'Kadak Singh' Review: Pankaj Tripathi's Steady Presence Upholds The Film's Narrative

'Kadak Singh' doesn't revolve around a stern father who imposes strictness on his children, leading them to coin that name for him. Nor does it center on an upright officer accused of corruption, endeavoring to reclaim his integrity. Instead, it's a gripping tale that delves into the intricate dynamics of power, revealing how individuals in positions of authority manipulate and exploit others for their own gains, often resorting to falsehoods to ensnare or even drive their victims to the brink.

Directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, known for his work on films like Pink, Lost, and various Bengali productions, 'Kadak Singh' employs a storytelling technique that traverses both time and space, but this approach may give off an impression of repetitiveness and circularity.

The narrative revolves around a group of individuals closely acquainted with the protagonist, Arun Kumar (AK) Srivastava (portrayed by Pankaj Tripathi), including his daughter, a couple of colleagues, and a friend. Each person offers their distinct perspective on the character, contributing to a multifaceted portrayal of the protagonist.

'Kadak Singh' Story Plot

AK, an officer serving in the Kolkata division of a financial crime investigation agency, finds himself afflicted with retrograde amnesia. Struggling to recognize those around him and grappling with the loss of memory, he faces a significant challenge in recollecting the intricate details of the investigation he was leading. This condition leaves him in a perplexing state, unable to retrieve crucial information related to the probe he was deeply involved in.

AK's fragile mental condition stems from neurological damage purportedly caused by an alleged suicide attempt. However, the events leading up to the day when AK was brought to the hospital remain veiled in mystery. His memory loss prevents him from recalling any details surrounding that particular day, leaving a conspicuous gap in his understanding of the circumstances that led to his hospitalization.

AK finds solace in the care provided by the hospital's vigilant and talkative head nurse, Miss Kannan (played by Parvathy Thiruvothu). She stands as the sole individual within his immediate sphere whom he recognizes, solely because she is an integral part of his current reality. As his memory fails him, everyone else in his life fades into the background, leaving Miss Kannan as a reassuring and familiar presence in his otherwise fragmented world.

As the widower's daughter, his boss, a trusted younger co-worker, and a woman with whom he maintains a steady relationship take turns visiting his ward, AK grapples with an inability to recognize them. Each encounter plunges him deeper into confusion as he struggles to place these individuals in his fragmented memory. He relies on the narratives they share about his life, attempting to piece together his identity and understand the circumstances leading to his hospitalization. These stories serve as fragments of a shattered past, guiding AK in his quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding his current predicament.

In the initial scenes of 'Kadak Singh,' AK enters a shady suburban hotel accompanied by a younger woman. Inside, he encounters a girl (portrayed by Sanjana Sanghi), whose reaction suggests a visible sense of alarm or surprise upon seeing him. Startled by her response, she quickly leaves the area. Intrigued, Arun (AK) decides to follow her, stepping out of the building in pursuit of the fleeing girl.

Transitioning to the hospital scene, AK receives a visitor who turns out to be the same girl he encountered earlier. Introducing herself as his daughter Sakshi, she stands by his bedside. However, AK gazes at her with a vacant expression, stating firmly that he has only one child—a five-year-old son. This discrepancy between the reality presented by Sakshi and AK's assertion creates a sense of confusion and conflict regarding his family and personal history.

Perplexed by AK's assertion, the baffled girl persists in explaining to him that he is mistaken. She insists that he does have a son, but the child has grown into a teenager. Determined to trigger some recollection in AK's memory, she begins narrating her story, aiming to provide details that might help him recognize and acknowledge her as his biological daughter. Her intent is to jog his memory and establish a connection that validates her claim.

The girl goes further, explaining the origins of why he is referred to as 'Kadak Singh' by his children. She elucidates that AK embodies a scrupulous nature, a perfectionist to the core, with zero tolerance for errors. These traits profoundly influence his approach to parenting, causing him to exhibit a strict and demanding demeanor in raising his children. This revelation aims to shed light on a crucial aspect of his personality, linking it directly to the nickname attributed to him by his offspring.

