As Bollywood gears up for the spooky season, Aditya Sarpotdar’s upcoming horror-comedy “Kakuda” is set to tickle funny bones while delivering chills. Featuring a stellar cast including Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, and Saqib Salim, the film’s trailer, released on July 2, takes a playful jab at popular horror-comedies like “Stree” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2”.
Set in the eerie village of Ratodi, “Kakuda” unveils a bizarre setting where each household boasts two doors: a conventional one for humans and a smaller, enigmatic entrance reserved for Kakuda, a mischievous ghost. The story follows Sunny (played by Saqib Salim) and Indira (played by Sonakshi Sinha), who embark on a new journey together in Ratodi. However, their blissful union turns perilous when they unintentionally incur the wrath of Kakuda on their wedding night by failing to observe a crucial ritual.
Kakuda, portrayed as a tortured spirit with a penchant for curses, inflicts a dire consequence upon the household’s head—a haunting hump that leads to their untimely demise thirteen days later. Faced with imminent danger, Indira turns to Victor (played by Riteish Deshmukh), an eccentric ghost hunter renowned for his comedic flair and unconventional methods.
Riteish Deshmukh’s character in “Kakuda” adds layers of humor with his witty one-liners and playful mockery of the supernatural, reminiscent of his past successes. The trailer cleverly references iconic moments from “Bhool Bhulaiyaa” and “Stree,” enhancing anticipation among fans of the genre.
Portraying the character of Victor, an unconventional ghost hunter, Riteish expressed his excitement about diving into this eccentric role, which he considers a departure from his previous projects.
In a recent statement, Riteish shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the quirky and eccentric world of ‘Kakuda’. Playing the role of Victor, an unconventional ghost hunter, allowed me to tap into a side of my acting abilities that I hadn’t fully explored before. This character is unlike any other I’ve portrayed, and that’s what makes it so exciting.”
Known for its blend of horror and comedy, “Kakuda” promises to take audiences on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Riteish highlighted the delicate balance required to merge these genres effectively, emphasizing the film’s unique appeal. “Blending horror and comedy is a delicate balance, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside such talented co-stars like Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the filming experience, Riteish praised his co-stars and the creative team behind “Kakuda,” noting, “Working with Sonakshi and Saqib has been incredibly fulfilling. They bring their own charm and talent to the project, enhancing the overall dynamics of our on-screen chemistry.”
Portraying a role that challenges her beliefs, Sonakshi shared insights into her character and the film’s unique narrative approach.
“In ‘Kakuda’, I play the role of a girl who believes in science and not in superstitions,” Sonakshi revealed. However, her character’s skepticism is put to the test when she confronts a mysterious ritual that defies rational explanation. “When she encounters the peculiar ritual, she decides to dig deeper and find out the truth behind it,” Sonakshi explained, hinting at the intriguing storyline that unfolds in the haunted village of Ratodi.
Balancing horror with comedy, as Sonakshi emphasized, is no easy feat. “It’s not easy to make people laugh while simultaneously sending chills down their spines,” she noted, acknowledging the challenges inherent in the genre. Yet, the actress expressed enthusiasm about the filming process, describing it as an enjoyable experience enriched by the camaraderie with her co-stars.
“This film was an absolute blast to shoot, especially because of my co-actors Riteish, Saqib, and Aasif, who are so funny in real life as well as such talented actors! We had a lot of fun,” Sonakshi enthused, highlighting the chemistry and camaraderie that fueled the production of “Kakuda.”
Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, “Kakuda” promises a fresh take on the horror-comedy genre, blending scares with laughter in equal measure. Prepare for a rollercoaster of laughs and scares as “Kakuda” is scheduled to premiere on July 5, 2024, exclusively on Zee5.
