Rahu Ketu Review: Pulkit Samrat And Varun Sharma’s Bumpy Ride Of Karma, Comedy, And Chaos

Imagine if one day Rahu and Ketu turn into humans and decide to give back all your karma in a person, with their actions driven by an unseen force that exists to end evil and restore balance in the world. This is a story we all have heard from our nanis and dadis, and this is the exact crux of the Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma starrer. The movie is a blend of comedy and chaos, rightly built on an idea that delivers messages in the easiest possible way while keeping it entertaining for kids.

Review

Writer and director Vipul Vig, who also penned the Fukrey franchise, tries his best to merge mythology with comedy and delivers a film that proves that no matter how powerful you are, there will be a day when your ‘paap ka ghada’ gets filled. Karma

comes back to bite you, making you pay for your sins.

Vipul Vig makes sure to present the film in the most kid-friendly way, with Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma as the leads. The movie has all the elements required to make it a good film. It introduces kids to the folklore of Samudra Manthan, explains how Rahu and Ketu came to life, and reassures them that they are not to be feared, highlighting how good karma always delivers positive results. Rahu Ketu reminds us that in our attempt to make blockbusters filled with action, thrillers, and romantic dramas, we often forget about kids, for whom the theatrical experience is something they cherish the most.

But the question remains: will adults enjoy the film? Is it a boring watch? Not at all. That said, comparisons with Fukrey are inevitable. Watching Pulkit and Varun together without being reminded of Fukrey is nearly impossible, and that’s where the disappointment sets in. In comparison to Fukrey, this film is undoubtedly a weaker outing. The movie has it all,  music, comedy, message, and a good cast,  so where does it fall short? The film lacks consistency and grip over the plot. While it does deliver good punches and occasionally seems to rise on the graph, it loses its grip just as quickly.

Performances

Honestly, Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma try their best to hold and even uplift the bumpy script, but the benchmark set by Fukrey is too high. This comparison makes the story feel dull for them as a pair. Their chemistry, however, remains the best thing to watch out for. Meanwhile, Amit Sial as the SHO and Sumit Gulati as Bansi are fun to watch. Despite limited screen time, they manage to make their performances stand out.

A pleasant surprise is Piyush Mishra as Fufaji, the storyteller who narrates how Rahu and Ketu became humans, explains the concept, and introduces the power of the diary that makes them act to restore balance in the world. Piyush Mishra also comes across as a supervisor or protector who steps in whenever things start to go south.

Chunky Panday plays the evil, corrupt don MorderChai, a name likely chosen for its comic twist. As the mafia don, Chunky’s character feels less fresh and more stereotypical. Considering the range he brings to films, he appears highly underutilised.

Lastly, the “Alia-fication” of Shalini Pandey is hard to ignore. While her role as Meenu is quite impressive, it’s difficult to miss her attempt to mimic Alia Bhatt rather than bringing her own distinct style to the character.

Verdict

So, should one avoid watching the Pulkit and Varun starrer? Not really. If you want to feel happy and enjoy a good laugh,this film deserves a chance despite the roadblocks in its narrative. It has been ages since a genuinely kid-friendly film has hit theatres, one that not only delivers a message but also makes you reflect on your deeds. While the Fukrey comparison is inevitable and may lead to some disappointment, this is a completely different film and needs to be treated as such.