“Kuttey” is a 2023 dark-comedy crime thriller film directed by Aasmaan Bhardwaj, making his directorial debut. The film is produced by Luv Ranjan, Vishal Bhardwaj, Ankur Garg, and Rekha Bhardwaj under the banners of Luv Films and Vishal Bhardwaj Films. The movie stars an ensemble cast featuring Arjun Kapoor, Tabu, Naseeruddin Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Radhika Madan. Kuttey delves into themes of greed, betrayal, and violence, creating a gritty, unpredictable atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge.
Plot:
Kuttey follows the intertwining stories of multiple characters from the underworld, all of whom are chasing a large sum of money. The film’s plot revolves around a heist gone wrong, where several morally ambiguous characters—policemen, gangsters, and opportunists—find themselves entangled in a web of violence and deception. The title Kuttey (which means “dogs”) is a metaphor for the characters’ dog-eat-dog world, where loyalty is scarce, and betrayal is the norm.
With a nonlinear narrative, the movie constantly shifts between different timelines and perspectives, revealing how far the characters are willing to go to claim the riches. As the chaos escalates, their greed pushes them to make increasingly dangerous and unpredictable decisions.
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Arjun Kapoor | Gopal Tiwari (corrupt cop) |
| Tabu | Pammi Sandhu (ruthless cop) |
| Naseeruddin Shah | Narayan Khobre (crime boss) |
| Konkona Sen Sharma | Lakshmi (Naxalite leader) |
| Radhika Madan | Lovely Khobre (Narayan’s daughter) |
| Kumud Mishra | Officer Dhawan |
| Shardul Bhardwaj | Officer Ramesh Yadav |
Direction and Style:
Directed by Aasmaan Bhardwaj, the son of acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, Kuttey retains the signature dark tone of Bhardwaj’s films, with a mix of sharp wit and violence. Aasmaan brings in elements of black comedy and unpredictable twists, reminiscent of Western crime thrillers like Pulp Fiction. The film is also packed with thrilling chase sequences, gunfights, and tense standoffs.
Reception:
Kuttey received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key aspects of the film:
- Performances: The ensemble cast was praised for their strong performances, particularly Tabu and Naseeruddin Shah. Tabu, as a corrupt cop, steals the show with her commanding screen presence, while Arjun Kapoor delivers a solid performance in a gritty role. Konkona Sen Sharma and Radhika Madan also impressed with their nuanced performances.
- Direction: Aasmaan Bhardwaj’s debut was noted for its bold storytelling and slick direction. However, some critics felt that the film’s nonlinear narrative and dark tone might not appeal to all audiences, especially given its complex structure and unpredictable twists.
- Cinematography and Music: The film’s visuals and music, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, were highlighted as standout features, adding to the overall atmosphere of tension and urgency. The use of dark humor and action-packed sequences complemented the film’s intense pace.
- Criticism: Some reviewers felt that while Kuttey had its moments of brilliance, it tried to juggle too many characters and subplots, which occasionally resulted in a disjointed narrative. The film’s unpredictable style, while engaging, sometimes left viewers craving more cohesion in the story.
Themes:
The film explores themes of greed, betrayal, and survival in a ruthless world where trust is non-existent. It portrays the darker side of humanity, emphasizing how easily people can turn on each other when money and power are at stake. The characters’ moral ambiguity reflects the unpredictable nature of the world they inhabit, where loyalty is often a disguise for selfish motives.
Conclusion:
Kuttey is a thrilling and intense ride that offers strong performances from its ensemble cast and an engaging directorial debut by Aasmaan Bhardwaj. With its sharp dialogue, dark humor, and gritty storyline, the film is aimed at fans of unconventional crime dramas. However, its complex narrative structure may not appeal to everyone, making it a polarizing watch for certain audiences.
