Kadak Singh

From here on, the film goes downhill as the focus shifts to the scam which is not as exciting. The daughter’s track is more or less forgotten, and this is not done since viewers have invested so much time in this character. Also, the goings-on are a bit difficult to comprehend. The makers try to infuse tension here with the scene where Sanjana goes into the shop with several mannequins. However, it looks forced. The finale is unexpected but doesn’t work as intended.

I like how Chowdhary has peppered some light moments to uplift the mood, especially when Tripathi and the head nurse are harmlessly flirting and exchanging glances, and it looks so organic. There are several scenes that have a lot of depth in both writing and the way they’ve been shot. For instance, the emotionally charged portions between Tripathi and Sanghi are the highlight of the film — the ones where Sakshi questions her father, ‘Why did you marry our mom?’ or when she says, ‘Hamari maa hi nahi, baap bhi nahi hai.’ Bollywood has churned out enough films showcasing a strict turned scarred relationship between a father and his children. Kadak Singh makes an effort to start a conversation by delving into the how and why of such relationships.

The plot of Kadak Singh is very intriguing with a lot to pack in. The world-building is impressive. Every version of the story that is narrated to AK Srivastava makes you think and want to solve the mystery yourself. The dynamic that AK Srivastava shares with his daughter, nurse and girlfriend has been explored beautifully. Pankaj Tripathi in the hospital portions provides some good comic relief that makes the film feel lighter on the head. The film gets a little sluggish in the middle portions before it picks up in the last 30 minutes as the mystery is solved. The screenplay could have been tighter and more compelling given the solid story that they had in their hands.