Detective Sherdil Movie Review: A Stylish, Slightly Shaky Whodunit Powered by Its Cast

Ravi Chhabriya’s Detective Sherdil attempts to crack the delicate formula of combining comedy with a classic murder mystery. Starring Diljit Dosanjh in the titular role, the film walks a tightrope between absurdity and intrigue. While it doesn’t always land on solid ground, an impressive ensemble and aesthetic finesse offer a partially rewarding watch.

The story kicks off in Budapest, setting the tone for a visually appealing narrative. The murder of a billionaire, played by the ever-charismatic Boman Irani, takes place under mysterious circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, the film introduces us to his commanding wife, portrayed by Ratna Pathak Shah, who delivers one of the standout performances in the movie. With the sass and swagger of Maya Sarabhai and then some, her presence lights up every scene she enters.

Diljit Dosanjh’s Detective – Charming, But Lacking Bite

Before we even meet Diljit’s character, we are given an elaborate backstory about how he earned the name “Sherdil.” A throwback to the style of Arjun Patiala, the introduction leans heavily into quirk. And while the detective does possess charm, his frequent harmonica-playing becomes a distraction rather than a signature. It’s a whodunit, yes—but never quite the edge-of-the-seat experience it promises to be.

When Diljit, in his heavy Punjabi twang, exclaims, “This is a classic… whodunit,” you’re inclined to agree—but only in parts. The film knows its genre but often loses grip on tone, attempting to tick both comedy and thriller boxes simultaneously, with mixed results.

Scene-Stealers: Boman, Ratna & Banita

While Dosanjh takes top billing, the real stars of Detective Sherdil are Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Banita Sandhu. Irani dazzles in every frame—his baritone, fashion-forward wardrobe, and subtle vulnerability bring depth to a character that could’ve easily been flat. Ratna, as mentioned, is a force of nature—icy, authoritative, and compelling.

Banita Sandhu, playing the deaf and mute daughter, Shanti, proves once again she is more than just a pretty face. In a role with no dialogues, she expresses layers of emotion that leave an impact.

Comedy or Mystery? A Balancing Act That Wobbles

Here lies the film’s main conundrum. The integration of comedy into the murder mystery format never quite feels organic. Chunky Panday’s over-the-top cameo attempts to inject humor and succeeds momentarily, but you can’t help but feel the tonal inconsistency dragging the film down.

Sumeet Vyas does his part efficiently but doesn’t have enough material to elevate his character. Diana Penty, who has been highly selective post-Cocktail, brings grace and maturity to her no-nonsense role. It’s a performance that helps anchor the film in moments where it threatens to drift into chaos.

Twists Done Right (Almost)

Unlike the lazy reveals seen in certain recent Bollywood thrillers, Detective Sherdil offers a final twist that complements the narrative rather than undermines it. It addresses themes of dysfunction, betrayal, and hidden truths with a subtlety that’s admirable. The conclusion, while not entirely shocking, is satisfying and grounded.

Final Verdict

Detective Sherdil is not the perfect genre blend. It stumbles between tone, has a few cringe-worthy sequences, and stretches believability at times. However, it remains watchable thanks to its cast and visual polish. The ensemble’s chemistry, especially the commanding trio of Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Banita Sandhu, elevates an otherwise uneven script.

If you’re seeking a whodunit that doesn’t play entirely by the book and offers some strong performances, give this one a shot. Just don’t expect a flawless investigation.

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FAQs

1. Who directed Detective Sherdil?
Ravi Chhabriya directed Detective Sherdil, a Hindi-language murder mystery with comedic undertones.

2. What genre does the film belong to?
Detective Sherdil is a murder mystery-comedy, though it leans more toward drama and visual storytelling than full-blown comedy.

3. How is Diljit Dosanjh’s performance?
Diljit brings charm and flair to the detective role but is sometimes overshadowed by supporting cast members in more gripping roles.

4. Who are the standout performers?
Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Banita Sandhu deliver the most impactful performances, with great screen presence and emotional depth.

5. Is the film worth watching?
Yes, particularly for fans of ensemble cast dramas and visually engaging storytelling. It’s not perfect but offers enough intrigue to hold your interest.