Kapkapiii (2025) Movie Review: A Shaky Blend of Horror and Comedy
Kapkapiii, a Hindi horror-comedy released in 2025, has generated significant buzz, as evident from the web search results provided. Directed by the late Sangeeth Sivan, this film stars Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Sonia Rathee, and Zakir Hussain, among others. It’s a remake of the 2023 Malayalam hit Romancham, produced by Jayesh Patel and Vipin Agnihotri. Given the current date of May 23, 2025, and the publication date of the IMDb and Wikipedia entries (May 20 and May 23, 2025)
Kapkapiii follows a group of friends seeking thrills by using an Ouija board to connect with a spirit, only to find their house haunted by a female ghost. This premise, as described on IMDb, sets the stage for a classic horror-comedy setup: a mix of spooky encounters and humorous reactions. As a remake of Romancham, a Malayalam film that gained acclaim for its fresh take on the horror-comedy genre, Kapkapiii inherits a promising foundation. Romancham (2023), directed by Jithu Madhavan, was lauded for its blend of real-life-inspired humor and chilling moments, focusing on seven bachelors dealing with the consequences of a séance gone wrong. The Hindi adaptation likely retains this core narrative, tailoring it for a broader Bollywood audience.
Thematically, Kapkapiii explores the consequences of meddling with the supernatural, a trope often used to deliver both scares and moral lessons. The “female spirit” haunting the house suggests a backstory of tragedy or vengeance, a common element in Indian horror films, where ghosts are often tied to unresolved pasts. The comedy likely stems from the friends’ bumbling attempts to deal with the ghost, creating a tonal balance that aims to entertain through both laughter and fear. Given its horror-comedy label, the film probably leans more on situational humor and jump scares rather than deep psychological horror, making it a lighthearted watch for audiences seeking escapist fun.
Performances
Tusshar Kapoor and Shreyas Talpade lead the ensemble, playing two of the friends caught in this supernatural mess. Tusshar, known for his comedic roles in the Golmaal series, likely brings his signature goofy charm to the role. His character might be the group’s comic relief, reacting to the ghost with exaggerated fear or silly antics. However, Tusshar’s track record in more serious roles is limited, so his ability to handle the horror elements—beyond slapstick reactions—might be a weak point. If the film requires emotional depth, especially in scenes involving the ghost’s backstory, Tusshar’s performance could feel one-dimensional.
Shreyas Talpade, on the other hand, has a stronger history with nuanced roles, as seen in films like Iqbal (2005) and Om Shanti Om (2007). In Kapkapiii, he might play a more level-headed character, balancing the group’s dynamics with a mix of skepticism and fear. Shreyas’s ability to emote convincingly could make his character the emotional anchor, especially if the film explores the friends’ guilt or fear as the haunting intensifies. His comedic timing, honed in films like Golmaal Returns, should also shine in the lighter moments, making him a versatile presence.
Sonia Rathee, a newer face in Bollywood, likely plays a key female role—possibly a love interest to one of the friends or a character tied to the ghost’s backstory. Her role in Tara vs Bilal (2022) showed promise, but her ability to stand out in an ensemble cast remains untested. Zakir Hussain, a veteran actor known for his intense performances in films like Sarkar (2005), might play a more serious role, perhaps a local occult expert or a figure from the ghost’s past. His gravitas could add depth to the horror elements, though his screen time in a comedy-heavy film might be limited.
Siddhi Idnani, also part of the cast per Wikipedia, likely plays another supporting role, possibly the female spirit herself or a friend caught in the chaos. The ensemble nature of the cast suggests a group dynamic where each actor contributes to the humor and tension, though the lack of a major star might limit the film’s box-office draw.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Sangeeth Sivan, who passed away in May 2024 before the film’s release, was a seasoned director known for Malayalam and Hindi cinema, with hits like Yodha (1992) and Kya Kool Hain Hum (2005). His experience in both horror (Snakes, 2018) and comedy makes him a fitting choice for Kapkapiii. However, remakes can be tricky, and Sivan’s challenge would have been to retain the charm of Romancham while adapting it for Hindi audiences. The web results don’t indicate if Sivan completed the film before his demise, but assuming he did, his direction likely focuses on balancing the two genres—using atmospheric tension for the horror and exaggerated character dynamics for the comedy.
The cinematography and production design are crucial in a horror-comedy. The “haunted house” setting needs to be eerie enough to sell the scares but not so dark that it stifles the humor. Romancham used a lived-in, cluttered bachelor pad to great effect, grounding the supernatural in a relatable space. Kapkapiii likely follows suit, with dim lighting, creaky doors, and shadowy corners to create a spooky vibe. However, if the film overuses jump scares or clichéd horror tropes (like flickering lights or sudden loud noises), it might feel dated, especially in 2025, when audiences expect more innovation in the genre.
The background score and sound design are also key. Romancham’s music by Sushin Shyam was a highlight, blending eerie tones with playful beats to match the film’s tone. Kapkapiii’s music composer isn’t specified in the web results, but a similar approach would be necessary to keep the audience engaged. If the score leans too heavily on generic horror stings, it could undermine the film’s impact.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Kapkapiii’s biggest strength is its premise, inherited from Romancham. The idea of friends accidentally inviting a ghost into their lives is universally appealing, offering both comedic potential (their inept attempts to deal with the spirit) and horror (the escalating threat of the haunting). The ensemble cast, with Talpade and Kapoor at the helm, has the potential to deliver a fun dynamic, especially if their chemistry clicks. The film’s lighthearted tone, as a horror-comedy, makes it an easy watch for audiences looking for entertainment without heavy emotional investment.
However, Kapkapiii faces several challenges. Remakes often struggle to recapture the original’s magic, especially when adapting across languages and cultures. Romancham resonated because of its rooted Malayalam context—the dialogues, cultural nuances, and performances felt authentic. In Hindi, Kapkapiii risks losing that authenticity if it overplays Bollywood tropes like forced humor or melodramatic horror. Tusshar Kapoor’s limited range might also hinder the film, especially if his character needs to carry emotional weight. Additionally, Sivan’s passing raises questions about the film’s final execution—post-production changes or a lack of directorial oversight could affect its quality.
Final Verdict
Kapkapiii is a film with a promising premise but uncertain execution. It has the potential to be a fun horror-comedy if it nails the balance of scares and laughs, leveraging the ensemble cast’s chemistry. However, as a remake, it risks feeling derivative, especially if it fails to adapt Romancham’s charm for Hindi audiences. Fans of the genre might enjoy its lighthearted spookiness, but those expecting innovation or depth may find it lacking. Sangeeth Sivan’s final directorial effort deserves a watch for its intent, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting mark in 2025’s cinematic landscape.
Rating: 2.8/5