No hero, no villain, just a female-led story that’s back on top of OTT, two years after release and a National Award winner, movie name is…, she is…

A film that began with a missing jackfruit has now become a layered satire on power and prejudice, winning awards and trending again on OTT.

Released in 2023, Kathal was a small comedy-drama that caught everyone by surprise. Two years later, it has found its way back into the spotlight. The Sanya Malhotra-starrer is currently trending in Netflix India’s Top 10, holding the 9th spot.

Directed by Yashowardhan Mishra, the film blends satire and humour, exposing the deep cracks in the system through the story of a seemingly trivial theft.

Kathal: Plot

At the heart of the story is Mahima (Sanya Malhotra), an honest and sharp police inspector. Her routine turns bizarre when a local politician (played by Vijay Raaz) reports the theft of two rare jackfruits from his house.

The case, trivial on the surface, soon becomes a matter of political prestige. Mahima is ordered to solve it urgently, while real crimes are brushed aside.

What layers does the story explore?

As Mahima investigates, the missing jackfruit unravels larger truths. The film cleverly showcases caste prejudice, gender bias, class divisions, and the compromises within the police force.

Through witty writing, Kathal balances satire with lighthearted comedy, making the social commentary palatable yet powerful.

How does the parallel case change things?

During the investigation, Mahima also stumbles upon a missing girl’s case. Slowly, the two threads intertwine, exposing how those in power manipulate systems for their benefit while ignoring real issues faced by ordinary people.

This collision of comedy and hard-hitting reality is what makes Kathal stand out even after multiple viewings.

Kathal: Star-cast

The film features a strong ensemble cast:

• Sanya Malhotra as Inspector Mahima

• Vijay Raaz as the local politician

• Rajpal Yadav, Raghubir Yadav, Brijendra Kala, Gurpal Singh, Govind Pandey, and Anant Joshi in pivotal roles

Each performance adds colour to the narrative, enhancing both the humour and the bite of the satire.

Kathal: National Award for Best Hindi Film

In 2025, Kathal won the National Award for Best Hindi Film. According to IMDb, it has bagged a total of nine awards.

The film’s screenplay was penned by Yashowardhan Mishra and Alok Mishra, weaving comedy with sharp social observation.

Even after two years, Kathal has managed to stay relevant. Its witty take on corruption, politics, and societal prejudices ensures it doesn’t lose its charm with time.

With its fresh recognition at the National Awards and a renewed run on Netflix, the film proves that sometimes the smallest stories — even one about two stolen jackfruits — can spark the loudest conversations.