Recently released on Netflix, ‘Kuttey’ features an outstanding cast of Bollywood’s best actors and Arjun Kapoor. I was eagerly anticipating the movie’s release on OTT after being captivated by the trailer a few months back. Directed by debutant Aasmaan Bhardwaj, the movie’s unique narrative structure immediately caught my attention. It’s divided into four parts, including an epilogue and three chapters, each with intriguing titles that reveal their significance as the story progresses. The epilogue ‘Laxmi Bomb’ sets the stage for the climax, followed by the chapters ‘Sabka Maalik Ek’, ‘Aata Kya Canada’, and ‘Moong Ki Daal’. The chapter titles contribute to the screenplay’s quirkiness, adding to the movie’s charm. The plot centers around Gopal (played by Arjun Kapoor) and Paaji (played by Kumud Mishra) who are hired to assassinate a politician’s rival. But when a corrupt cop enters the scene and greed takes over, things take a turn for the worse. Amidst this chaos, three groups of strangers collide on a stormy night, all searching for a van carrying millions of cash. The resulting clash between these groups—who fight for their territory like dogs—forms the crux of the movie’s plot.

The first half of the movie might seem slow and somewhat aimless but it all comes together in the second half, which is fast-paced and thrilling. The narrative pieces fit together seamlessly, making for an enjoyable viewing experience. While the twist towards the end might be predictable, it adds a much-needed touch of humor to the otherwise dark tale of blood and gore. The humor is still blunt and dark though, which could probably not go down well with a few people. The writers have used known allegories and anecdotes to make sense of what the characters have on their minds.

The performances delivered by the lead actors in Kuttey are truly commendable and showcase their versatility as performers. Arjun Kapoor, who has had a mixed bag of performances in his career, finally delivers an earnest portrayal of the trigger-happy Gopal. This is a refreshing change from his previous roles and he manages to carry the film on his shoulders with his intensity and presence. Kumud Mishra is equally impressive in his role as a corrupt cop who takes the law into his own hands. He exudes a rawness and authenticity in each scene, and his actions speak louder than words. It’s evident that he is out of his comfort zone in this role but he manages to portray the character’s shades with finesse. Mishra’s portrayal is a testament to his range as an actor and his ability to breathe life into any character he plays. The camaraderie between the characters is believable and helps to anchor the plot. Additionally, Tabu’s nuanced portrayal of Pammi is so compelling that she steals the show from the other lead actors. Her impeccable comic timing adds a much-needed touch of humor in this otherwise intense movie, providing a break from the tension and giving the audience a chance to catch their breath. It’s clear that Tabu is a force to be reckoned with and her performance in Kuttey leaves no doubt about her talent. This performance makes one eagerly anticipate her big comeback in the industry as her presence on the screen is truly missed. The background music of Kuttey also stands out. Composed by Vishal with lyrics penned by Gulzar, each song is aptly placed in the story and only serves to take the narrative forward. The iconic ‘Dhan Te Nan’ track by Vishal, played throughout the movie, elevates the impact of every important scene. While the movie does have some shortcomings, such as the rushed characterization of Konkona Sen Sharma’s Laxmi and the wasted potential of Naseeruddin Shah’s Khobre, the overall experience is worth watching. Kuttey offers a fresh take on the action-thriller genre and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Who should watch it? Fans of action-thrillers who enjoy an intriguing narrative structure and strong performances from talented actors should definitely give this movie a try. The movie also features excellent background music and memorable characters, especially Tabu’s portrayal of police officer Pammi. Additionally, those who appreciate unconventional and quirky storytelling will find this film to be a refreshing departure from typical Bollywood fare. However, those who are uncomfortable with violence or gore might want to approach it with caution. Rating: 3.5 stars Genre: Action/Thriller Actors: Arjun Kapoor, Kumud Mishra, Tabu Director: Aasmaan Bhardwaj Run time: 1hr 49mins