Sanya Malhotra’s latest film, “Kathal,” is a unique offering in the realm of cinema, with its intentionally absurd storyline. Co-produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Sikhya Entertainment and Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, this satirical comedy delves into the peculiarities of contemporary news. The plot revolves around a local politician whose prized jackfruits mysteriously disappear, and a determined young police officer who sets out to solve this bizarre case to prove her worth. Inspired by real-life incidents like a dam nearly being drained to retrieve a phone dropped while taking a selfie, or an IAS Officer curtailing practice sessions in a Delhi stadium to walk his dog, “Kathal” straddles the line between absurdity and reality.
While the story may seem outlandish to many, the cast and crew firmly believe that “Kathal” isn’t far from the truth. Sanya Malhotra expresses her gratitude for the overwhelming love and response to the film, noting how frequently she is tagged in bizarre stories on social media. She finds it fascinating that their fictional narrative aligns so aptly with the current times, serving as a poignant social commentary. Director Yashowardhan Mishra describes “Kathal” as a vibrant bouquet of the peculiarities prevalent in our society. The film aims to gently prod audiences into critical thinking about the world we inhabit, blending true-ish events with satire. The collaborative effort of Sikhya Entertainment, Balaji Telefilms, and an exceptional cast including Sanya Malhotra, Anant V Joshi, Rajpal Yadav, Raghubir Yadav, and Vijay Raaz brings this peculiar story to life.
Producer Guneet Monga Kapoor shares that when Yashowardhan Mishra and Ashok Mishra approached them with the concept of “Kathal,” she and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment recognized its potential to deliver a powerful message. The film explores the absurdity of our reality, and given the headlines dominating current affairs, it feels even more validating that truth can indeed be stranger than fiction. The movie also features Anant V Joshi, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Raghubir Yadav, Brijendra Kala, and Neha Saraf in prominent roles. Sanya portrays the character of Inspector Mahima Basor, tasked with uncovering the truth behind the stolen jackfruits. “Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery” is now available for streaming on Netflix.
