Kadak Singh (2023) Poster

(2023)

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6/10
Could have been better
loyavk15 December 2023
Spoiler Alert: The film is based on chit fund scam and Pankaj Tripathi tries to solve it but looses his memory and then tries to recollect it by listening to various stories from everyone's perspective. Story and screenplay both are very weak. Sometimes you would be confused whether you are in present or in the past story of someone. How he solves in end is also not very convincing and abrupt. The scam could have been told in some more detail. Other actors have good role like Sanjana and Bengali actress but overall movie revolves around and is borne by AK Srivastava. Just a time pass watch nothing so great about this movie.
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5/10
Good actors with poor screenplay & story execution
crabdubey9 December 2023
  • Every cast in the movie is good except Sanjana Sanghi. She does not looks natural in her role, either its presence of senior actors or lack of acting experience but she was the only missing link in the movie in my opinion.


  • Overall movie is around a series of incidents which the director has tried to show with different angels which makes movie a bit slow. The film actually picks pace in last 25-30 minutes, although the climax is not very satisfactory and looks like last minute effort to complete the film anyhow.


  • Basic plot is fine but film lack the gripping factors or one can say it lacks sharp edges. Pankaj tripathi is a great actor but you cant give burden of whole movie on actors, usually 50% good story and 50% good acting performance makes great movies but in this film the maximum dependency is on actors and not on story.


  • Last point may not be important for everyone its just my view and I am writing for my satisfaction. After watching the movie I searched for the director name and got to know that this is the same guy who directed the movie 'Lost' starring Yami Gautam. I had great initial hopes for that movie too but that film also turned out to be a last minute touch-up film with missing gripping story line. That movie was also based on Kolkata background but lacked the charisma.


Conclusion- It can be watched one time, its not all bad as a product. But you'll feel bad that great actor like Pankaj and Parvathy were not put to good use. Movie opens with good premise but it starts loosing it's grip as it progesses. This film is not worth the hype.
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6/10
The thriller did not go well
Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's movies are famous for their family dramas. This is the first time I have seen any of his thriller movies. But the thriller did not go well.

The first reason is that thrillers have a pace that is missing here. The director has lost the momentum of the movie by giving more importance to the acting. The second reason is that the ending of the movie is very predictable. The last scene is similar to Sharadindu Banerjee's writing.

Pankaj Tripathi's acting is good but doesn't quite go with the character. Jaya Ahsan's performance was very short. Comparatively Sanjana and Parvaty's performances deserve praise.

Two songs in the movie are very good with Shantanu Maitra's music. Arghyakamal Mitra's work is good in this movie like all movies.
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7/10
Great story line.
navnav-3970919 December 2023
As usual amazing performance by Pankaj Tripathi. Jaya and Paresh were great too. Parvathy seemed a bit lost. She needs to do more research on her given character before accepting a role. Overall enjoyed watching this. Rating a solid 7.0.

Also rest of the cast was perfectly chosen for this. What a perfect vibe. The music was also great, with amazing lyrics, and great composition.. somewhat truly quoted "music is emotion" Through this song I hope we all feel it.. wish this song was a little longer .. Taba chake is just a unique gem.

I know this is not a big-budget movie, but utilized the available resources were well met.
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6/10
Script weak !! Pankaj Tripathi is grt though!!
sanjubhat18 December 2023
Film Review: Kadak Singh streaming on Zee5

Pankaj Tripathi, an office with the Department of Financial Crimes in Kolkata is investigating a chitfund scam when he is found hanging in his office. What seems like a case of attempted suicide gets more sinister when Pankaj Tripathi survives , however he is diagnosed with retrograde amnesia and retains only bits and pieces of his memory.

Recuperating in his hospital room he listens to different perspectives from colleagues, his daughter, his lover & tries to piece together the details of what exactly happened that night!!

Seems like a very good plot on paper .. doesn't it ?? Unfortunately this film not very well executed. Script falters , narrative is not gripping ... Lacks the punch of what cudve been an edge of the seat thriller. I wudnt say that it is a total washout, but the treatment cudve definitely have been better.

Pankaj Tripathi( the protagonist), Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan( his lover) ,Sanjana Sanghi( his daughter ) and Paresh Ahuja ( his protege ) all have performed decently but the script lets them down !!

Starts off pretty well like Manoj Bajpayee's Dial 100, but alas the ending is pretty tame and guessable.

Not a bad film .. thoda better ho sakta tha .

Going with 2.5/5 for this one ... Adios 🙂!!

