The plot : In the quaint village of Ratodi in Uttar Pradesh, there exists a unique ritual where each household must open a smaller door every Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. This tradition is said to ward off the wrath of a ghostly entity named Kakuda. According to local belief, failure to comply with this ritual results in Kakuda delivering a kick to the individual, causing a hunchback. Subsequently, on the thirteenth day, the affected person would meet their demise.
In Ratodi, Sunny (portrayed by Saqib Saleem) marries Indira (played by Sonakshi Sinha) and begins their new life together, only to encounter the curse of Kakuda. The film chronicles how Indira, also known as Indu, navigates this perilous situation with the aid of Victor (played by Riteish Deshmukh), a seasoned ghost hunter.
The plus : Riteish Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem deliver stellar performances, each immersing themselves perfectly into their respective characters.
Victor, the eccentric ghost hunter, breaks all stereotypes with his quirky charm and unconventional approach to the supernatural. Sporting tattoos, he stands out in a field dominated by solemn, spooky figures. Unlike his peers, who exude seriousness. Victor brings a refreshing dose of humour to his ghost-hunting expeditions. Deshmukh is a delight to watch play this part in the film. His comic timing and body language enhance the overall narrative of the film.
Saqib Saleem shines as Sunny, portraying a charming, naive character who loves Indira unconditionally. His scenes are particularly heartwarming, especially those where he expresses his affection for Indira. Sonakshi Sinha excels in her role as Indira, portraying a strong woman who bravely challenges the superstitious villagers alongside Victor. Their evolving chemistry adds an intriguing layer to the film as it progresses.
The supporting cast also delivers commendable performances. Kakuda seamlessly weaves themes of isolation and jealousy into its narrative, subtly conveying a profound message to its audience.
The minus : While the plot is engaging, certain scares and comedic moments are somewhat predictable, diminishing the impact of some scenes. Additionally, the first half of the film feels slow-paced and drawn-out.
Furthermore, the songs and background score fail to make a significant impression, and the dialogues lack wit. In the horror-comedy genre, a balance of eerie moments and comic relief is essential. However, there are parts in the film where neither the humor nor the spooky elements effectively resonate. There are no spine-tingling moments or belly laughs.
Technical aspects : Visually, the film presents a mixed bag. The village setting, with its lush greenery and winding alleyways, holds great potential to captivate audiences. However, this promise is often undermined by subpar special effects that detract from the immersive experience. Despite the natural beauty and picturesque landscapes, the film’s visual impact is diminished by these technical shortcomings, preventing it from fully realising its aesthetic promise.
The lack of immersive audio elements, combined with the inconsistent visual effects, leaves the audience with a less engaging and memorable experience than anticipated.
Verdict : Overall, Kakuda makes for a compelling one-time watch. The second half is particularly engrossing, delving into an intriguing backstory.
Directed by : Aditya Sarpotdar
Written by : Avinash Dwivedi & Chirag Garg
Produced by : Ronnie Screwvala
Starring : Riteish Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha, Saqib Saleem
Cinematography : Lawrence D’Cunha
Music by : Gulraj Singh
Streaming on : Zee5
Rating : 2.5
