Ikk Kudi Movie Review: Shehnaaz Gill Charms, But The Film Fails To Keep You Hooked
There is a considerable difference between telling a good story, and making a good film — Ikk Kudi exemplifies this very well. The movie begins from a premise that is interesting, and almost one I wanted to believe to really explore that premise in full, but fails to ever come close to living up to that. Utilizing a double role from character Shehnaaz Gill, paired with Gill producing the project, Ikk Kudi is attempting to rotate a story around a woman's choice in love and marriage and the construction and tone of the story ultimately made it feel empty.
The movie hops back and forth between the timeline stages of two women, Tejo and Simar, who are struggling with their cultural engrained pasts and expectations while trying to keep their identities. Ultimately, the film confronts the patriarchy that still gives "permission" to women about who they choose to marry. Simar's intentions of finding a partner who accepts her for who she is, and not seeing marriage as a "reward" or "prize" mentality will resonate and ring true to many women watching the film. The first half delivers on this fashion, portraying warm, humorous, breezy characteristics of a Punjabi family story. There are lovely times to chuckle, love, and cheer genuinely for Simar and her family’s success.
The wonderful Shehnaaz Gill is undoubtedly the heart of Ikk Kudi. Her enthusiastic energy and effortless presence on screen brings genuine weight to her role. The film's best asset is veteran actor Nirmal Rishi — her impeccable comic timing or emotional nuance elevates the dullest scenes. An especially poignant moment near the conclusion, showcases her unmatched ability to spill humour and heart. Cinematography helps the film's vitality as does its lively supporting cast, keeping the film's first half engaging.
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The second half is where it loses grip. The family travels to the groom's village to learn more about him and from their the film meanders into melodrama and subplots that are completely unnecessary. The pacing is stale, emotional beats wear out their welcome, and it loses some direction. The film's biggest hindrance is the inconsistent tone — awkwardly shifting between humour and sermonising drama. The film begins as a light (thought provoking) story before tiring out as its painfully repetitive emotional and light.
Overall: Ikk Kudi is not a terrible film, but it is simply too long. It is charming in sections and sincere in its purpose, but lacks the accuracy to leave a lasting memory. You can see it in theaters for the breadth of Shehnaaz Gill's enjoyable performance and for Nirmal Rishi's unfathomable ease.
