Kartam Bhugtam Review: Vijay Raaz's New Thriller in Theaters

As psychological thrillers continue to captivate audiences worldwide, "Kartam Bhugtam" emerges as a noteworthy contender in the genre. Directed by Soham P. Shah and featuring an impressive cast led by Vijay Raaz, this film delves into themes of karma and destiny, offering a gripping narrative that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Here’s an in-depth review of the movie that has been making waves since its theatrical release.

 

 

 

Kartam Bhugtam Release Date

"Kartam Bhugtam" hit theaters on May 17, 2024. The film's release was eagerly anticipated, especially after the intriguing promotional material and the notable cast involved.

 

 

 

Kartam Bhugtam Story

The film revolves around Dev Joshi, played by Shreyas Talpade, an NRI who returns to India to manage and liquidate his deceased father's assets. His plan is to sell off these assets and return to New Zealand to restart his life, which was significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, his straightforward mission takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Anna, a highly acclaimed astrologer portrayed by Vijay Raaz.

 

 

Anna's predictions are unnervingly accurate, and despite Dev's initial skepticism, he finds himself caught in a web of unforeseen obstacles that align perfectly with Anna's forecasts. The story explores the themes of karma and destiny, highlighting the age-old adage, "As you sow, so shall you reap." As Dev navigates through bureaucratic hurdles and personal dilemmas, the narrative unfolds with a series of twists and turns, maintaining a taut suspense throughout.

 

Kartam Bhugtam Cast

 

The film boasts a talented ensemble cast:

 

• Shreyas Talpade as Dev Joshi, the pragmatic NRI protagonist.
• Vijay Raaz as Anna, the enigmatic astrologer whose predictions drive the plot.
• Madhoo as Anna’s wife, a character that brings depth to Anna’s personal life.
• Aksha Pardasany as Jiya, Dev's supportive girlfriend.

Each actor delivers a compelling performance, with Raaz and Talpade particularly standing out in their respective roles.

 

Kartam Bhugtam Movie Review: A Must Watch Psychological thriller

"Kartam Bhugtam" is an ambitious psychological thriller that explores profound themes through a compelling storyline and strong performances. While it falters in maintaining a consistent narrative tone and suffers from a less-than-ideal musical score, it succeeds in engaging the audience with its thought-provoking exploration of karma and fate.

 

 

For those who enjoy psychological thrillers with a strong philosophical underpinning, "Kartam Bhugtam" offers a worthwhile cinematic experience. The film is currently available in theaters and is expected to make its OTT release later this year, allowing a broader audience to engage with its intriguing narrative.

 

Also Check: Best Horror Thriller Series You Must Watch

 

Is Kartam Bhugtam a remake?

"Kartam Bhugtam" is an original film and not a remake of any previous movie. Its storyline and thematic exploration are unique, drawing from universal concepts of fate and morality while situating them within a contemporary Indian context.

 

 

Kartam Bhugtam Meaning

The title "Kartam Bhugtam" translates to "What goes around comes around," reflecting the central theme of karma that permeates the film. It underscores the narrative’s focus on the inevitable repercussions of one's actions, a concept that is explored through the protagonist's journey.

 

 

Kartam Bhugtam Rating

The film has garnered a mixed but generally positive reception, with critics and audiences appreciating its engaging performances and thematic depth. It has been rated 3.5 out of 5 by prominent critics, acknowledging its strengths in narrative and character portrayal while noting some inconsistencies in its execution.

 

 

Direction and Execution

Soham P. Shah, known for his previous works "Kaal" and "Luck," brings his fascination with fate and destiny to "Kartam Bhugtam." The film’s direction is marked by a clear vision of exploring karma through a realistic yet suspenseful narrative. However, the film does face some challenges in maintaining a consistent tone, especially post-interval where the narrative shifts from a grounded, realistic portrayal to a more simplistic and occasionally absurd storyline. This dichotomy, while intended to emphasize the unpredictability of fate, can feel disjointed.

 

Music and Background Score

The music, composed by lyricist Shabbir Ahmed, does not leave a lasting impression and is considered one of the weaker aspects of the film. The background score by Amar Mohile, unfortunately, detracts from the viewing experience with its excessive loudness and lack of subtlety. This overbearing musical backdrop can sometimes overshadow the film's quieter, more introspective moments.

 

 

Performances

Shreyas Talpade delivers a nuanced performance as Dev, effectively conveying the character's journey from skepticism to a reluctant acceptance of fate’s power. Vijay Raaz as Anna is captivating, bringing a blend of mystique and authority to his role as the astrologer. Madhoo and Aksha Pardasany provide solid support, although their characters could have been developed further to add more depth to the narrative.