Kadak Singh Explained

Kadak Singh is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language thriller film directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury and produced by WIZ Films along with KVN Productions. It has been produced by Viraf Sarkari and Mahesh Ramanathan.^[2] The film stars an ensemble cast including Pankaj Tripathi, Jaya Ahsan, Parvathy Thiruvothu and Sanjana Sanghi in prominent roles. This is the first Hindi film of Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan.^{[3] [4]} The film was released on 8 December 2023 on ZEE5.^{[5] [6]} The film had its world premiere at the 54th International Film Festival of India on 22 November 2023.^[7]

Premise

An officer of the Department of Financial Crimes is trying to solve a chit-fund scam case after being diagnosed with retrograde amnesia. He relies on listening to different perspectives on who he actually is and how he landed up in the hospital where he is being treated.^[8]

Cast

• Pankaj Tripathi as Arun Kumar 'AK' Shrivastav alias "Kadak Singh"
• Sanjana Sanghi as Sakshi Shrivastav, AK's daughter
• Khushboo Kamal as Mimi Shrivastav, AK's deceased wife ^[9]
• Parvathy Thiruvothu as Miss Mimi Kannan (Mimi Nurse)^[10]
• Jaya Ahsan as Noyona aka Naina, AK's "girlfriend"^[11]
• Paresh Pahuja as Arjun Shrivastav, AK's Colleague
• Varun Buddhadev as Aditya "Adi" Shrivastav, AK's "son"
• Dilip Shankar as Tyagi, AK's "boss"
• Jogi Mallang
• Sanjeev Sharma as Ashok Agarwal
• Rajan Modi as Subhash; AK's colleague

Production

The shoot of the film started soon in December 2022 in Kolkata.and finish in February 2023.^{[12] [13] [14] [15]}

Marketing

The film's trailer was launched on 21 November 2023, at the 54th International Film Festival of India premiere.^{[16] [17]} Talking about the reason behind choosing International Film Festival of India for the trailer launch, director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury called the festival one of the most important global platform for movies.^[18]

The music of the film was released on November 30, 2023.^[19]

Release

The rights of the film were sold to ZEE5.^[20] The director, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, revealed intentions of releasing theatrically after its streaming release.^[21]

Reception

Reviews of the film noted Pankaj Tripath's performance. Sreeparna Sengupta of The Times of India rated it 3 out of 5 and commented, "the film has to its advantage seasoned actors like Pankaj Tripathi and Parvathy doing what they do best."^[22] Monika Rawal Kukreja of Hindustan Times wrote "At 127 minutes, the film is crisp and doesn’t seem dragged."^[23] Bhavana Sharma from Deccan Chronicle wrote "The screenplay stands out as the film's strongest suit, with its non-linear storytelling that seamlessly shifts between past and present."^[24] Rishil Jogani of Pinkvilla rated the film 3 out of 5 while concluding, "its novel concept is a reason enough to watch it."^[25] A critic from Bollywood Hungama rated the film 2/5 stars and wrote "Kadak Singh has a complicated and disappointing second half. The performances are the saving grace of this film."^[26]

Music

The music for the film composed by Shantanu Moitra. Lyrics are written by Tanveer Ghazi.^[27]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Pankaj Tripathi-starrer 'Kadak Singh' to release directly on ZEE5 . PTI . 23 November 2023.
2. News: Kadak Singh producer Viraf Sarkari: The original story was very dark, we toned it down - Exclusive . Times Of India . 22 November 2023 . 23 November 2023.
3. Web site: Trailer of Jaya's debut Hindi film 'Kadak Singh' unveiled at IFFI . DailySun . November 2023. 23 November 2023.
4. Web site: Jaya Ahsan finishes shooting for her debut Bollywood film . Dhaka Tribune . 23 November 2023.
5. Web site: Pankaj Tripathi's 'Kadak Singh' to release on OTT, first look out . ANI . 23 November 2023.
6. Web site: Kadak Singh OTT Release Date: When And Where To Watch Pankaj Tripathi's Investigative Drama . Indiaztimes . 21 November 2023 . 23 November 2023.
7. News: Salman Khan's Farrey, Pankaj Tripathi's Kadak Singh, Vijay Sethupathi's Gandhi Talks to be screened at IFFI gala premiers. Times of India . 11 November 2023 . 23 November 2023.
8. Web site: Pankaj Tripathi plays a retrograde amnesia patient in 'Kadak Singh' . Indulge Express . 23 November 2023.
9. News: Kadak Singh Movie Review: Despite the performances, KADAK SINGH has a complicated and disappointing second half. . 8 December 2023 . en.
10. Web site: Honing the humour . MidDay. 1 December 2023.
11. Web site: Jaya Ahsan On ‘Kadak Singh’: Wanted To Work With Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Pankaj Tripathi Was Icing On The Cake . Outlook. 1 December 2023.
12. News: Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjana Sanghi, Parvathy Thiruvothu start shooting for untitled film. The Hindus . 7 December 2022 . 23 November 2023.
13. Web site: Pankaj Tripathi, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Sanjana Sanghi start shooting for untitled film in Mumbai. Firstpost . 7 December 2022 . 23 November 2023.
14. News: Sanjana Sanghi wraps up film alongside Pankaj Tripathi, Parvathy Thiruvothu . TimesofIndia.com . 23 November 2023.
15. Web site: Shooting of Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjana Sanghi, Parvathy Thiruvothu-starrer wrapped up . . 23 November 2023.
16. Web site: Pankaj Tripathi Back In Rather Serious Role In Kadak Singh; Trailer Released At IFFI Opening Ceremony In Goa Here. ABP Live . 21 November 2023 . 23 November 2023.
17. Web site: Pankaj Tripathi Looks Intense and Mysterious In New 'Kadak Singh' Poster; Check Here. pinkvilla . 20 November 2023 . 23 November 2023.
18. Web site: Kadak Singh director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury on launching trailer at IFFI: It's one of the most important global platforms . MidDay. 1 December 2023.
19. Web site: Full album of Pankaj Tripathi's Kadak Singh is out . MidDay. 1 December 2023.
20. Web site: Kadak Singh OTT Release Date Announced: Pankaj Tripathi-starrer movie to stream in December 1st week . ZEE Business. 1 December 2023.
21. Web site: Kadak Singh OTT Release Date Announced: Pankaj Tripathi-starrer movie to stream in December 1st week . IndiaTVs. 1 December 2023.
22. Web site: Kadak Singh review . The Times of India. 8 December 2023.
23. Web site: Kadak Singh review: Pankaj Tripathi’s quirks uplift this real and relatable thriller . Hindustan Times. 8 December 2023.
24. Web site: Pankaj Tripathi nails his performance in this beautiful tale . Deccan Chronicles. 8 December 2023.
25. Web site: Kadak Singh Review: Pankaj Tripathi-Sanjana Sanghi led thriller is high-concept but could have been tighter. Pinkvilla. 8 December 2023.
26. Web site: Kadak Singh Movie Review . 28 December 2023 . Bollywood Hungama. 8 December 2023 .
27. Web site: 29 November 2023 . Kadak Singh – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack . JioSaavn.