A crime mystery full of suspense and flashes of color streaming on Netflix.
 |
| Image Credit: Netflix |
Murder Mubarak is the new murder mystery of Indian origin available for streaming on Netflix starting from 15 March 2024. The film, a true gem of its genre, stands out as an intriguing mystery directed with mastery by Homi Adajania and scripted with talent by Anuja Chauhan, Gazal Dhaliwal, and Suprotim Sengupta. Funny, ironic but also highly entertaining, Murder Mubarak suffers from some naivety but remains a solid directorial and acting performance, certainly enjoyable for a not-too-busy viewing. Perfectly immersed in the culture and aesthetics of its origin, the film is a very nice and colorful representative of its genre.
Murder Mubarak: a mystery full of intrigue and suspense despite the directorial defects
The film transports us to the exclusive Royal Dehli Club, a place that exudes charm and mystery, where the murder of a well-known member shakes the quiet elite and draws the attention of the deputy police commissioner Bhavani Singh, played masterfully by Pankaj Tripathi. The plot, steeped in mystery and twists, keeps the viewer glued to the screen, as Bhavani Singh immerses himself in the intricate dynamics of high-class society. However, even in such a compelling context, the film suffers from some excessive digressions that compromise the narrative pace.
 |
| Image Credit: Netflix |
Some secondary characters, although characterized in a lively and entertaining way, tend to expand the plot beyond what is necessary, slowing down the action and compromising the overall effectiveness of the film. Fortunately, there is a strong core that holds the film together: the pair of tormented lovers, Bambi Todi (played with grace by Sara Ali Khan) and Aakash Dogra (played with intensity by Vijay Varma). Their palpable chemistry and romantic tension add depth to the narrative, providing one of the most intriguing threads in the entire story. Their love story, although it may initially seem marginal, turns out to be crucial to the fabric of the plot, adding an emotional dimension that is compelling for the viewer.
While Tripathi delivers a solid and convincing performance as Bhavani Singh, the character sometimes lacks a magnetic presence that makes him truly memorable. Conversations between secondary characters, while often entertaining, tend to take up space and time, slowing down the play and confusing the audience. Despite these imperfections, Murder Mubarak still manages to offer moments of brilliant humor, such as the embarrassing brawl during an elegant gala event, which manages to bring out the most absurd and knowingly ridiculous side of the film.
The setting in Indian high society offers a compelling look at classism and the secrets hidden behind the closed doors of exclusive clubs. The film touches on crucial social issues, but sometimes the conversations feel empty and the narrative loses vigor, helping to give a general feeling of lack of coherence. However, the moments of brilliance and surprising revelations glue and enchant, providing great entertainment.
 |
| Image Credit: Netflix |
Murder Mubarak: evaluation and conclusion
In conclusion, Murder Mubarak is a film that offers a compelling glimpse into the world of Indian high society, with an intriguing plot and moments of brilliant humor. Despite some imperfections in its execution, the film still remains worthy of viewing for fans of the genre. With a slightly shorter length and a greater focus on the more intriguing characters, it could have reached its full potential. However, it must be underlined that deviations and digressions are part of the iconography and cinematic narrative of Indian entertainment, constituting a purely cultural value, therefore to be considered in perspectives and context, without objectifying value judgments.
