Director: Homi Adajania
Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Sara Ali Khan, Vijay Varma, Karishma Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Tisca Chopra, Sanjay Kapoor, Suhail Nayyar, Deven Bhojani, Tara Alisha Berry, Amaara Sangam
Where: Streaming on Netflix
Rating: ***
In the realm of mysteries, Murder Mubarak, despite combining the intrigue of a whodunnit with the hilarity of a comedy, emerges as a predictably formulaic film interwoven with a dispassionate love story.
Set against the backdrop of the elite Royal Delhi Club, where even the pets are named after the British royal members, the film begins with the quirky introduction of its equally quirky members and employees while a young girl is searching for Prince Harry, the Club’s pet cat.
It is after the jamboree at the Tambola (Housie) night, a few days before the elections at the Club, that the Zumba trainer Leo Matthews is found dead in the gym.
By default, Assistant Commissioner of Police Bhavani Singh (Pankaj Tripathi) and his flunky Sub Inspector Padam; are sent to investigate.
“It is an open and shut case,” claims the club president, essayed by Deven Bhojani.
But the ACP and Sub Inspector refuse to take any chances.
As the investigation unfolds, we are introduced to the motives and hidden agendas of the film’s diverse cast of characters which include; the widow Bambi Todi (Sara Ali Khan), the actress Shehnaz Noorani (Karishma Kapoor), the junkie Yash Batra (Suhail Nayar) and his mother the “Bakchod” (bullshitter) Roshni Batra (Tisca Chopra), the “fekuchand” (exaggerator) Rannvijay Singh (Sanjay Kapoor) a member of the royal family of Achingad, the “Bechara” lawyer and lovelorn Akash Dogra (Vijay Verma), the list goes on…
Each character is well-etched with a distinct set of weirdness that makes them stand apart. The ensemble cast is impressive, and each one of them shines in their moments of on-screen glory, but the scenes between Dimple Kapadia and Tisca Arora stay in your mind's space much after the film is over. Their ability to deliver the punchlines with impeccable timing elevates the entertainment quotient in the film.
Astutely crafted by the masterful storyteller, Homi Adajania, known for his distinct, unconventional style, which blends- elements of quirky humour, emotional depth, and offbeat storytelling, the film has his stamp written all over.
The narrative, infused with elements of realism while incorporating surreal and whimsical touches, boasts intricate character development, witty dialogues, over-the-top performances, and visually striking cinematography. Additionally, the film has an eclectic soundtrack that complements the mood and theme of the moment.
Overall, the film may appeal to only those who like the filmmaker’s style of narration, others may find the plot forced and convoluted, especially during the first act of the film.
