6th June 2023, Mumbai: Sanya Malhotra’s latest film, “Kathal,” has garnered significant attention for its intentionally absurd storyline. Co-produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Sikhya Entertainment and Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, the satirical comedy revolves around a local politician whose prized jackfruits mysteriously vanish. The film follows Inspector Mahima Basor, portrayed by Sanya Malhotra, a determined police officer who is determined to solve this bizarre case and prove herself. While the story may sound outlandish to many, it draws inspiration from real-life incidents, such as an official nearly draining an entire dam to retrieve a phone dropped during a selfie attempt and an IAS Officer cutting short practice sessions at a Delhi stadium to walk his dog. The cast and crew of “Kathal” assure audiences that the film is not far from reality, and its release on Netflix offers a fitting social commentary on the absurdities of our times.
Sanya Malhotra expresses her gratitude for the overwhelming love and response to “Kathal.” She shares that she is frequently tagged on social media with bizarre stories happening around us. She believes that the film serves as a relevant reflection of our reality, as absurd as it may seem. Sanya appreciates that the fiction portrayed in the film is now being brought to life on screen, and she commends the special people involved in its making.
Director Yashowardhan Mishra describes “Kathal” as a vibrant bouquet showcasing the bizarreness prevalent in our surroundings today. The objective of the film was to create a sharp social satire that gently nudges the audience towards critical thinking about the world we inhabit. Yashowardhan finds it immensely rewarding to witness the response and love for this peculiar film. He feels honored to have had the opportunity to tell this peculiar story, inspired by true-ish events, alongside Sikhya Entertainment, Balaji Telefilms, and an exceptional cast that includes Sanya Malhotra, Anant V Joshi, Rajpal Yadav, Raghubir Yadav, Vijay Raaz, and more.
Producer Guneet Monga Kapoor shares how she and Achin knew instantly that Sikhya Entertainment should champion and lead the “Kathal” project when Yashowardhan Mishra and Ashok Mishra approached them with the idea. They embarked on making “Kathal” with the intention of shedding light on the absurdity of our reality. With the current headlines, Guneet finds it all the more validating that sometimes reality surpasses fiction.
In addition to Sanya Malhotra, “Kathal” features a stellar ensemble cast, including Anant V Joshi, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Raghubir Yadav, Brijendra Kala, and Neha Saraf, in prominent roles. Sanya portrays the role of Inspector Mahima Basor, assigned with the task of finding the culprit behind the stolen jackfruits. Audiences can now stream “Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery” on Netflix and immerse themselves in this quirky and thought-provoking film.