‘Murder Mubarak’ review
Anuja Chauhan’s novels have long been cherished by readers for their witty storytelling and engaging characters. However, when it comes to translating her beloved books into successful films or shows, the results have often fallen short of expectations. With the recent adaptation of “Murder Mubarak,” based on her 2021 page-turner “Club You to Death,” the question arises once again: why do Chauhan’s stories struggle to find their footing on screen?
Previous attempts at adapting Chauhan’s work, such as “The Zoya Factor” and “Dil Bekaraar,” met with mixed reviews and failed to make a lasting impression. One possible reason for this disconnect could be the unique blend of Hinglish (Hindi-English) that Chauhan employs in her writing. The vibrant and colloquial language that adds so much flavor to her novels may lose its charm in translation, failing to resonate with audiences in visual media.
Another challenge lies in the adaptation of Chauhan’s “air-light plots” to the screen. While her books are known for their breezy narratives and quirky characters, translating these elements into a visually compelling story that holds the audience’s attention for an entire film or series can be a daunting task. The balance between humor, suspense, and character development must be carefully maintained to capture the essence of Chauhan’s storytelling.
However, “Murder Mubarak” offers a glimmer of hope for Chauhan’s fans and filmmakers alike. Directed by Homi Adajania and adapted by Gazal Dhaliwal and Suprotim Sengupta, the film stays true to Chauhan’s giggly take on Agatha Christie-style mysteries. Set in the elite Royal Delhi Club, the story revolves around the murder of Zumba instructor Leo, played by Aashim Gulati, which sends shockwaves through the shallow and eccentric members of the club.
Leading the investigation are Assistant Commissioner of Police Bhavani Singh, portrayed by the talented Pankaj Tripathi, and sub-inspector Padam, played by Priyank Tiwari. The suspects include a colorful cast of characters, including the charming but enigmatic lawyer Akash (Vijay Varma) and his childhood crush Bambi (Sara Ali Khan), the pompous tip-giver Rannvijay (Sanjay Kapoor), and the eccentric artist Cookie (Dimple Kapadia), among others.
Despite its promising premise and talented cast, “Murder Mubarak” struggles to fully capitalize on the rich material at its disposal. While the film effectively captures the superficiality and pretentiousness of the elite club members, it falls short in its exploration of deeper themes and the intricacies of the murder mystery itself.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its portrayal of the Delhi social scene, with its opulent settings and larger-than-life characters. However, the narrative fails to delve beyond the surface-level observations, missing an opportunity to explore the class dynamics and societal issues that Chauhan often skewers in her novels.
Additionally, the overuse of background music, composed by Sachin-Jigar, detracts from the storytelling rather than enhancing it. The whimsical score, while fitting for the light-hearted tone of the film, feels intrusive and unnecessary in many scenes, ultimately detracting from the overall viewing experience.
Despite its shortcomings, “Murder Mubarak” offers moments of entertainment and intrigue, thanks in large part to its talented ensemble cast. Pankaj Tripathi delivers a stellar performance as the no-nonsense police officer, while Vijay Varma and Sara Ali Khan shine in their respective roles.
while “Murder Mubarak” may not be the definitive adaptation of Anuja Chauhan’s work, it represents a step in the right direction. As filmmakers continue to grapple with the challenges of bringing her beloved novels to life on screen, one thing remains clear: the enduring appeal of Chauhan’s storytelling will continue to captivate audiences, both on the page and on the screen.
