Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan, directed by Aatish Kapadia and featuring a stellar cast led by Supriya Pathak Kapur, Rajeev Mehta, and Anang Desai, attempts to bring back the beloved Parekh family for a big-screen adventure. However, the film struggles to live up to the legacy of the iconic Khichdi television series, leaving viewers questioning whether the quirky humor was better suited for the small screen.
The film kicks off with a promisingly quirky premise, as the Parekh family, enlisted by the Thodi Intelligence Agency, embarks on a mission to liberate Paanthukistan from a tyrannical dictator who bears a striking resemblance to Praful (played by Rajeev Mehta). While the initial scenes set a humorous tone, the movie soon unravels into a monotonous mess, relying heavily on slapstick comedy that may not resonate with all audiences.
Aatish Kapadia boldly embraces slapstick humor, reminiscent of Borat's style, pushing the boundaries of absurdity. The film, however, struggles to sustain the comedic momentum for its entire runtime, ultimately raising questions about whether Khichdi's unique brand of humor is better suited for television. The script relies heavily on screwball punchlines and berserk gags, but the diminishing returns in the second half lead to a loss of the film's distinct flavor.
The cast, comprising Supriya Pathak Kapur, Rajeev Mehta, Anang Desai, Vandana Pathak, Jamnadas Majethia, and Kirti Kulhari, showcases remarkable consistency in portraying their beloved characters. While Supriya Pathak Kapur shines in her role as Hansa, and Rajeev Mehta impresses as the central character Praful, some characters miss the mark. Vandana Pathak's Jayshree and Jamnadas Majethia's Himanshu fall short of the quirkiness displayed in the original series. Kirti Kulhari's Parminder feels like an unnecessary addition to the mix.
Aatish Kapadia's direction captures the essence of the characters, but the attempt to replicate a television format on the big screen hampers the film's overall impact. Chirantan Bhatt's songs are criticized for being "earsore," adding unnecessary clutter to the chaotic narrative. Raju Singh's background score, loud and uninspired, fails to complement the comedic brilliance of the actors.
