“Kakuda,” a 2024 horror-comedy directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, is a film that takes a quirky approach to the ghost genre. With an ensemble cast led by Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, and Saqib Saleem, the film promises a mix of thrills and laughs, while exploring a unique storyline about a cursed village haunted by a mysterious spirit. The movie attempts to combine humor with supernatural elements, and while the concept is intriguing, the execution leaves mixed impressions.

Plot Summary

The story of “Kakuda” revolves around a cursed village where no couple can get married due to the presence of a vengeful ghost. The curse has plagued the village for generations, and it becomes the central theme of the film. Sonakshi Sinha plays a headstrong paranormal investigator, Gayatri, who is determined to unravel the mystery behind the haunting. Along with Saqib Saleem, who plays Sameer, a skeptical journalist, and Riteish Deshmukh, portraying the quirky, scaredy-cat villager Chandan, the trio embarks on a mission to confront the supernatural entity and lift the curse.

As they dig deeper, they uncover a tragic backstory of love, betrayal, and revenge that led to the curse in the first place. What follows is a mix of comic misadventures, spooky encounters, and unexpected twists as the team attempts to solve the riddle of Kakuda and break the cycle of fear that has gripped the village.

The Cast and Performances

Sonakshi Sinha delivers a decent performance as Gayatri, bringing a sense of confidence and conviction to her role as a paranormal investigator. Her character is serious and grounded, contrasting well with the comic roles of Riteish Deshmukh and Saqib Saleem. Sinha manages to maintain a strong screen presence, even when the script falters at times.

Riteish Deshmukh, known for his comic timing, shines in his role as Chandan, the cowardly villager who adds humor to almost every scene. His physical comedy and expressions are a highlight of the film, and he succeeds in balancing the horror with lighthearted moments. However, his character often feels like a stereotype of the ‘scared local guy,’ which limits the depth of his role.

Saqib Saleem as Sameer brings charm and sarcasm to the film, playing the skeptical journalist who is unwilling to believe in ghosts until he faces them head-on. His character adds some balance between the horror and comedy, but at times, his performance feels a bit underwhelming due to inconsistent writing.

Humor and Horror Blend

“Kakuda” tries to blend horror with humor, a formula that has worked well in films like “Stree” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa.” However, in this case, the balance between the two genres is uneven. While there are genuinely funny moments, particularly from Riteish Deshmukh, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The shift from eerie sequences to slapstick comedy feels jarring at times, and this tonal inconsistency hampers the overall impact.

The horror elements in “Kakuda” are mostly jump scares and spooky sound effects, which, while effective in the moment, do not contribute much to a lasting sense of fear. The ghost’s backstory, although tragic, is not fleshed out enough to make her a memorable antagonist. The film misses the opportunity to build genuine tension and suspense, which could have elevated the stakes of the story.

Cinematography and Visuals

Visually, “Kakuda” has its moments. The village setting, with its foggy landscapes and eerie lighting, creates an atmospheric backdrop for the story. The cinematography by Jitan Harmeet Singh captures the rustic, haunted village aesthetic well, adding to the film’s creepy vibe. However, the CGI used for the ghost sequences feels a bit lackluster and fails to leave a lasting impression.

The production design is commendable, with attention to detail in creating the cursed village, but the execution of the horror sequences often feels predictable and formulaic. The film’s visual appeal could have been stronger with better special effects and more creative direction in terms of the supernatural aspects.

Weaknesses in the Script

One of the biggest drawbacks of “Kakuda” is its script. The film starts with an interesting premise, but as the story progresses, it loses its momentum. The plot becomes predictable, and the mystery surrounding the curse is not as engaging as it could have been. The pacing of the film also suffers, with some parts dragging on, while others feel rushed.

The film’s dialogue, while occasionally witty, often falls flat, especially during the more intense scenes. The character development feels superficial, and the relationships between the characters are not explored deeply enough to make the audience emotionally invested in their journey.

Final Verdict

“Kakuda” is a film that had potential but falls short due to its uneven tone, weak script, and underdeveloped horror elements. The film tries to deliver a blend of scares and laughs, but the execution is not as smooth as one might hope. The cast, particularly Riteish Deshmukh, provides moments of entertainment, but the overall experience feels disjointed and lacking in substance.

If you’re a fan of lighthearted horror-comedies and are looking for some easy laughs with a dash of spookiness, “Kakuda” might be worth a watch. However, for those seeking a more gripping or memorable horror experience, this film may not quite hit the mark. It’s an entertaining but forgettable entry in the genre that, unfortunately, doesn’t live up to its intriguing premise.

Conclusion

“Kakuda” is a mixed bag of humor and horror that ultimately doesn’t quite deliver on either front. While the performances and visual setting are commendable, the film’s inconsistent tone and lack of depth in its script prevent it from becoming a standout horror-comedy. For viewers seeking light entertainment with some spooky elements, it might be enjoyable, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.