Kathal (film)

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Kathal
Official release poster
Directed byYashowardhan Mishra
Written byAshok Mishra
Yashowardhan Mishra
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyHarshvir Oberai
Edited byPrerna Saigal
Music byRam Sampath
Production
companies
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • 19 May 2023 (2023-05-19)
Running time
115 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Kathal - A Jackfruit Mystery also known as Kathal (transl. Jackfruit)[2] is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language social-satirical comedy drama film written by Ashok Mishra and directed by Yashowardhan Mishra for Netflix.[3][4] The film is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga and Achin Jain under the banners Balaji Motion Pictures and Sikhya Entertainment.[5] The film features Sanya Malhotra, Anant V Joshi, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Brijendra Kala, Neha Saraf and Raghubir Yadav in prominent roles.[6][7][8] The film released on 19 May 2023 via Netflix.[9] The film revolves from the two Uncle Hong jackfruits (kathal) which get stolen from the garden local MLA Munnalal Pateria, thus a police team is put on task to investigate, headed inspector Mahima Basor. [10]

At the 71st National Film Awards, Kathal - A Jackfruit Mystery won Best Hindi Feature Film.[11]

Plot

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The movie begins with a local goon, Veer Singh 'Veeru', being arrested as a result of an undercover operation led by Inspector Mahima Basore (Sanya Malhotra). At the press conference, the arrest is announced by SP Angrez Singh Randhawa, but Mahima's senior does not reveal her role in this operation, a fact that Mahima's beau, Constable Saurabh, points out, but she ignores.

Two exotic-breed kathals (jackfruit) go missing from a tree in the garden of the MLA Pateria in the town of Moba. Mahima is assigned to the case. Despite its ridiculous nature, the whole police unit is under much pressure to find the fruit before it ripens. Throughout the case, Mahima faces passive caste based discrimination from her subordinates, including Saurabh's father. SP Randhawa promises to promote her to DSP if she solves the case, but she refuses, asking him to promote Saurabh instead, thereby reducing the hierarchy between them.

After questioning the family and servants of the MLA, Mahima narrows the suspects down to the recently fired gardener, Birwa as the chief suspect. The police began to look for him and it is revealed that Birwa had been trying to file a police complaint for his missing daughter, Amiya, but was repeatedly turned away by the constables, including Saurabh. Mahima is enraged by his neglect but is pressurised by Randhawa to present Birwa as the thief at a press conference the next day.

At the press conference, however, Mahima declares that the jackfruits were stolen by Birwa's daughter Amiya, thereby turning the case into a missing person case in order to quickly rescue the girl. She travels to Birwa's village for questioning and discovers that the girl was likely kidnapped by 3 thugs in a pink Nano, that was stolen from one of her subordinates, Mishra. Meanwhile, a local journalist, Anuj, discovers that Birwa had falsely confessed to his daughter's role in the robbery under the influence of the police. Mahima bribes him with a file containing the details of 43 teenage girls who had gone missing from Moba but were never found, in exchange for him not releasing Birwa's truth.

Relying on intelligence gathered by Saurabh, Mahima and her team pursue the kidnappers to Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, where they finally find Amiya on the cusp of being trafficked to Gulab Seth, a local businessman. After a comic fight, they arrest the traffickers and rescue Amiya.

In the court, Amiya pleads not guilty while Birwa testifies that his daughter had nothing to do with the stolen jackfruits and he was convinced by Mahima to declare his daughter as a thief at the press conference. The prosecution is aghast but Mahima explains the irony of an entire police force engaged in finding stolen jackfruits, while the case of a missing girl was neglected. The judge acquits Amiya due to lack of evidence and commends Mahima for her dedication. As promised, SP Randhawa promotes Saurabh to Sub-Inspector and Mahima is also promoted to DSP and assigned to lead a special cell to combat human trafficking.

In the end, Amiya rejoins her friends and it is revealed that the jackfruits were actually stolen by a group of monkeys.

Cast

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Production

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Development

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The film was officially announced in March - 2022.[12][13][14] While preparing for her role, actress Sanya Malhotra who plays a police inspector in the film, had a "macho" or masculine image in mind, but later when she met actual female police personnel, she realised that the character could be feminine as well, wearing nose-in, earing and even make up; kind and gentle instead of cursing profusely. [15] Actors especially Sanya Mahlhotra worked with dialect coach Suraj Naggar to learn the Bundelkhandi accent of Hindi for the film.