Subsequently, a series of interactions unfolds. Naina (portrayed by Jaya Ahsan), a woman with whom Arun has been in love, arrives as the next visitor. It is suggested that Arun's affection for Naina might have existed even before the tragic incident that led to the loss of his wife, an accident for which his children hold him responsible. Her arrival further complicates the narrative, potentially adding layers to Arun's past and relationships, especially in relation to the circumstances surrounding the accident and his emotional connections.

Naina's arrival serves as another avenue to unveil a past that has been entirely erased from AK's mind. Her recollections, much like those of the other visitors who follow in subsequent scenes, serve a crucial role in assisting AK in dispelling the fog of forgetfulness he has endured. Moreover, these individual narratives not only aid AK in reconstructing his lost memories but also provide the audience with vital insights, allowing a deeper understanding of the intricate events surrounding AK and his present circumstances. Through these shared perspectives, the audience gains clarity about the enigmatic situation surrounding AK and the events that have transpired around him.

AK's boss, Jitender Tyagi (portrayed by Dilip Shankar), appears next, followed shortly by another colleague from the department, Arjun (played by Paresh Pahuja), who is affectionately referred to by AK's children as "asli beta" due to the strong bond between them. Each of these individuals, from their unique vantage points, begins to unravel the events leading up to the incident that culminated in AK being hurriedly transported to the hospital. As they recount their perspectives and memories, their narratives provide crucial pieces to the puzzle, shedding light on the circumstances and events preceding AK's hospitalization. Their insights contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and offer different angles to the unfolding story.

'Kadak Singh' encompasses elements of a family drama, a narrative centered on white-collar crime, and an investigative thriller. While it might not qualify as a riveting, edge-of-your-seat spectacle that viewers would go to great lengths to watch, it does have moments that manage to captivate mildly. This moderate appeal is largely attributed to Pankaj Tripathi's controlled performance, although somewhat constrained, which contributes to the movie's diversionary qualities.

The enigma behind AK's hospitalization hinges on his idiosyncratic and challenging-to-interpret behavior, prompting the question: does his demeanor hold deeper significance than what appears on the surface? His memory loss serves as a veil concealing critical answers, ones that are pivotal for him to navigate out of the labyrinthine consequences that the unexpected turn of events has thrust upon him. Unraveling the truths hidden within his lost memories becomes imperative for AK to break free from the convoluted maze in which he finds himself ensnared.

Despite its subdued approach, 'Kadak Singh' occasionally comes alive, propelled by the complexities inherent in the case that AK was probing before its abrupt halt. The narrative gains momentum through the surprises stemming from the acts of remembering and forgetting, as well as the gradual formation of connections between disparate fragments of memory. These fragments gradually converge, piecing together to form a cohesive and comprehensive picture, slowly unveiling the entirety of the situation.

Pankaj Tripathi's portrayal in the film doesn't necessarily push him beyond his established comfort zone, yet he delivers a performance that effectively anchors the movie. The surrounding cast, including Jaya Ahsan, Sanjana Sanghi, Dilip Shankar, and Paresh Pahuja, primarily have reactive roles. Their characters seem constrained within enclosed spaces, both physically and creatively, limiting the depth of their involvement in the storyline. Tripathi manages to maintain the film's coherence and momentum, even within these confined parameters, showcasing his ability to sustain the narrative.

'Kadak Singh' emerges as a feel-good film that maintains an authentic and unfiltered portrayal without succumbing to unnecessary dramatic embellishments. It evokes a range of emotions, prompting laughter, tears, and contemplation on often overlooked aspects of life. Through its genuine portrayal, the movie encourages viewers to reflect on and consider elements of existence that are frequently overlooked or taken for granted.