‘Murder Mubarak‘ is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language mystery thriller film adapted from Anuja Chauhan’s novel ‘Club You To Death’. Directed by Homi Adajania and produced by Dinesh Vijan, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Starring Pankaj Tripathi, Sara Ali Khan, Vijay Varma, Dimple Kapadia, Karisma Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Tisca Chopra, Suhail Nayyar, and Tara Alisha Berry, ‘Murder Mubarak’ delves into a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a mysterious murder. Each actor brings depth and intrigue to their respective roles, contributing to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Released on Netflix on March 15, 2024, ‘Murder Mubarak’ received a mixed to negative response from critics. While some appreciated the performances and the adaptation from Chauhan’s novel, others critiqued aspects of the plot and pacing. Despite varying reviews, the film generated discussion for its bold storytelling and the ensemble’s compelling portrayals.
Homi Adajania’s direction and Dinesh Vijan’s production ensured a visually captivating experience, blending suspense with the complexities of human relationships. ‘Murder Mubarak’ remains an intriguing addition to the genre of Hindi mystery thrillers, offering audiences a blend of mystery, drama, and ensemble dynamics to unravel on the digital platform.
Plot
The film opens with a lively Tambola night, introducing the elite members of the Royal Delhi Club. The next morning, gym trainer Leo Matthews is found dead under a barbell. ACP Bhavani Singh, suspecting foul play, takes charge of the case.
The investigation starts with the first witnesses – Roshni Batra, Cookie Katoch, and Bambi Todi. They point the finger at Aakash Dogra, who claims to have helped Leo with a past legal issue. Aakash, in turn, reveals Leo’s drug addiction and affair with club members like actress Shehnaz Noorani and Ganga, the beauty parlor lady. As the investigation deepens, a new twist emerges – Leo’s body contained an absurd amount of the drug “Pinko Haathini,” rendering him incapable of lifting the barbell.
Meanwhile, a budding romance blossoms between Bambi and Aakash. Bambi reveals she was blackmailed by Leo for past kleptomania. This leads them to the Shepherd’s Orphanage, where the club members donate generously. The investigation stalls upon questioning orphanage staff and other club members.
The discovery of a burnt cat and Guppie Ram’s suicide raise further suspicion. Aakash, suspecting his best friend Yash (a recovering drug addict) is involved, provides evidence against him. However, the evidence implicating Yash disappears. Another revelation stuns everyone – Ajay Kumar, Ganga’s husband, is the missing drug dealer. He’s later found alive, leading to a shocking truth – the skeleton found in the club’s garden isn’t Ajay, but Bambi’s deceased husband, Anshul!
The final act unravels the tangled web. It’s revealed that Anshul was having an affair with Ganga and planned to leave Bambi. Enraged, Bambi killed Anshul with a bust gifted by Aakash’s grandmother, with Guppie Ram’s help. Leo discovered the truth and blackmailed Bambi, leading to his murder at her hands. The film concludes with Bambi confessing and being incarcerated, while Aakash walks free. The ending leaves a chilling reminder – under the veneer of wealth and glamour, secrets and dark desires can lurk.
Cast
Main Cast
Pankaj Tripathias ACP Bhavani Singh, the lead detective investigating the murder at the Royal Delhi Club.
Sara Ali Khan as Bambi Todi, a young widow who becomes entangled in the murder mystery.
Vijay Varma as Aakash Dogra/Kaashi, a complex character with a hidden identity.
Karisma Kapoor as Shehnaz Noorani, an ambitious actress vying for the club’s presidency.
Dimple Kapadia as Cookie Katoch, an alcoholic sculptor with a troubled past.
Tisca Chopra as Roshni Batra, a gossipmongering socialite and Bambi’s mother.
Sanjay Kapoor as Maharaja Rannvijay Singh, a wealthy and arrogant club member.
Suhail Nayyar as Yash Batra, a recovering drug addict struggling to stay clean.
Tara Alisha Berry as Ganga, the club’s beauty parlor lady and Rannvijay’s secret lover.
Aashim Gulati as Leo Mathews, the lecherous gym trainer found murdered.
Supporting Cast
Deven Bhojani as Devendra Bhatti, the current president of the Royal Delhi Club.
Rohit Rajvansh as Movie Director, a mysterious figure involved in the investigation.
Ashok Chhabra as Shaan Thakur, a club member with a connection to the murder.
Alok Panwar as Ajay Kumar, Ganga’s missing husband and a key suspect.
Brijendra Kala as Guppie Ram, an elderly servant with dementia.
Rajat Malhotra as Chef, the club’s chef.
Suhaas Ahuja as Staff Manager, the manager of the club’s staff.
Purnendu Bhattacharya as Brigadier Balbir Dogra, Aakash’s father.
Grusha Kapoor as Mrs. Dogra – Mala, Aakash’s mother.
Trilochan Kalra as Anshul’s father, Bambi’s late husband’s father.
Beila Gupta as Anshul’s mother, Bambi’s late husband’s mother.
Varun Mitra as Anshul, Bambi’s late husband.
Priyank Tiwary as PK, Sub Inspector Padam Kumar, Bhavani Singh’s assistant.
Kiara Sadh as Little Girl, a witness to the murder.
Hardeep Gupta as Bambi’s Mother.
Hitesh Sejpal as Bambi’s Father.
Hardika Sharma as Young Bambi.
Abeer Jain as Young Kaashi.
Other Notable Cast
Bobby Singh as Minister Gagan Ruia
Balakrishnan Natarajan as Police Chief Commissioner Samir Faruqui
Nikhil Khurana as Warden Ashok
Reception
Murder Mubarak: Critics Divided on Quirky Whodunit
“Murder Mubarak” has received mixed reviews from critics, with a score of 63% positive on Rotten Tomatoes.
Praise for Pacing and Performances:
Saibal Chatterjee (NDTV) commends the film’s focus on dialogue and investigation, praising its pace and engaging storytelling. (3/5 stars)
Reviewers appreciate the performances, with some highlighting them as the movie’s saving grace. (Bollywood Hungama: 2.5/5 stars)
Criticisms of Story and Depth:
The slow narrative is a common criticism, with reviewers finding the film lacking in action or excitement. (Bollywood Hungama: 2.5/5 stars)
Some feel the film doesn’t fully capture the depth of its source material, despite attempting to recreate a specific atmosphere. (Shubhra Gupta, The Indian Express: 2.5/5 stars)
Sukanya Verma (Rediff) expresses disappointment, finding the world of the wealthy characters shallow and failing to draw viewers in. (2/5 stars)
Overall, “Murder Mubarak” appears to be a watchable film with a unique setting and strong performances, but its slow pace and underdeveloped story may leave some viewers wanting more.
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