#KadakSingh #ZEE5 #sanjuzzreviews #KadakSinghOnZEE5 #PankajTripathi #jayaahsan #SanjanaSanghi.
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7/10
Not satisfied with the film, given its aniruddha row chowdhury.
puranjanbasak16 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Kadak singh is thriller film directed by aniruddha roy chowdhury.

The film starts with a blast, both the scenic blast and the writing blast. The dysfunctional family dynamics is explored very well, the characters and their dissonance so well established. Pankaj tripathi dominates every scene he features in. Sanjana sanghi, tries hard, very hard, but cannot compete with him. This is a film that is trying to decipher the personality of its characters through their own mouths. Their anonymity is both seen and unseen. The film tries to decode what makes up a longing father, who has lost his wife and his distance with his kids. The circumstances define them to much extent. Jaya ahsan too, tries to compete with pankaj, but he is like a phoenix. His range is never within your range. The romantic angle between AK and naina is very well shot, with some minimal dialogues. The main voiceover being its cinematography and music. Avik mukhopadhyay, helming the camera, weaves a beautiful folklore of yellow light in the scenes. Their faces are lit and also not. Shantanu moitra, who is a maestro, gives the movie a voice so soothing, so serene, it feels like it should never end.

But the problem starts here itself, once the film starts treating itself oversmart there is no pulling back. An investigation about a scam ensues and it is written so haphazardly, it shocks me to think that I was enjoying this film earlier. It disengages you, disorients you. So many fringe characters are included without any head or tail. The climax is an antithesis of this film. Its just based on theory, AK recites a theory and the accused are even rattled by it. How can the people who planned a secret assasination be so rattled by just a theory?(they shed a tear too). And the head of the organization even agrees to investigate a theory. That is an amnestic person who is reciting a fable to you, it should not be an epic for you. No other character manages to leave a mark on this film, except for paresh pahuja at sone places. There is little to no emotional attachment to the characters. Not ample development has been done on the character and their writing. Also who decided to cast parvathy thiruvothu for a character who is just making wry remarks and giving reaction shots. She is a much better actor than this, treat her like one. The director has made some brilliant films in the past, both in bengali and hindi. This is way below his level. At last, this film looked good in theory but execution wise, naahh!!
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2/10
Kadak Singh would have had far greater tensile energy had its edges been sharper
finnalex9 December 2023
This may have seemed like an interesting premise, but the execution is anything but. The actors, especially Tripathi and Thiruvothu who can both be relied upon to give us joy, are comprehensively let down.

The role that Pankaj Tripathi plays does not push him out of his comfort zone but he does just enough to hold the film together. The actors around him - Jaya Ahsan, Sanjana Sanghi, Dilip Shankar and Paresh Pahuja - have largely reactive roles, confined as they are to closed spaces physically and creatively. Not outright humdrum, Kadak Singh would have had far greater tensile energy had its edges been sharper.

The film's momentum picks up in the last half hour as it connects all the dots and Srivastava closes in on the main culprits of the financial scam and the mystery behind his colleague's suicide. But by then one may have already guessed some of the suspects in the game. However, on the whole 'Kadak Singh' does qualify as a decent one-time watch over the weekend.
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10/10
Impressive performance 🙂
richaparmar-5193215 December 2023
Absolutely enamored by the captivating back-and-forth storytelling in the movie! Pankaj Tripathi's brilliance steals the show, and Jaya Ahsan's Bollywood debut is truly noteworthy. Aniruddha Roy's directorial prowess is evident throughout. Kadak Singh is an emotional rollercoaster, particularly in the hospital scenes, tapping into the universal waiting game we all endure. Jaya Ahsan's performance is a revelation, infusing her character with depth and nuance. Chowdhary's light moments provide a perfect balance, and Jaya Ahsan's evolving presence, from a silent observer to a crucial ally, is delightful. Can't wait for more cinematic gems like this!
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Wasted 120 mins of my life and my wife.so ashamed tht iasked to watch it with.me
startupasad10 December 2023
In cinematic storytelling, the depiction of the main criminal isn't always straightforward. Directors use various techniques to create ambiguity, leaving viewers in suspense or confusion about the true identity of the antagonist. This deliberate ambiguity heightens suspense, engages the audience, and encourages them to pay closer attention to details throughout the movie.

One method used to obscure the main criminal's identity involves introducing multiple characters who seem equally suspicious or potentially guilty. These characters may possess conflicting motives or behave in ways that suggest their involvement in criminal activities, leaving viewers unsure about whom to consider as the main antagonist. Such storytelling techniques often keep viewers guessing until the movie's climax or final revelation.

