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Cuttputlli Movie Review: “Cuttputlli”, directed by Ranjit M. Tewari, brings to the screen a thriller steeped in suspense and mystery. The film, starring Akshay Kumar, Rakul Preet Singh, and Sargun Mehta, is set against the backdrop of a small town in Himachal Pradesh, where a series of gruesome murders shake the local community. Akshay Kumar takes the lead role as Arjan Sethi, a newly recruited police officer tasked with uncovering the killer. The film, which marks Tewari’s latest offering, navigates a well-worn path in the murder mystery genre but adds layers of complexity with its psychological undertones and themes of justice, vengeance, and obsession.
Akshay Kumar’s performance as Arjan Sethi, a police officer with a background in psychology, serves as the crux of the narrative. His portrayal is measured, embodying a man caught between his personal vulnerabilities and his professional obligations. As a character who initially seems out of depth in the investigative world, Arjan gradually reveals his competence and determination as the stakes grow higher. Kumar’s performance is convincing, though at times it lacks the emotional depth necessary to truly convey the weight of his character’s psychological turmoil.
Cuttputlli Movie Review
Rakul Preet Singh, who plays the role of Divya, a schoolteacher and love interest of Arjan, delivers a strong performance, though her role feels underdeveloped in comparison to the male lead. While her screen presence adds a softer dimension to the film, her character seems secondary to the larger narrative, serving more as a plot device than an integral part of the story. Sargun Mehta, who plays a fellow police officer, delivers a commendable performance, portraying the grit and determination required of her role. However, like Rakul Preet Singh’s character, Mehta’s screen time is limited, and her role could have benefited from further exploration.
Cuttputlli Movie Review: The film’s plot revolves around a series of child abductions and murders, with Arjan and his team racing against time to catch the serial killer before more lives are lost. The investigative process is fraught with red herrings and false leads, keeping the audience on edge as they try to piece together the clues alongside the characters. While the suspense is well-maintained throughout much of the film, there are moments where the pacing falters, particularly in the first half. The film takes its time setting up the mystery, but this results in a somewhat slow burn that might test the patience of some viewers.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its atmospheric setting. The small-town landscape, with its foggy streets, dense forests, and isolated homes, adds a sense of claustrophobia and unease that enhances the tension. The cinematography captures the cold, stark beauty of the Himachal backdrop, with long, lingering shots that contribute to the overall mood of the film. The town itself becomes a character, its quiet and seemingly peaceful exterior hiding the dark secrets and horrors lurking beneath the surface.
The film’s score, composed by Julius Packiam, further amplifies the tension. The music heightens the sense of dread, especially during the investigative scenes and moments of confrontation between Arjan and the killer. However, at times the score feels overly dramatic, almost telegraphing the emotions the audience is supposed to feel rather than allowing the tension to build naturally through the performances and narrative.
Cuttputlli Movie Review: Ranjit M. Tewari’s direction is competent, though not particularly groundbreaking. He manages to keep the audience engaged with the central mystery, though the film’s reliance on genre tropes means it doesn’t offer much in the way of innovation. The killer’s motivations, when finally revealed, are chilling, but the film’s resolution feels somewhat rushed, as though the filmmakers were eager to wrap up the narrative after spending so much time building up the suspense. This abrupt conclusion may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied, particularly after the careful attention given to the investigative process throughout the film.
Cuttputlli Movie Review
The screenplay, written by Aseem Arrora, is taut and effective for the most part, though it occasionally slips into melodrama. The dialogues are functional, serving the plot rather than providing much insight into the characters’ inner lives. This is particularly true for the secondary characters, who remain underdeveloped despite their importance to the story. The lack of depth in character development is one of the film’s main weaknesses, as it prevents the audience from forming a deeper emotional connection with the protagonists.
“Cuttputlli” ultimately works as a suspense thriller, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights it aspires to. The film’s strengths lie in its atmospheric tension, strong performances from its lead actors, and a plot that keeps the audience guessing. However, its shortcomings—most notably the underdeveloped secondary characters, occasional pacing issues, and a somewhat rushed conclusion—prevent it from becoming a truly standout entry in the genre.
Cuttputlli Movie Review: Akshay Kumar’s star power and the film’s engaging premise will likely draw audiences, and for those looking for a solid thriller with moments of genuine suspense, Cuttputlli delivers. However, viewers hoping for a more nuanced or innovative take on the serial killer genre may find themselves wanting more. Despite its flaws, the film offers enough intrigue and tension to hold the audience’s attention, and its exploration of themes like obsession, justice, and the psychology of a killer ensures that it leaves a lasting impression.
In conclusion, Cuttputlli is a competent thriller that benefits from a strong lead performance, a moody setting, and an engaging mystery, but it falls short of its potential due to its reliance on familiar genre conventions and a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. For fans of Akshay Kumar or those who enjoy a good crime mystery, the film is worth watching, though it may not linger in the memory for long after the credits roll.
Director: Ranjit Tiwari
Story by: Ram Kumar
Budget: ₹135 crore
Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi
Music by: Score: Julius Packiam; Songs: Tanishk Bagchi; Dr. Zeus; Aditya Dev
