Missing jackfruits don’t usually lead to top awards. Yet, for the satirical comedy ‘Kathal,’ this strange case earned big honors. The quirky film, starring Sanya Malhotra and directed by Yashowardhan Mishra, just won the National Award for Best Hindi Film. It first came out on an online streaming platform in 2023. Now, ‘Kathal’ is back in the spotlight, proving that even a story about stolen fruit can pack a powerful punch.
The Curious Case of the Missing Jackfruits
At the heart of ‘Kathal’ is Inspector Mahima Basoor. Sanya Malhotra plays this sharp police officer. Her hard work often goes unnoticed by her bosses. Mahima’s biggest challenge starts in a place called Moba. Two large jackfruits vanish from an MLA’s garden. This local politician holds a lot of power. Mahima is put in charge of this strange investigation. She feels huge pressure to find the missing fruit fast.
But the strange case isn’t Mahima’s only struggle. She also faces unfair treatment and caste discrimination in her own police department. What begins as a search for fruit quickly becomes very serious. The investigation leads Mahima to find a much darker crime: the abduction of young girls. The film uses humor to show these serious issues. It makes us wonder what an honest officer can do in such a broken system.
The Film’s Sharp Message
Beyond the laughter, ‘Kathal’ truly reflects society. It asks tough questions about the political world and how the police truly operate. The film smartly shows the weaknesses in government and the harsh truth of caste discrimination. Its main message hits hard. The whole police force searches for an MLA’s stolen jackfruits. Meanwhile, a poor person’s missing daughter gets very little attention. This isn’t just a movie plot; it’s a sad reality of our world.
The film’s honest portrayal of these difficult truths is what makes it stand out. ‘Kathal’ doesn’t shy away from showing the bitter realities with a touch of wit. This brave and truthful storytelling is exactly why it earned the prestigious National Award. It’s a reminder that great cinema can be entertaining and make you think.