Kuttey: Deep-Dark Satire Backed With Outstanding Performances

The multistarrer ‘Kuttey’ released in the theaters today. Right from its first poster release the film has been a topic of discussion among the cinephiles regarding its title and interesting casting. With the film, famous director Vishal Bharadwaj’s son Aasman Bharadwaj is making his debut in the field of direction.

The story begins in the year 2003 where Laxmi (Konkona Sen Sharma), a commander of a Naxalite cell is caught by the police. Lakshmi’s group of Naxalites comes and rescues her. From here the story moves 13 years ahead. Police officers Gopal (Arjun Kapoor) and Paaji (Kumud Mishra) are involved in the drug trade despite being in the police department. Drug mafia Narayan Khobre alias Bhau (Naseeruddin Shah) sends the two of them to kill his rival in the business. 

As they were about to leave after completing their task, Gopal and Paaji are caught with drugs and get suspended. Senior police officer Pammi (Tabu) comes to their rescue and puts forth a condition i.e. they’ll have to pay Rs. 1 crore each to save their jobs. On the other hand, Narayan’s daughter Lovely (Radhika Madan) is in love with Danish (Shardul Bhardwaj), who works for her father but her marriage is fixed somewhere else. She wants to elope with Danish for which she needs one crore rupees. 

The only way for all of them to gather this huge amount is to rob the van full of money. Gopal, Paaji and Pammi make plans for the same. Lovely and Danish also join them according to the circumstances. Here these gangs have been compared to dogs and crores of rupees as bones. Everyone has their own story and to fulfill their purpose they can go to any extent. Head to the theater to know where their greed takes them!

When it comes to thriller blue and gray colors are usually used to set that dull, dark and intense atmosphere but here in ‘Kuttey’ red color has been used to build up the thrill. While watching the film on the big screen, you will be able to understand its essence very well. The kind of drama, crime and thriller that the audience had expected while watching the trailer, all those elements are present here.Like a responsible director Aasman Bharadwaj has put in appreciable efforts in each frame, sound, camera angle and everything on a whole.

Talking about the acting, the lead cast in ‘Kuttey’ is so long and wide. Actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Tabu, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kumud Mishra, Anurag Kashyap, Arjun Kapoor, Radhika Madan are presented in one frame and this is no less than a treat for cinema lovers. Arjun Kapoor who gets most of the screen space is exceptional and arguably gave one of the best performances of his career. Despite such a long star cast it’s Tabu who manages to steal all the attention of viewers so effortlessly which tells everything about her acting. Radhika Madan and Konkana Sen Sharma do justice to their characters too in the limited screen space. Kumud Mishra is impressive and fits in the character pretty well.  Anurag Kashyap, Ashish Vidyarthi and Naseeruddin Shah are seen in scenes of one or two minutes. A little disappointed as their characters were not explored much. 

Other than the performances that largely hit the mark, it’s the background score and music that makes the film stand out. When it comes to Vishal Bharadwaj’s films background score has always been very unique and different and just like that carrying his father’s legacy ahead junior Bharadwaj has also given a powerful background score for the film ‘Kuttey’. Gulzar’s writing along with the songs by Vishal and Rekha Bhardwaj has given a romantic touch to the film. 

Well, ‘Kuttey’ is not at all a family movie. There is open hearted abuse, bullets and bloodshed in it. In the first half of the film, more focus has been given on the buildup of the characters, due to which the story seems scattered and does test your patience. Whereas in the second half, the film picks up its pace and the story begins to unravel which gets you invested. If you’re someone who’s a fan of thrillers and strong performances, you can surely give this one a try. This is not going to be a bad deal at all. ‘Kuttey’ is now showing at theaters near you!