MELBOURNE, 11 December 2023: Financial crimes investigator AK Srivastava (Pankaj Tripathi) in the grip of amnesia grapples with his present and past. He is a single parent with upright personality lying in a hospital bed looked after by nurse Kanan (Parvathy Thiruvothu), visited by kids (daughter Sakshi and son Adi) and memories that include his girlfriend (Jaya Ahsan as Naina). AK remembers a few incidents and does not remember many others that led to his alleged suicide attempt. He was investigating a financial crime.
The movie keeps reverting to the current and flashbacks. His company with the nurse, visiting children and ex- girlfriend plus office staff keeps the movie moving. The single parent scenario is well crafted with the sister struggling to keep the brother in order with father in hospital. AK not recognising his ex-girlfriend speaks for itself.
The slow first half is quite engaging as the narrative builds up, but the longish second half flutters. It ends up as a middle path between a family drama and a semi-thriller. Pankaj Tripath and Sanjna Sanghi as father and daughter steal the show, with fine acting.
Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury (Pink and Lost) is successful in showing us the power of a simple character (AK). Is he ‘Kadak’ (intense or harsh) because of his circumstances or personality? Depends how one sees him. This is Bangladesh actress Jaya Ahsan’s first Hindi movie, and she gives a stellar performance. Malayalam Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu as the nurse is exceptionally innate. Well done, Parvathy.
This movie proves that all is not Bollywood in Indian movies. ‘Kadak Singh’s strength lies in its rustic characters moulded by able direction.
I wish the movie was not more than 90 minutes. The movie is streaming at ZEE5 Global.
I give ‘Kadak Singh’ 3 out of five stars.