Filming

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The film was mainly shot in the village San Khini in Bhitarwar tehsil of Gwalior district in Madhya Pradesh.[16] Later, some scenes were shot in Gohad in Bhind district of the state. [17] The film wrapped up shooting in May 2022.[18]

Themes and allusions

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Kathal addresses multiple intertwined social issues through its satirical crime story. A primary focus is caste discrimination: the film’s heroine, Inspector Mahima Basor, is a Dalit (lower‐caste) police officer. This portrayal of a Basor Dalit as a dynamic and intelligent middle-class professional is seen by some critics as a marker for "the rise of the new Dalit protagonist". However, she still encounters everyday caste bias while she is involved in an inter-Caste relationship with an upper caste constable. For example, colleagues make casteist jokes at her expense, and the police initially ignore a farmer’s missing daughter, also a Dalit. [10][19] Critics note that Kathal deliberately “weave[s] … social issues into the narrative, especially the prevalent … caste biases,” and that it provides comic yet critical commentary on “caste-based hierarchies” in small-town India. Another critic, pointed out that Basor underplays the slurs against her “lower” caste and nevertheless uses her new authority to do “righteous acts with humility,” highlighting a rupture in Hindi cinema’s portrayal of Dalit characters [10][20] The Hindustan Times similarly observed that Kathal “highlights the pertinent issues of caste bias and power play” that often shape police investigations in rural areas. Further, it illustrates how entrenched hierarchies of caste influence both Mahima's personal life and her work.[19]

Another key theme is gender and patriarchy. Mahima is one of the few women in her police station and must navigate sexist attitudes as well as caste prejudice. The film showed a female constable (Kunti) being dominated by her lawyer husband despite her professional success. Mahima herself is a senior officer in love with a subordinate male colleague, a situation that flouts both gender and caste norms in his family. Mahima “doesn’t wear the weight of her caste or gender too heavily” and instead overcomes snide remarks and harassment “with her wit and spunk”, thereby depicting that gender inequality experienced by its female characters who continually proving their competence in a patriarchal system.[21][22]

The film also satirises bureaucracy and political interference. Much of the plot shows police officers burdened with trivial orders from above (the MLA’s missing jackfruits) and higher officials passing tasks down to protect their own positions. A gag in the film – that the force follows the “Indian Political Code” rather than the law – underscores this critique of misplaced priorities. Critics highlighted that bureaucratic absurdity is a central target.[21][22] The film talks about how caste bias and “power play” often determine police work in small-town India, reflecting broader systemic corruption, inefficient bureaucracy and the influence of powerful locals on justice.[19]

Music

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Kathal
Soundtrack album by
Ram Sampath
Released9 May 2023[23]
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length9:37
LanguageHindi
LabelZee Music Company
Ram Sampath chronology
Raees
(2017) 		Kathal
(2024) 		Laapataa Ladies
(2024)
Official audio
Kathal - Full Album on YouTube

The music of the film is composed by Ram Sampath. Lyrics are written by Ashok Mishra.[23]

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Radhe Radhe"Rituraj Mohanty2:55
2."Nikar Chalo Re"Sona Mohapatra3:44
3."Lalla Lalli"Sona Mohapatra, Amjad Bagadwa2:58
Total length:9:37

Release

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The film was released via Netflix on 19 May 2023.[24][25]

Reception

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Critical response

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Kathal received mixed to positive reviews from critics. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 73% of 11 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.3/10.[26]

Overall, Kathal received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Several praised its satirical treatment of social and political issues, while others criticised its tone and execution. News18 called the film “meaty and layered,” commending its seamless blend of socio-political commentary with humour and highlighting Sanya Malhotra’s “impressive” performance as Inspector Mahima Basor - "Sanya Malhotra Strikes Gold Again With Her Impressive Act In Heartwarming Film".[27] NewsBytes praised the “strong writing” and effective humour that conveyed caste and gender themes without becoming preachy. Outlook India, described it as a “brilliant satire on the misuse of power by local politicians,” while The Federal lauded its “intelligent, deadpan humour” and reaffirmed Malhotra’s reputation as an accomplished actor.[28][29] National Film Award jury member Ashutosh Gowariker commended how the film “peels back the absurd layers of bureaucracy and politics”. [30]

Awards

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At the 71st National Film Awards the film won the award for Best Hindi Feature Film.[31]

