"Kapkapiii," directed by the late Sangeeth Sivan, attempts to blend horror and comedy, a genre that has become increasingly popular in Hindi cinema. While the film has its moments, particularly due to Shreyas Talpade's performance, it ultimately falls short of delivering a consistently engaging experience.
The premise of "Kapkapiii" is simple: a group of six jobless friends living together in a rundown flat decide to conduct a séance using a carrom board instead of a traditional Ouija board. Their intention is purely mischievous, but things take a dark turn when the ghost they conjure, Anamika, begins to manifest in unexpected and unsettling ways.
Shreyas Talpade, as Manu, the de facto leader of the group, stands out with his impeccable comic timing and energetic performance. He strikes a balance between exasperation and entertainment, holding the film together even when the plot falters. Talpade's portrayal of a character trying to maintain control in increasingly chaotic situations is both relatable and funny.
Tusshar Kapoor, who enters the scene midway through the mayhem as Kabir, Manu's emotionally disturbed friend, provides a deadpan contrast to the surrounding madness. Kapoor's confused and mildly terrified reactions mirror the audience's experience, making him an effective audience surrogate. The camaraderie between Kapoor and Talpade is infectious, fueling some of the film's funniest moments.
The supporting cast, including Siddhi Idnani, Sonia Rathee, Jay Thakkar, and Abhishek Kumar, contribute to the film's overall energy. Each character brings their own unique quirks and eccentricities, adding layers of humor to the narrative. The interactions between the characters feel genuine, creating a sense of realism amidst the supernatural events.
However, "Kapkapiii" suffers from inconsistent writing and a lack of innovation within the horror-comedy genre. While the film has moments of cleverness and genuine scares, it often relies on predictable jump scares and forced slapstick humor. The plot progression is loose, with the film prioritizing vibes and late-night chatter over a cohesive narrative.
The film's direction, while spirited, lacks the finesse needed to seamlessly blend horror and comedy. Sivan, known for films like "Kya Kool Hai Hum" and "Yamla Pagla Deewana 2," infuses "Kapkapiii" with a sense of playfulness, but the film ultimately feels messy and tonally uneven. Despite its flaws, "Kapkapiii" is not without its charms. The film's raw, unfiltered moments, tapori lingo, and wild antics provide moments of genuine laughter. It doesn't take itself too seriously, which allows the audience to enjoy the ridiculousness of the situation. "Kapkapiii" is more of an experience than a polished film, best suited for a late-night viewing with friends, where shared laughter and occasional shivers are the primary goals.
"Kapkapiii" is a campy horror-comedy that offers more chuckles than chills. It is a breezy, bonkers, and endlessly enjoyable film that knows exactly what it is. It’s not here to give you a life lesson; it’s here to give you two hours of pure, ridiculous, ghost-filled fun and, honestly, we need more movies like that.
