as a role model for women in men´s fields.
Ratings and Verdict
Storyline: 4/5
Performances: 4.5/5
Direction:4/5
Cinematography: 3.5/5
Music: 3.5/5
Overall Rating:4/5
Kathal is a charming thought-provoking movie that makes you laugh, but at the same time also asks questions. The film can delve into some of the most urgent concerns in current India and deliver a sharply satirical, well-performed, and frequently moving comment. A movie too cool for its good, really, but one that sticks with you all the same. Looking for a fun, but meaningful movie to watch — Kathal it is.