Another strategy directors employ is the use of unreliable narrators or perspectives. Sometimes, the story unfolds through the eyes of a character with a subjective or biased viewpoint, clouding the audience's ability to discern the true antagonist. This narrative technique intentionally manipulates perceptions, leading viewers down different paths of suspicion and creating a sense of uncertainty about the main criminal's identity.

Additionally, some movies deliberately withhold crucial information until the very end. Clues, hints, or critical plot details necessary to identify the main antagonist might be strategically revealed only in the movie's closing scenes. This delayed disclosure challenges viewers to piece together information from earlier scenes retrospectively, reshaping their understanding of the characters and the unfolding events.

Furthermore, certain films explore the concept of moral ambiguity, blurring the lines between good and evil. In such narratives, multiple characters might exhibit shades of grey, making it difficult to categorize any one individual as the definitive main criminal. This deliberate blurring of moral boundaries adds complexity to the storytelling, forcing audiences to contemplate various perspectives and motivations.

Movies that intentionally leave the main criminal's identity ambiguous often aim to create an immersive and intellectually stimulating viewing experience. They prompt audiences to engage in active interpretation, discussion, and speculation, fostering a deeper connection to the storyline and its characters.

Ultimately, the deliberate ambiguity surrounding the main criminal's identity serves to challenge traditional storytelling conventions. It encourages viewers to embrace uncertainty, consider multiple possibilities, and actively participate in deciphering the intricacies of the plot. By leaving room for interpretation and debate, these films invite audiences to become more involved in the narrative, fostering a more immersive and thought-provoking cinematic experienc.
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6/10
A One Time Watch.
kkstays23 April 2024
The only reason I started watching the movie was because the lead actor is one of the few whose acting I respect.

The movie keeps you grasped till the end (not the Breaking Bad kind, but fairly) although the end was done all of the sudden. It felt like they went short of funds, or realised that its already reached two hours and needed to end :)

Pankaj Tripathi kept his promise and lead the movie decently, the script could definitely have been better. Thankfully it was not the Hero, Heroine, Romance, Villan kind (I usually don't watch the trailers of a movie).

Definitely one time watch, when you have time to kill.
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2/10
Below average
jhashyam10 December 2023
What a Non-Sense film is this? In the name of psychological thriller people makes bakwas. Making this kind of film should be criminal offence. How director managed to fool producer to invest money on this film must be as difficult as rocket science. Pankaj tripathy must have signed this film years back when he must be struggling for some quality work and was fooledby this non existential plot.

Just collecting few good actors does not make cinema.

Every characters are acting same way. Difficult to differentiate. All are sad.

Pankaj looks very non committed doing this film.

In the name of so called intellectual cinema, this is very average film.
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9/10
Excellent intriguing drama
arunshejwal10 December 2023
Very well scripted and presented suspense drama. Needs to sit attentively to grasp it. Certainly, lacks the brainless commercial type of execution. It has a class..

Pankaj Tripathi proves himself yet again. Entire cast has contributed electively to execute the drama stupendously. The movie director has held a firm grip on the story and seems to be in control of narration in every scene.

The name of the movie is bit of confusing, possibly taken to make it audience friendly. It has no relation with the story of any sorts. Actually, no name would be required as such. Its near real life drama and can have any name.
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7/10
A watchable suspense film
houseofcontenthc11 December 2023
The good:

An intriguing premise and interesting treatment where the narrative cuts between the present and the past.

A superb sound track by Shantanu Moitra.

Good performances. Pankaj Tripathi who can do nothing wrong on screen shines as the central character. Parvathy Thiruvothu sparkles in an understated role as the omnipresent nurse. Jaya Ahsan brings her trademark grace and charm to elevate a relatively small role. Varun Buddhadev does a good job as the errant son.

The not so good:

There are way too many threads to be tied up and the director fails to make a neat job. The film could have done with more pace and sharper edits. Sanjana Sanghi flounders in some key emotive scenes.
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1/10
All over the place
DodoDroppings23 December 2023
Are you a cinephile like me who has, at some point or another, rewritten/reshot/recut a movie in your head right after watching it? If you are, you'd probably do the same after watching "Kadak Singh" too.

Even with an acclaimed director, an award-winning editor and a talented BGM composer working on this film, I fail to comprehend how a story with such potential could go so wrong on screen. We could've had a taut, darkly humorous thriller made up of a plethora of mysterious and intriguing characters (played by great actors) had the narrative and the editing allowed the same.

