Review
Detective Karthik is a sharp, suspenseful thriller that dives deep into the underbelly of urban crime while exploring the fragile line between genius and obsession. Directed by Anil Varma, the film introduces us to a detective who is equal parts brilliant and broken - and makes us question whether the case he's solving might just destroy him too.
The story revolves around Karthik Iyer (played with absolute finesse by Dulquer Salmaan), an unconventional private detective in Bangalore who has gained fame for solving impossible cases. Karthik is not your classic trench-coat detective. He's young, messy, socially awkward, and haunted by his own demons - mainly his estranged father, once a police officer disgraced for corruption.
When the city is rocked by a series of bizarre murders - each victim left with cryptic messages and a chess piece in their mouth - the police have no choice but to rope in Karthik. What begins as a straightforward hunt for a serial killer soon turns into a twisted game where Karthik realizes he might be the one being played.
Dulquer Salmaan is outstanding as Karthik. He brings charm and subtlety to a character who is equal parts annoying and endearing. His nervous ticks, sarcastic one-liners, sudden bursts of rage - all make Karthik feel real and unpredictable. There's a scene where Karthik is alone in his cluttered office, talking to the photos on his evidence wall as if they can talk back - Dulquer nails it with ease.
Ritika Singh plays Ananya Rao, an investigative journalist who unwillingly becomes Karthik's partner in the case. Ritika brings fire and wit to her role. Her banter with Karthik provides some much-needed levity in an otherwise dark narrative. Anupam Kher appears as ACP Prakash Verma, a grizzled cop who once knew Karthik's father. His scenes with Karthik add emotional weight to the story.
The story revolves around Karthik Iyer (played with absolute finesse by Dulquer Salmaan), an unconventional private detective in Bangalore who has gained fame for solving impossible cases. Karthik is not your classic trench-coat detective. He's young, messy, socially awkward, and haunted by his own demons - mainly his estranged father, once a police officer disgraced for corruption.
When the city is rocked by a series of bizarre murders - each victim left with cryptic messages and a chess piece in their mouth - the police have no choice but to rope in Karthik. What begins as a straightforward hunt for a serial killer soon turns into a twisted game where Karthik realizes he might be the one being played.
Dulquer Salmaan is outstanding as Karthik. He brings charm and subtlety to a character who is equal parts annoying and endearing. His nervous ticks, sarcastic one-liners, sudden bursts of rage - all make Karthik feel real and unpredictable. There's a scene where Karthik is alone in his cluttered office, talking to the photos on his evidence wall as if they can talk back - Dulquer nails it with ease.
Ritika Singh plays Ananya Rao, an investigative journalist who unwillingly becomes Karthik's partner in the case. Ritika brings fire and wit to her role. Her banter with Karthik provides some much-needed levity in an otherwise dark narrative. Anupam Kher appears as ACP Prakash Verma, a grizzled cop who once knew Karthik's father. His scenes with Karthik add emotional weight to the story.
- chavanjq
- 9 jul 2025