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Karthik Calling Karthik
2010 135 min India
★7.3
Romance, Mystery, Thriller
Director: Vijay Lalwani
Trailers
Description
A much abused loner achieves success, and even wins the heart of his gorgeous co-worker, after getting early morning mysterious phone calls from someone.
Budget:
$2.8M
US Gross:
$286,409
Worldwide:
$3.9M
Starring
Farhan Akhtar
Actor
Deepika Padukone
Actor
Ram Kapoor
Actor
Awards
8 nominations total
Key opinion
Karthik Calling Karthik is a psychological thriller that stands out for its unconventional, non-formulaic approach to Indian cinema. While most viewers praise Farhan Akhtar’s nuanced portrayal of an underdog, the film’s divisive ending and abrupt tonal shifts spark significant debate.
| Acting | Farhan Akhtar delivers a subtle, transformative performance that effectively anchors the character's psychological vulnerability. | |
| Originality | The film earns acclaim for its departure from standard Bollywood tropes, notably through its restrained use of musical numbers and a naturalistic atmosphere. | |
| Direction | The narrative's abrupt transition from a romantic office drama to a psychological thriller is a deliberate directorial choice that divides viewers between those who appreciate the tension and those who find the shift jarring. | |
| Ending | The ending remains a point of contention, with some viewers praising its twist as brilliant and thought-provoking, while others find it predictable, rushed, or disappointing. | |
| Acting | Opinions on Deepika Padukone's performance are split; some see it as a strong, non-melodramatic turn, while others find her role underdeveloped or merely adequate. |