Detective Sherdil: A Lackluster Murder Mystery That Misses the Mark
A Disappointing Whodunit
The real question isn't about who committed the crime, but rather why this uninspired murder mystery was even produced. Was it a misguided ambition, a financial obligation, or perhaps a forced project lacking any creativity or intrigue for both the creators and the viewers?
Once again, Zee5 delivers a lackluster offering, showcasing their knack for disappointing content. Detective Sherdil is intended to be a witty and sharp character, yet he plays the harmonica in a monotonous manner, regardless of the situation—be it a corpse or a mundane moment. His one-note tune is reminiscent of Rajesh Khanna's iconic performance in Mere Sapno Ki Rani, but without the charm.
This should have positioned Sherdil as a captivating detective, rivaling the likes of Sherlock Holmes and his Bengali counterpart Byomkesh. However, portrayed by the usually charismatic Diljit Dosanjh, Sherdil is as engaging as the case he investigates. The plot revolves around the murder of an NRI tycoon, Pankaj Bhatti, played by Boman Irani, whose demise is described as 'brutal'—is there any other way to depict such a scene?
The list of suspects grows as quickly as stale bread in a dhaba. Everyone seems to have a motive, and Sherdil, along with his assistant Natasha (Diana Penty, whose voice adds to the film's issues), is on the case. However, the narrative feels stagnant, as if the writer was merely a passive observer in a cinema seat.
Among the suspects is the tycoon's arrogant wife, portrayed by Ratna Pathak Shah, who channels a less-than-stellar version of Sushma Seth. Banita Sandhu plays the tycoon’s mute and deaf daughter, showcasing her growth since her role in Shoojit Sircar’s October, though her character remains largely indistinguishable.
Talented actors like Boman Irani and Sumeet Vyas seem wasted in this production. Diljit Dosanjh, once adept at self-deprecating humor, now seems to be embodying a caricature of himself, losing the charm that once made him relatable.
Detective Sherdil leaves viewers with mixed emotions, and I truly mean mixed. The direction by Ravi Chhabriya is so poor that it often feels like we are watching outtakes from an unfinished series, plagued by inconsistent character development and juvenile writing. The budget appears to match the overall quality, and the humor is so weak that it feels as if the joke is on the audience.
As the film concludes, we are teased with the promise of more from Sherdil Saab. However, I think I’ll pass next time.