Directed by Sangeeth Sivan, “Kapkapiii” showcases Shreyas Talpade’s comedic talents amidst a narrative that blends horror and humor, albeit with some familiar tropes and occasional confusion.
Plot:
Manu (Shreyas Talpade) and his gang of aimless friends—Achyut (Dinker Sharma), Nanku (Jay Thakkar), and Nirup (Varun Pande)—occupy their time in frivolous pursuits until the arrival of two young women, Kavya (Siddhi Idnani) and Madhu (Sonia Rathee), in the neighborhood changes the dynamics. A seemingly harmless experiment with an Ouija board unleashes a series of eerie events, disrupting their mundane lives.
Review:
Balancing horror and comedy is no easy feat, and “Kapkapiii” manages to strike a mostly effective balance. Adapted from the 2023 Malayalam film “Romancham,” this Hindi rendition leans heavily into humor, often at the expense of genuine scares. Sangeeth Sivan, known for his comedic touch, infuses the film with witty banter and outrageous antics that keep the laughs rolling.
The humor, though sometimes risqué, largely succeeds in its simplicity, highlighted by the quirky interactions among the characters. However, the female characters, while present, seem underdeveloped and primarily serve as plot devices, which detracts from the narrative’s depth. The introduction of Tusshar Kapoor’s character in the latter half injects renewed energy, albeit with missed opportunities for deeper characterization.
Shreyas Talpade delivers his trademark exuberance as Manu, anchoring the film with his comedic timing. The supporting cast, including Dibyendu Bhattacharya, leaves a notable impression despite limited screen time. Ajay Jayanthi’s musical score complements the film’s light-hearted tone, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
In essence, “Kapkapiii” is an enjoyable ride that elicits laughs more than chills. While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels somewhat disjointed, owing to its sprawling ensemble and occasional narrative uncertainty. It’s a film that entertains with its humor but falls short on delivering impactful scares.
