Kartam Bhugtam Review: Shreyas Talpade’s Film Is A Savdhaan India Lookalike

Director: Soham P Shah

Cast: Shreyas Talpade, Madhoo, Vijay Raaz, Aksha Pardasany

Where: In theatres near you

Rating: 2 stars

What goes around comes around (jaisi karni waisi bharni), a popular phrase, is what filmmaker Soham P Shah built his narrative on in his latest offering Kartam Bhugtam. Soham has helmed big banner films with a mammoth cast — Kaal (2005) and Luck (2009), but, unfortunately they were not received well at the box office. Soon after, Soham lost his social standing in the industry. Time and thriller have always been a pivotal part in his films and they also do in his comeback theatrical, Kartam Bhugtam.

Jyotisha is a science that deals in astronomy and this is what Soham has played onto this time. Dev (Shreyas Talpade) comes to Bhopal from New Zealand leaving behind his girlfriend Jia (Aksha Pardasany) to sell the properties of his dead father but as it takes time, Dev loses all hope. His friend suggests him to meet Anna (Vijay Raaz), a small time astrologer to seek help. Dev then becomes close to Anna and his wife Seema (Madhoo) without knowing the consequences. Will Anna be of any help to Dev?

Soham seems to have a soft corner for subjects like these but this time around, Kartam Bhugtam looks dated, not so fancy and expensive thriller. His first half is boring to death but second half manages to let you sit with some ease. He unravels a major twist at the interval point and post which he bounces another twist followed by a series of unexpected events. The core glitch is his execution that makes Kartam Bhugtam look like Savdhaan India or Crime Patrol.

Soham’s film stands nowhere technically too. The dub of secondary cast is beyond horrible. It is disturbing and deteriorates the quality of the film.

Shreyas does justice to his part but goes haywire at a few portions. Vijay is good but usual. Madhoo and Aksha are hardly there in the first half but have much to do in the second half. Madhoo’s breakdown scene is not so convincing though.

Kartam Bhugtam is an avoidable affair. Rerun of crime based television shows are a safer bet instead.

Published on: Friday, May 17, 2024, 12:31 PM IST