References

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  1. ^ "Kathal". British Board of Film Classification. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Watch Kathal | Netflix Official Site". www.netflix.com. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  3. ^ Jha, Lata (15 March 2022). "Netflix announces new film 'Kathal'". mint. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  4. ^ "The Tudum India Show Is One Wild Ride After Another". Netflix Tudum. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  5. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (5 March 2022). "AMPAS Members Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga Team to Produce Netflix Original Film 'Kathal,' Starring Sanya Malhotra". Variety. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  6. ^ "Netflix reveals the exclusive motion poster of its upcoming satire, 'Kathal'". Firstpost. 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  7. ^ "Sanya Malhotra unveils motion poster of upcoming film 'Kathal'". Mid-day. 30 August 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  8. ^ "Kathal: Sanya Malhotra Announces Her New Film". NDTV.com. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  9. ^ "Sanya Malhotra starrer satirical comedy Kathal- A Jackfruit Mystery to release on Netflix on May 19". Bollywood Hungama. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
  10. ^ a b c Sahani, Alaka (31 May 2023). "Kathal movie review: Sweet and aware, Sanya Malhotra film delivers its message without being screechy". The Indian Express. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  11. ^ "71st National Film Awards 2025 Live Updates: Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji win first National Awards; Vikrant Massey and 12th Fail bag trophies". The Indian Express. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  12. ^ "Sanya Malhotra's next Kathal is 'a case full of drama, suspense, and comedy'". The Indian Express. 5 March 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  13. ^ Kathal | Official Announcement | Sanya Malhotra | Netflix India, 4 March 2022, retrieved 29 October 2022
  14. ^ "Sanya Malhotra turns cop for Netflix dramedy film Kathal. Watch teaser". MSN. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  15. ^ Sahani, Alaka (20 May 2023). "What Sanya Malhotra had to do to play a cop in Kathal". The Indian Express. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  16. ^ "Gwalior film shooting: ग्वालियर के सांखनी गांव में हुई कटहल फिल्म की शूटिंग". Nai Dunia (in Hindi). 23 March 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  17. ^ "भिंड में 'कटहल' की शूटिंग: चंबल में फिल्माए गए कटहल चोरी होने के सीन, गोहद के बाद ग्वालियर पहुंचेगी फिल्म यूनिट". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). 7 March 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  18. ^ "Sanya Malhotra concludes filming for Netflix movie 'Kathal'". The New Indian Express. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  19. ^ a b c Kukreja, Monika Rawal (19 May 2023). "Kathal movie review: Sanya Malhotra's near-perfect satire impresses in parts". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  20. ^ Wankhede, Harish S (3 June 2023). "With 'Kathal', the rise of the new Dalit protagonist". The Indian Express. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  21. ^ a b Gupta, Deepa (3 June 2023). "Film Review: 'Kathal' Is A Satire With A Purpose". Outlook India. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  22. ^ a b Menon, Lekha (21 May 2023). "Kathal Review: Sanya Malhotra rises above the script in this socio-political satire". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  23. ^ a b "Kathal – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". Jiosaavn. 10 May 2023.
  24. ^ "Kathal teaser: Cops on pursuit of missing Jackfruits in Sanya Malhotra's film". OTTPlay. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  25. ^ Hungama, Bollywood (24 September 2022). "Netflix Tudum '22: Streaming giant drops teasers of Monica, O My Darling, Khufiya, Kathal, & more; watch here : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  26. ^ "Kathal". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  27. ^ Negi, Shrishti; Chowdhury, Titas (19 May 2023). "Kathal Review: Sanya Malhotra Strikes Gold Again With Her Impressive Act In Heartwarming Film". News18. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  28. ^ Sur, Prateek (20 May 2023). "'Kathal' On Netflix Movie Review: Sanya Malhotra's Brilliant Satire On The Misuse Of Power By Local Politicians With Leave You ROFL". Outlook India. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  29. ^ Mehta, Takshi (27 May 2023). "Kathal review: A satirical commentary on India's politics, police and the press". Kathal review: A satirical commentary on India’s politics, police and press. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  30. ^ The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic (1 August 2025). "71st National Film Awards: 'Kathal; A Jackfruit Mystery' wins Best Hindi Film; Jury Ashutosh Gowariker calls it 'deliciously sharp satire', director Yashowardhan Mishra is 'grateful', Ekta Kapoor calls it 'deeply special moment'". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  31. ^ "71st National Film Awards for the year 2023 announced". Press Information Bureau. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
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