In the aftermath of the theatrical release of Munjya, director Aditya Sarpotdar is swiftly redirecting his cinematic focus towards his upcoming horror-comedy venture, Kakuda. This project marks a reunion with actor Riteish Deshmukh after their collaboration in Mauli (2018) and welcomes actress Sonakshi Sinha on board. Based on Indian folklore, this highly anticipated film promises a blend of spook and humor, with a script penned by Chirag Garg and Avinash Dwivedi, and production helmed by Ronnie Screwvala.
“Kakuda will be my third foray into the horror-comedy genre, following the footsteps of the Marathi film Zombivili (2022) and Munjya,” Sarpotdar comments, adding a layer of intrigue to his future release. He maintains a shroud of mystery around the film’s narrative and its characters, hinting at a storyline that remains under wraps. This deliberate secrecy has only served to fuel the excitement and curiosity amongst fans and industry watchers.
Interestingly, Kakuda is slated for release on an over-the-top (OTT) platform, though the exact streaming partner is yet to be confirmed. “We are targeting a release within the next two to three months,” Sarpotdar reveals. “As of now, we are in discussions to finalize the platform that will host our film.” This move highlights a growing trend in the film industry, where digital releases are becoming increasingly predominant, reaching a wider audience faster than traditional theatrical launches.
Despite his rising involvement in Bollywood, Sarpotdar assures that his dedication to Marathi cinema remains unwavering. Alongside Kakuda, he is simultaneously engrossed in the development of Faster Fene, a follow-up to his well-received 2017 detective crime thriller of the same name. The sequel, co-produced by Deshmukh, is anticipated to raise the bar even higher, following the success of its predecessor.
“Munjya’s release has been an exhilarating journey,” Sarpotdar reflects. The film garnered positive feedback for its unique storytelling and execution within the horror-comedy sphere.
. Yet, he shows no signs of slowing down, diving headfirst into Kakuda amid an already bustling schedule. His adept ability to juggle multiple projects across different languages and genres underscores his versatility and commitment to storytelling.
Riteish Deshmukh and Sonakshi Sinha’s involvement in Kakuda adds star power and an extra layer of expectations from audiences. Deshmukh, known for his knack for comedy, paired with Sinha’s dynamic on-screen presence, promises a compelling watch. Both actors have previously proven their mettle in various roles, and their collaboration is anticipated to bring out an exciting chemistry that will captivate viewers.
The film’s connection to Indian folklore hints at a culturally rich narrative, potentially delving into myths and legends that resonate with the Indian audience. This thematic choice reflects a growing trend of filmmakers exploring indigenous stories and integrating them into mainstream cinema, providing a fresh yet familiar backdrop for viewers.
Kakuda is expected to blend the eerie atmosphere typical of horror with the light-hearted elements of comedy, a genre Sarpotdar seems to have mastered. His previous successes in this field have set high expectations, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see how he will weave this new story.
As plans for Kakuda’s release continue to unfold, Sarpotdar’s strategic approach to both Bollywood and regional cinema exemplifies an adaptive and forward-thinking mindset. His ability to balance these domains indicates a broader strategy to appeal to diverse audience segments, merging local storytelling with global platforms.
In a time where the cinematic landscape is rapidly evolving, Aditya Sarpotdar’s unrelenting drive and innovative ventures like Kakuda showcase the dynamic nature of Indian cinema. By leveraging the strengths of both traditional and digital mediums, he is not just staying relevant but is actively shaping the future of film. This balancing act of honoring cultural roots while embracing new formats might just be the key to his continued success and influence in the industry.