Disappointing. Frustrating.
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3/10
Sanjana is irritating
ypchrbn27 December 2023
Movie is average. What makes it below average is Sanjana's horrible acting. Pankaj is good in the film.

The pace is a problem. The narration by Sanjana is extremely irritating and pointless.

The music seems to be from a 90s sitcom tragedy drama serial from doordarshan.

This one is to avoid at all costs.

Movie is average. What makes it below average is Sanjana's horrible acting. Pankaj is good in the film.

The pace is a problem. The narration by Sanjana is extremely irritating and pointless.

The music seems to be from a 90s sitcom tragedy drama serial from doordarshan.

This one is to avoid at all costs.

Movie is average. What makes it below average is Sanjana's horrible acting. Pankaj is good in the film.

The pace is a problem. The narration by Sanjana is extremely irritating and pointless.

The music seems to be from a 90s sitcom tragedy drama serial from doordarshan.

This one is to avoid at all costs.
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10/10
Must watch....
rasalsakshi-5872216 December 2023
This film radiates good intentions, flawlessly delivering its messages. Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury and writer Ritesh Shah skillfully unravel the central mystery, seamlessly blending intrigue with stellar performances. Sanghi and Ahsan infuse tenderness into their roles, portraying loving women yearning for affection from the enigmatic AK. Chowdhury's solid plot captivates, hooking you from start to finish. A commendable cinematic experience that keeps you engaged without a hint of abandonment. Story telling is good. Characters are nice. This is a must watch movie. I Recommend everyone to watch this movie.
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1/10
Time Waste
chavdajignesh-0546516 December 2023
Do not waste your time in this movie. Only watched it for Pankaj Tripathi. Totally wasted. Whole story is messy unrealistic , no thrill or whatsoever.

Just because you take Good actors like Pankaj tripathi doesn't mean any flop story will go hit.

Characters dont match with each other they dont look like they know each other that is how bad it is. Bad story bad script bad dialogues even ending will not surprise you because you cant connect to the character the ending mean nothing to you. This movie should not come into psychology thriller genre. It is no where near that . Very bad direction. Nothing but a Time Waste.
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10/10
A good watch
Kadak Singh delivers a captivating cinematic journey, seamlessly blending brilliance and cross-cultural harmony. Jaya Ahsan's enchanting presence from Bangladesh brings a delightful surprise, effortlessly intertwining with the narrative to enrich the film's diversity. Her portrayal is a heartfelt depiction of a guardian, lover, and friend, resonating with genuine emotions in every frame. Jaya's controlled performance adds authenticity, creating a character that lingers with sincerity. Shantanu Moitra's soul-stirring music score elevates the emotional cadence of the story. Kadak Singh is not just a movie; it's a symphony of emotions and cultural nuances that leaves audiences mesmerized.
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1/10
Review by Human not ChatGPT
bleedcinema12 December 2023
An intellectual drama missing in common sense.

I am fan of Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's Pink and his dedication to craft reflects in his work but Kadak Singh is a making of a claustrophobes biggest nightmare as drab visuals, tight close-ups and loosely conjoined story traps viewers in a mega yawn.

While Pankaj Tripathi remains chained to the bed, literally and figuratively, he manages to deliver momentarily respite peeking through the character's dry humour and playfulness. The lead actress's character is worth noting for its consistency as she delivers a languid performance through and through. Other characters remain largely in the shadows, succumbing to a similar shade of grey, making the overall film dull and boring.

The nail-biting moment arrives but a little too differently for everyone as you try to piece together how An intellectual drama missing in common sense.

I am fan of Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's Pink and his dedication to craft reflects in his work but Kadak Singh is a making of a claustrophobes biggest nightmare as drab visuals, tight close-ups and loosely conjoined story traps viewers in a mega yawn.

While Pankaj Tripathi remains chained to the bed, literally and figuratively, he manages to deliver momentarily respite peeking through the character's dry humour and playfulness. The lead actress's character is worth noting for its consistency as she delivers a languid performance through and through. Other characters remain largely in the shadows, succumbing to a similar shade of grey, making the overall film dull and boring.

The nail-biting moment arrives but a little too early in the film An intellectual drama missing in common sense.

I am fan of Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's Pink and his dedication to craft reflects in his work but Kadak Singh is a making of a claustrophobes biggest nightmare as drab visuals, tight close-ups and loosely conjoined story traps viewers in a mega yawn.

While Pankaj Tripathi remains chained to the bed, literally and figuratively, he manages to deliver momentarily respite peeking through the character's dry humour and playfulness. The lead actress's character is worth noting for its consistency as she delivers a languid performance through and through. Other characters remain largely in the shadows, succumbing to a similar shade of grey, making the overall film dull and forgettable.

