Kapkapiii: A Horror-Comedy That Blends Chaos with Chills

Introduction

Bollywood has long experimented with horror-comedy, a genre that walks the fine line between spine-chilling scares and laugh-out-loud moments. Kapkapiii, released on May 23, 2025, is the latest addition to this category, bringing together an ensemble cast led by Shreyas Talpade and Tusshar Kapoor. Directed by the late Sangeeth Sivan, the film is a remake of the 2023 Malayalam hit Romancham and attempts to recreate the eerie yet hilarious atmosphere of its predecessor.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around a group of broke roommates living in a rundown apartment in Faridabad. Each of them is struggling with life—one is trying to start a tea business, another is failing at selling toilets, and the rest are simply jobless. Their biggest common trait? Boredom.

One night, in a desperate attempt to entertain themselves, Manu (Shreyas Talpade) suggests using a carrom board as an impromptu Ouija board. What starts as a harmless prank quickly spirals into chaos when they accidentally summon a spirit named Anamika. At first, the ghostly presence seems like a joke, but soon, eerie occurrences begin to disrupt their lives.

To make matters worse, Manu’s childhood friend Kabir (Tusshar Kapoor) arrives, adding another layer of madness to the already bizarre situation. Kabir, who just wants to sleep, finds himself entangled in a supernatural mess, leading to a series of hilarious yet terrifying events.

Performances and Characters

Shreyas Talpade shines as Manu, the unofficial leader of the group, whose reckless decisions drive the story forward. His comedic timing and ability to switch between humor and fear make him the perfect fit for the role.

Tusshar Kapoor, known for his work in the Golmaal series, delivers a quirky and unsettling performance as Kabir. His bizarre antics and creepy smile add an extra layer of unpredictability to the film.

The supporting cast, including Siddhi Idnani, Sonia Rathee, Jay Thakkar, and Abhishek Kumar, brings authenticity to the film’s chaotic energy. Their camaraderie feels natural, making the audience feel like they’re part of the madness.

Direction and Cinematic Style

Sangeeth Sivan, known for his knack for blending humor with absurdity, ensures that Kapkapiii is fast-paced and engaging. The film’s visuals and background score evoke a nostalgic early-2000s charm reminiscent of classic horror comedies.

However, the screenplay struggles with fluidity, often feeling like a collection of loosely connected skits rather than a cohesive narrative. While the humor lands well, the horror elements lack depth, making the film more of a comedy with supernatural elements rather than a true horror-comedy.

Reception and Criticism

Critics have had mixed reactions to Kapkapiii. While some praise its lighthearted absurdity, others criticize its weak storytelling and lack of genuine scares. The film’s over-reliance on crude humor and predictable plot twists prevents it from reaching its full potential.

Despite its flaws, Kapkapiii succeeds in delivering entertainment, making it an ideal watch for those looking for a fun, mindless movie experience.

Final Thoughts

Kapkapiii is not a groundbreaking horror-comedy, but it does offer laughs, chaos, and a touch of supernatural intrigue. If you’re in the mood for a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one might be worth watching.