Murder Mubarak Movie Review

 

★★★

MOVIE REVIEW :   3/5

"Murder Mubarak" A farcical whodunit with uneven execution.

Murder Mubarak, a recent release on the streaming service Netflix, features a star-studded cast and a fascinating premise: a murder investigation set in Delhi's elite social circles. However, the film struggles to find its footing, alternating between dark comedy, social satire, and a whodunit story with varying results.

The narrative begins with a boom, literally. Leo Matthews (Aashim Gulati), a flamboyant businessman with a propensity for gossip, is discovered dead behind a weight bench at the Royal Delhi Club, an elite gym for the city's upper class. Enter the dependable Pankaj Tripathi as ACP Bhavani Singh, a cop with a fondness for Hindi poetry and a strong sense of detail. Though a helium balloon intentionally put over the surveillance camera raises suspicion, the question remains: was it a terrible accident or a well-planned murder?

  A cast of colorful characters, but inconsistent development.

Murder Mubarak presents a multitude of personalities to the audience. We have the sultry Shehnaaz (Karisma Kapoor), Leo's wronged wife with a hidden past; the enigmatic Nikki (Sara Ali Khan), a struggling actress with ties to the deceased; the stoic businessman Yudi (Vijay Varma), Leo's closest confidante; and a slew of other suspects, each with their own secrets and motives.

Tripathi, as always, impresses as the diligent and endearingly eccentric detective. His deadpan humor and unrelenting attention to the case serve as a much-needed anchor in the film's sometimes confusing plot. However, several of the remaining characters appear undeveloped. Despite Kapoor's compelling film presence, Shehnaaz is restricted to the damsel-in-distress role. Similarly, Varma's Yudi, who is initially mysterious, eventually becomes a one-dimensional figure.

  Inadequate humor

The film tries to incorporate dark comedy into its whodunit premise. However, the gags often fall flat, depending on slapstick and exaggerated acting. The dissonant background soundtrack by Sachin-Jigar exacerbates this, feeling more like an intrusion than a comic complement.

  Social Commentary with Limited Bite

Murder Mubarak satirizes the superficiality and moral bankruptcy of Delhi's elite. We witness characters brag about their money, engage in gossip, and keep dark secrets. However, the societal critique stays surface-level. The film takes aim, but lacks the depth and complexity required to offer a really critical judgment.

  A mystery that fizzles

The primary whodunit remains interesting for a while. The red herrings abound, as the suspects craft a complex web of deception. However, the film's tempo collapses in the latter half. The inquiry goes on, and the end reveal feels underwhelming. The denouement, where Tripathi collects all the suspects and solves the case in one lengthy monologue, appears to be a hasty attempt to tie up loose ends.

  Murder Mubarak: A Lost Opportunity?

Murder Mubarak, with its superb ensemble and engaging premise, had the makings of a fun dark comedy with a social punch. However, the picture struggles to balance its different tones, leaving the spectator to decide whether to laugh, gasp, or simply wait for the titles to roll. The comedy is uneven, the social critique poor, and the mystery's resolve feels unjustified.

  Conclusion:

If you're seeking for a lighthearted whodunit with a touch of dark comedy, Murder Mubarak may be a slightly interesting film. However, those wanting a more nuanced mystery with a keen social message would be left dissatisfied. The performances, notably Pankaj Tripathi's appealing depiction of the dedicated investigator, are the film's saving grace. Ultimately, Murder Mubarak is a squandered opportunity, a film that struggles to develop its humorous identity while also providing a compelling whodunit experience.

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