Cuttputlli is a 2022 Bollywood psychological crime thriller directed by Ranjit M. Tewari and produced by Jackky Bhagnani and Deepshikha Deshmukh under Pooja Entertainment. The movie is an official remake of the Tamil film Ratsasan (2018). Starring Akshay Kumar, Rakul Preet Singh, Chandrachur Singh, and Sargun Mehta, this film follows a gripping murder mystery filled with suspense and drama.
The movie blends serial killings, investigative thriller elements, and psychological tension to create an engaging cinematic experience.
Plot Summary
Arjan’s Dream and Reality
Arjan Sethi (Akshay Kumar) is an aspiring filmmaker who wants to make a movie on serial killers, but his dreams are crushed due to repeated rejections. Forced by circumstances, he joins the police force as a sub-inspector in Kasauli.
Brutal Murders Shake the Town
Soon after his posting, a series of gruesome murders take place in the small hill town. The victims are young schoolgirls, and their bodies are found in horrifying conditions. The police struggle to find the killer, as no solid clues emerge.
Arjan’s Investigation
Arjan, due to his research on serial killers, identifies a pattern in the murders. He believes that a psychopath is behind these killings, but his senior officers ignore his theories. However, as the deaths continue, Arjan is given a chance to lead the case.
The Chase and Suspense
As Arjan digs deeper, he uncovers dark secrets that reveal the past of the murderer. The film takes several unexpected twists, keeping the audience on edge.
The Climax and Killer’s Revelation
The final confrontation between Arjan and the killer is intense, filled with action and psychological warfare. The true identity of the murderer shocks everyone, and Arjan finally solves the mystery in a thrilling climax.
Acting Performances
Akshay Kumar as Arjan Sethi
Akshay Kumar delivers a mature and controlled performance. He effectively portrays Arjan’s transformation from an amateur investigator to a determined cop. Unlike his usual action-packed roles, this film allows him to explore a more intense and emotional side.
Rakul Preet Singh as Divya
Rakul Preet plays Arjan’s love interest, a school teacher. Her role is limited and doesn’t add much depth to the storyline, but she delivers a decent performance.
Chandrachur Singh as Narinder Singh
Chandrachur Singh plays Arjan’s supportive brother-in-law. His performance is good, though he has limited screen time.
Sargun Mehta as SHO Parmar
Sargun Mehta plays a strict and authoritative cop, bringing grit and realism to her character. Her performance is impressive, adding to the film’s tension.
Direction and Storytelling
Ranjit M. Tewari’s Vision
Ranjit M. Tewari tries to retain the intensity of the original Tamil film, but some parts feel toned down for a mainstream Bollywood audience. The suspense elements work well, but some pacing issues weaken the overall impact.
A Gripping Yet Predictable Thriller
The movie is filled with thrills and psychological tension, but the remake does not fully match the edge-of-the-seat experience of Ratsasan. While the story remains engaging, some changes reduce its impact.
Cinematography and Visuals
Dark and Atmospheric Tone
The cinematography by Rajeev Ravi effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of Kasauli. The film’s lighting and color palette create a sense of unease, enhancing the thriller mood.
Well-Executed Action and Chase Sequences
The final chase and action sequences are well-shot. The film avoids over-the-top stunts, keeping the investigation sequences realistic.
Music and Background Score
Songs
- “Saathiya” – A romantic track between Akshay Kumar and Rakul Preet Singh.
- “Rabba” – A soulful song that adds emotional depth.
Impactful Background Score
The background score by Julius Packiam builds tension and suspense effectively. The eerie sound design enhances the thriller elements.
Pacing and Screenplay
The first half is engaging, with a well-built mystery. However, the second half feels slightly rushed, especially in the way the killer’s backstory is revealed. Some moments lack the emotional depth needed to create a stronger impact.
Box Office Performance
- Opening Day Collection: ₹8 crore
- First Weekend Collection: ₹30 crore
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹50 crore (India)
Despite Akshay Kumar’s star power, the film had a moderate box office performance due to its OTT release and mixed reviews.
Impact and Legacy
While Cuttputlli is a decent psychological thriller, it does not surpass the intensity of Ratsasan. It provides a watchable mystery, but some watered-down elements make it feel less impactful compared to the original.
Verdict
Cuttputlli is a decent crime thriller with strong performances and gripping suspense. While it lacks the raw intensity of the original, it still provides an engaging experience for mystery lovers.
Pros:
- Akshay Kumar’s strong performance
- Suspenseful storytelling
- Well-executed cinematography and background score
- Thrilling chase and action sequences
Cons:
- Predictable for those familiar with Ratsasan
- Some pacing issues in the second half
- Underdeveloped supporting characters
Final Rating: 3.5/5
Cuttputlli is a watchable thriller with a solid mystery and gripping suspense, though it misses the raw intensity of the original film.
