In Ek Chatur Naar, Umesh Shukla delivers a darkly comic thriller set in Lucknow that swings between sharp wit and melodramatic stretches. Its female-led premise, strong lead performance by Divya Khossla, and biting social satire make it worth watching—though uneven pacing, a convoluted second half, and some over-the-top moments hold it back from being fully satisfying.
Story and Concept
The film revolves around a quirky middle-class household where everyday struggles collide with eccentric behavior, creating a mix of situational comedy and emotional drama. The concept taps into the charm of classic family entertainers while trying to address generational conflicts and social aspirations. While the setup holds potential, the screenplay does not consistently maintain momentum, leading to several flat moments.
What Works and What Doesn’t
The film’s biggest strength lies in its moments of situational humor that connect with Indian family audiences. A few dialogues are witty, and the nostalgia-driven approach works in bits, especially in the lighter segments. Certain emotional beats do resonate, reminding viewers of older comedies that balanced laughter with sentiment.
However, the narrative often struggles with tonal imbalance. The transitions between comedy and drama feel forced, making it hard to stay engaged throughout. The writing leans too heavily on stereotypes, which limits freshness. The lack of a strong second half and stretched sequences dilute the initial promise.
Performances
The lead actors—Divya Khosla Kumar and Neil Nitin Mukesh—bring sincerity to their roles, attempting to elevate the material with expressive performances. Their chemistry works in parts, lending warmth to the family dynamics. Supporting actors add flavor to the ensemble, though their arcs remain underdeveloped.
Technical Aspects
Visually, the film keeps things simple, with straightforward camerawork suited to the domestic setting. The music aims for a retro touch, evoking familiarity, but does not linger beyond the film. Editing could have been sharper, as certain scenes drag unnecessarily.
Final Verdict
Ek Chatur Naar tries to revive the charm of classic comedy-dramas but falls short due to inconsistent writing and execution. While there are scattered enjoyable moments, the overall film struggles to balance humor and heart. It is watchable in parts but unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
Bullseye Rating:★★½ (2.5/5 stars)
The movie is currently in theatres.
