Kuttey

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*Kuttey* (2023), directed by Aasmaan Bhardwaj, marks the debut of Vishal Bhardwaj’s son and blends influences from American filmmaking with the crime cinema style of Vishal Bhardwaj. The film opens with a narration by Konkona Sen Sharma’s character, Lakshmi, a Naxalite, who introduces the metaphor of policemen being the "dogs of the system," setting up the thematic tension of the film. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a range of characters, including corrupt cops, mafia dons, and henchmen, all of whom become entangled in a chaotic heist that leads to bloodshed.

The film revolves around corrupt cops Gopal (Arjun Kapoor) and Paaji (Kumud Mishra), who are given a contract to kill a rival mafia don but end up looting drugs worth crores, which brings them into conflict with both their bosses and other criminal elements. The plot centers around the heist of a money van, which becomes a point of contention for several groups, leading to a violent showdown. Alongside the cops, there’s Radhika Madan, playing the daughter of a mafia don, and Shardul Bharadwaj, who portrays a henchman in love with his boss’ daughter.

The screenplay tries to be overly clever by splitting the narrative into too many threads, which are rushed towards the end. While there are some genuinely funny moments, such as a WhatsApp group for Moong dal or Tabu’s take on corruption, the film struggles to maintain focus and coherence. Tabu, in her role as Pammi, a tough cop, stands out as the film’s soul, bringing a unique charm and gravitas to the film. Her performance is undoubtedly a highlight, and the idea of exploring her character further in a solo film could be an interesting prospect. Arjun Kapoor also delivers a commendable performance as the conflicted and passionate Gopal, while Kumud Mishra brings depth to his role as a morally torn cop.

While *Kuttey* ticks many boxes, it lacks the emotional weight and gravitas typically associated with Vishal Bhardwaj’s films. Some character arcs, like those of Radhika Madan and Shardul Bharadwaj, are underexplored, and several seasoned actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Aashish Vidyarthi are underutilized. Despite these issues, the film demonstrates Aasmaan Bhardwaj’s potential as a filmmaker, and it’s clear he has the foundation to develop his own style in future projects. Overall, while *Kuttey* is a promising debut, it doesn’t fully live up to the high expectations set by its lineage.