“Murder Mubarak” presents a delightful glimpse into Anuja Chauhan’s universe, capturing the essence of her novels with remarkable precision. Set against the backdrop of the elitist Royal Delhi Club, the film masterfully navigates the intricacies of class divisions in Delhi society.
Led by the astute ACP Bhavani Singh, portrayed by Pankaj Tripathi, the story unfolds with the murder of a gym trainer, unveiling a web of secrets and suspicions within the club’s affluent members. From the broke ex-royal Rannvijay Singh (Sanjay Kapoor) to the B-grade actress Shehnaaz Noorani (Karisma Kapoor), each character adds depth to the narrative with their quirks and hidden motives.
The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, with Tripathi’s portrayal of Bhavani Singh being particularly noteworthy. Karisma Kapoor’s return to the screen is refreshing, while Sara Ali Khan shines as the endearing yet enigmatic Bambi. Sanjay Kapoor impresses with a poignant moment, and Vijay Varma’s portrayal adds intrigue to the storyline, despite lacking the required smoothness.
While the murder mystery unfolds with suspenseful twists and turns, some aspects of the film feel disjointed. The subplot involving Bambi’s deceased husband and the orphanage could have been fleshed out further for added depth. Despite the minor shortcomings, the plot maintains momentum, keeping viewers engaged until the shocking revelation.
Director Homi Adajania captures the essence of Chauhan’s universe, seamlessly blending sharp social commentary with warmth and humor. The insider-outsider dynamics are portrayed with acute sensitivity, adding layers to the narrative.
Although “Murder Mubarak” falls short of achieving complete coherence, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Viewers are encouraged to watch with a smile and then delve into Chauhan’s novels for a deeper understanding of the intricate Delhi society depicted in the film.
Overall, “Murder Mubarak” offers a compelling cinematic experience, buoyed by strong performances and a captivating storyline. With its blend of mystery, social commentary, and humor, it earns a respectable rating of 2.5 stars.
