Ek Chatur Naar Movie Review
I walked into Ek Chatur Naar with a fair bit of curiosity. The film had the promise of being a sharp, witty black comedy thriller — the kind of cat-and-mouse game that thrives on tension, clever writing, and just the right amount of humour. And to its credit, the script lays a solid foundation. The story of Mamta Mishra, a small-town woman who resorts to stealing a businessman’s smartphone and blackmailing him, is layered with possibilities. With its slum-town setting, gritty visuals, and a premise that screams of dark potential, the film had all the ingredients to be a box office success. Unfortunately, much of that promise feels squandered in execution.
The central issue lies with Divya Khosla Kumar’s performance. She is at the heart of the film, and yet her portrayal is so exaggerated that it pulls you out of the narrative. Instead of subtle cunning, her Mamta often comes across as loud and over-acted. This wouldn’t have been fatal if it was just her, but Chhaya Kadam, as the mother-in-law, also dials her character up to a point of absurdity. Whether this was a conscious creative decision to make them caricature-like, or simply a case of misjudged acting, the result is the same — a good script buried under layers of cringe.
Thankfully, the supporting cast saves the film from collapsing entirely. Neil Nitin Mukesh as the suave businessman delivers one of his finer performances in recent memory, carrying gravitas and presence that balance out the chaos. Sushant Singh as DCP Scindia is engaging, Zakir Hussain brings his signature screen strength, and Yashpal Sharma lends authenticity that anchors several key scenes. These performances not only keep the audience hooked but also distract, at least momentarily, from the unevenness of the central act.
The writing has its moments, with witty lines and clever plot twists that shine through despite the tonal inconsistencies. The film is at its best when it leans into its black comedy roots and lets the script breathe. But it falters when it attempts to get melodramatic or overplay its message, losing the sharp edge it needed to truly stand out.
In the end, Ek Chatur Naar feels like a wasted opportunity. With a stronger lead performance and more restrained characterisation, it could have been a smart, edgy thriller-comedy that both critics and audiences celebrated. Instead, it lands in the realm of “watchable but flawed.” A film that entertains in parts, frustrates in others, and leaves you imagining how good it could have been if only the casting and creative choices had been more precise.
Rating: 2.5 / 5