The nail-biting moment arrives but a little too early in the film as one tries to figure how such a slow-paced film juxtaposed with fast details manages to turn out to be so utterly boring to the mind. And somebody funded this?
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5/10
A very mediocre ending to a potentially good investigative thriller!
gaurav21927 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As described in the label Kadak Singh is a very mediocre ending in what could have been a potentially very good investigative thriller. 5/10 rating is mainly for Pankaj Tripathi's acting skills which even with minimal expressions delivers a very watchable experience, his crisp dialogue delivery does most of the job to entertain the viewer. Movie begins fairly on a good note depicting life of a typical urban middle-class, partially broken family engrossed in brutal struggle to survive & thrive, a Father who seems married to his job more or less, though movie did seemed to be a drag at times as it progressed. However the ending fell completely flat as what was expected to be a big shot expose came out as a dumb outcome. In what could have nicely depicted the deep nexus of political class with financial crime sydicates only trying to blame the agencies themselves. Everyone knows that large scale financial crimes are impossible without adequate blessings from the ruling political dispensation, one of the recentmost e.g being that of Chattisgarh, WB already a well-known thing. This movie very conveniently obliviated this fact tried to divert from it almost completely.
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10/10
Impressive storytelling, impressive direction!
sakshiyadav-2390419 December 2023
Kadak Singh hits the sweet spot! Jaya Ahsan's Bollywood debut is a revelation, especially in her poignant moments in the hospital. The suspense woven into the first half is masterful, keeping the audience hooked throughout. Chowdhary's directorial finesse is evident in the delicate balance of intensity and lightness. The flirtatious exchanges between Tripathi and the head nurse inject humor organically, adding a charming layer to the narrative. What sets this film apart is its authenticity - no unnecessary theatrics, just raw emotions. It's a cinematic experience that evokes laughter, tears, and contemplation on life's subtle nuances. Kadak Singh is more than a movie; it's a heartfelt journey that resonates long after the credits roll.
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10/10
Great Direction coupled with Great Performances
chirag-0027516 December 2023
Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury elevates the writing with his skilled direction, hitting every mark for a captivating thriller. Seamlessly blending past and present, he crafts a storyline that keeps you gripped in a web of mystery and suspense. His adeptness shines in extracting top-notch performances from the cast. Jaya Ahsan's Bollywood debut is noteworthy, her delightful cameo, especially in heartwarming scenes with Sakshi, adds depth to the narrative. This thriller, guided by Chowdhury's excellence, becomes a must-watch, leaving viewers immersed and eagerly anticipating more from Ahsan on the big screen.
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10/10
Sanjana Sanghi's impressive performance.
tirthworkmail15 December 2023
Sanjana Sanghi shines in her role, showcasing remarkable growth as an actor. Jaya Ahsan, a Bengali film veteran, impresses Hindi audiences with her compelling performance, adding necessary gravitas. Pankaj Tripathi, a gem of our generation, excels in various roles - from a strict parent to an honest officer and a quirky patient piecing his life together. The film's human drama captivates, and the ensemble cast's brilliant acting makes it a must-watch for cinema lovers. The sound track, story telling, performance is quite impressive. I recommend everyone to watch it atleast once. Best wishes to the team.
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9/10
A gripping film with excellent storytelling
gautampaperboat12 December 2023
Every aspect of this film starting from the story to the direction, choice of cast, dialogues, acting and music are simply excellent. A gripping crime drama that has the viewers on edge till the end. A truly enjoyable well directed film. The handling of a complex family relationship is handled in an extremely matured way by Aniruddha. Will definitely recommend this film to friends, family and acquaintances for sure. It's not everyday that one comes across such well made engrossing and engaging films. The choice of cast was perfect and the actors seemed totally natural and effortless. And of course not to mention the keen eye for small details that adds up this wonderful film.
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10/10
A good movie in a very long time
haripriyanair14 December 2023
Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's script work is truly praiseworthy in this thriller, and Jaya Ahsan, crossing borders from Bangladesh, brings cross-cultural brilliance to Kadak Singh. Her character, Naina, stands as a beacon of cultural fusion, showcasing storytelling's strength in diversity. Ahsan's performance not only captivates but solidifies her status as a star across cinematic realms. Sanjana Sanghi's growth as an actor is evident, and the entire cast contributes to making it a mesmerizing journey skillfully brought to life. The soundtrack is a cherry on top; I'm absolutely in love with it! A recommended one-time watch for sure!
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