Released on 19 May 2023 via Netflix, Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery is an Indian Hindi-language satirical comedy‑drama directed by Yashowardhan Mishra, co-written with his father Ashok Mishra, and produced by Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, Guneet Monga, and Achin Jain under Balaji Motion Pictures and Sikhya Entertainment
Plot Overview of Kathal
In the fictitious small town of Moba, the bizarre case of two jackfruits missing from an MLA’s garden becomes headline news. When eager police officer Inspector Mahima Basor (played by Sanya Malhotra) takes charge of the case, what starts as a comedic investigation of stolen fruit slowly unravels an exposure of caste-based discrimination, police apathy, bureaucratic absurdity, and ignored cases of missing girls and human trafficking.
As Mahima digs deeper, she turns the narrative on its head by focusing on the disappearance of a young girl and challenging the entire system’s skewed priorities—contrasting efforts to retrieve jackfruits with indifference toward trafficked children. The film’s clever satire brings humour and social critique in balance, delivering biting commentary on corruption and classism .
Star Cast of kathal
- Sanya Malhotra as Inspector Mahima Basor — a resilient, no-nonsense police officer whose integrity drives the story.
- Anant V. Joshi plays Constable Saurabh, Mahima’s partner and love interest.
- Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Neha Saraf, and Brijendra Kala feature in pivotal supporting roles, each bringing their distinct flavour to the satire-rich ensemble .
Sanya’s performance as Mahima Basor is both grounded and engaging—reflecting emotional intelligence and raw grit in navigating a patriarchal, dismissive environment. Her portrayal was widely praised as empathetic yet commanding.
Box Office & Viewership Performance of Kathal
Although kathal was released directly on Netflix, it quickly built a strong reputation in the OTT space, with exceptional audience reach and streaming metrics. Its popularity and resonance—especially among critics and viewers who appreciate socially relevant storytelling—are evident in its widespread discussion and streaming trends. Moreover, it became a point of reference in Indian OTT cinema for mid‑budget satire with substance .
Awards & Nominations
Kathal garnered significant recognition during the 71st National Film Awards (2025), winning the coveted Best Hindi Feature Film Award. The jury lauded it as a “deliciously sharp satire”, praising its wit and social relevance. Jury member Ashutosh Gowariker commended the film’s ability to expose bureaucracy’s absurdity with humour and depth . Director Yashowardhan Mishra described the honour as a “labour of love” shared with all collaborators, while producer Ekta Kapoor called it a “deeply special moment” .
Beyond this win, Kathal received multiple nominations and wins across other platforms. The film earned 8 wins and 21 nominations at various Indian Television Academy and OTT award events, including recognition for Sanya Malhotra’s performance and its writing and direction .
Why Kathal Stands Out
- Fresh, Socially Relevant Satire – Unlike formulaic comedies, kathal uses a humorous case of missing jackfruits to spotlight serious issues like caste bias and police negligence.
- Powerful Female Protagonist – Sanya’s Mahima is not only competent but morally centered—challenging the system rather than conforming.
- Authentic Ensemble – Supporting actors such as Vijay Raaz and Rajpal Yadav help elevate the satire with subtle yet potent performances.
- Critical Acclaim and National Recognition – Its National Film Award win cements Kathal as a standout in socially conscious Hindi cinema of recent years.
Conclusion
Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery is not just a quirky satire—it is a sharp critique of systemic dysfunction wrapped in comedic veneer. With Sanya Malhotra’s nuanced performance, Yashowardhan Mishra’s confident debut, and a tone that blends humour and humanity, the film stands firmly as a notable piece of modern Hindi storytelling.
From its ensemble cast and engaging plot to award recognition and OTT success, kathal reflects a cinema landscape that values thought-provoking narratives over spectacle. Its Best Hindi Feature Film win at the 71st National Film Awards is a testament to the power of small-town stories to resonate nationally and beyond.
