Ek Chatur Naar (2025): Rating and Review – A Clever Black Comedy with Twists and Social Bite
Released on September 12, 2025, Ek Chatur Naar is a Hindi dark comedy thriller directed by Umesh Shukla (Oh My God!, 3 Idiots). Starring Divya Khosla Kumar as the cunning Mamta, Neil Nitin Mukesh as a morally dubious antagonist, and a solid supporting cast including Chhaya Kadam, Sushant Singh, and Zakir Hussain, the film blends satire, revenge, and humor to tackle themes like banking scams, farmer injustice, and small-town corruption. Set in rural India, it follows Mamta, a seemingly naive but street-smart woman who uses her wits to outmaneuver powerful foes in a web of blackmail and deceit. With a runtime of 111 minutes, it’s a fast-paced caper that’s entertaining but not without flaws. Here’s a balanced rating and review based on critic consensus and early audience feedback.
Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
- Critic Average: 3 stars (from Times of India, ETimes, and Filmfare). It’s praised for its sharp screenplay and performances but dinged for preachy moments and uneven pacing.
- Audience Score: Early ratings hover around 3.2/5 on platforms like BookMyShow, with 22.74% occupancy on opening day and positive word-of-mouth in cities like Hyderabad and Chennai.
- Box Office Buzz: Opened modestly with ₹50 lakh on Day 1, facing competition from Hollywood releases. Weekend collections could push it to ₹5-7 crore if buzz grows.
If you’re into witty revenge tales like Andhadhun or Badhaai Do, this delivers clever twists and laughs. Skip if you prefer polished thrillers—it’s more chaotic fun than razor-sharp suspense.
Strengths: What Works in Ek Chatur Naar
- Divya Khosla Kumar’s Standout Performance: Khosla shines as Mamta, a layered character who’s equal parts vulnerable and vengeful. Critics hail this as her career-best, moving beyond her usual roles to deliver a nuanced mix of charm and grit. Her chemistry with Neil Nitin Mukesh, who revels in a corrupt politician role, adds delicious tension.
- Clever Twists and Satire: Umesh Shukla’s direction keeps the plot unpredictable, blending humor with social commentary on rural exploitation. The chain of blackmail and scams unfolds like a well-oiled machine, with well-placed laughs that poke fun at hypocrisy without overdoing it.
- Supporting Cast and Production Values: Chhaya Kadam steals scenes as the tippler mother-in-law, bringing lightness and authenticity. Sushant Singh and Zakir Hussain add gravitas, while the small-town visuals and Amar Mohile’s energetic title score elevate the vibe.
- Thematic Depth: It cleverly critiques real issues like financial fraud and gender dynamics in rural India, making it more than just a comedy—it’s a sly mirror to society.
Weaknesses: Where It Falls Short
- Preachy and Uneven Pacing: The social messages on farmer injustice and scams feel forced at times, turning entertaining chaos into heavy-handed lectures. The third act rushes twists, leaving some plot holes unresolved.
- Exaggerated Elements: Mamta’s over-the-top expressions and some cartoonish buffoonery can feel cringe-worthy, pulling you out of the story. It’s irreverent fun, but not always razor-sharp.
- Limited Appeal: At 111 minutes, it drags in spots, and the revenge trope feels familiar if you’ve seen similar capers. Opening day crowds were low (₹50 lakh), suggesting it might struggle against bigger releases.
Who Should Watch It?
- Fans Of: Dark comedies with social edge (Lapachhapi, Lapata Ladies) or strong female leads. Perfect for a weekend matinee if you enjoy twists over deep thrills.
- Skip If: You want laugh-out-loud hilarity or a tightly plotted thriller—go for Stree 2 or Khel Khel Mein instead.
- Where to Watch: In theaters now (BookMyShow for tickets). Streaming expected on Netflix or Prime Video in 4-6 weeks.
Final Verdict
Ek Chatur Naar is a solid 3/5—witty, twisty, and powered by Divya Khosla’s breakout turn, but held back by preachy vibes and pacing hiccups. Umesh Shukla delivers a fun, if flawed, caper that entertains while prodding at India’s underbelly. Worth a watch for the clever chaos and standout acting—grab popcorn and enjoy the ride, even if it’s not a perfect score.