Diljit Dosanjh trades his usual romantic hero persona for a quirky detective badge in “Detective Sherdil,” and honestly, it’s a refreshing change that works better than expected. The ZEE5 original film, which dropped today after a curious three-year delay, might not reinvent the whodunit genre, but it serves up enough charm and intrigue to keep you glued to your screen.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Budapest, the story follows Sherdil as he investigates the mysterious murder of an Indian-origin telecom tycoon. What starts as a straightforward murder case quickly spirals into a web of family secrets, betrayal, and enough red herrings to stock a fishmonger’s shop.
Dosanjh brings his signature laid-back energy to the role, playing a quirky detective who’s more street-smart than book-smart. His approach to solving crimes is refreshingly unconventional – think less Sherlock Holmes, more your witty friend who somehow always figures things out. The performance feels natural, never forced, which is crucial for a character who could easily slip into caricature territory.
The supporting cast elevates the material significantly. Boman Irani, as the murdered billionaire Pankaj Bhatti, makes the most of his screen time, while Ratna Pathak Shah brings gravitas as his widow. Diana Penty pairs well with Dosanjh as a no-nonsense detective, creating an interesting dynamic between methodical investigation and intuitive problem-solving. The ensemble, including Chunky Panday and Sumeet Vyas, feels lived-in and authentic.
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Director Ravi Chhabriya, making his directorial debut after working as an assistant on blockbusters like “Sultan” and “Tiger Zinda Hai,” shows promise behind the camera. The Budapest locations are beautifully captured, giving the film a visual richness that helps distinguish it from typical Bollywood mysteries. The pacing keeps things moving without feeling rushed, allowing both the comedy and mystery elements room to breathe.
Where “Detective Sherdil” stumbles is in balancing its tonal ambitions. The film wants to be both a laugh-out-loud comedy and a gripping mystery thriller, but it doesn’t quite nail either genre completely. Some comedic moments feel forced, while certain plot twists arrive with less impact than intended. The mystery itself, while engaging, follows familiar beats that seasoned viewers will likely predict.
However, what saves the film is its heart and Dosanjh’s undeniable screen presence. His portrayal of Sherdil as an everyman detective – someone who relies more on common sense than forensic expertise – feels refreshingly real. The character’s confidence never tips into arrogance, and his methods, while unconventional, feel grounded in real-world logic.
The film’s three-year journey from completion to release shows in some ways – certain cultural references feel slightly dated, and the production values, while solid, don’t quite match current streaming standards. Yet these minor issues don’t significantly detract from the overall experience.
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“Detective Sherdil” works best when it embraces its identity as comfort viewing rather than trying to be groundbreaking cinema. It’s the kind of film perfect for a lazy weekend, offering familiar pleasures executed with enough skill and charm to feel worthwhile. Dosanjh’s fans will definitely find plenty to enjoy, while mystery lovers might appreciate its lighter take on the genre.
The film doesn’t revolutionize detective stories, but it doesn’t need to. Sometimes, a well-crafted, entertaining mystery with a charismatic lead is exactly what audiences want. In that regard, “Detective Sherdil” delivers exactly what it promises – a fun, engaging whodunit that showcases Dosanjh’s versatility as a performer.
Rating: 3/5 stars