Rahu-Ketu Movie Review: Pulkit–Varun’s Explosive Karma-Fuelled Comedy
What would happen if Rahu and Ketu took human form and decided to walk among us, not to preach, but to poke, prank, and provoke? Rahu-Ketu explores exactly that idea, wrapping mythology-inspired symbolism inside a modern, small-town social satire.
At first glance, the film appears to be a loud, chaotic comedy. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that beneath the madness lies a sharp commentary on corruption, morality, and justice.
Directed and written by Vipul Vig, Rahu-Ketu released in theatres on January 16 and promises a laughter-filled ride with substance.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, the film blends humour, mischief, and a strong social message – making it more than just a typical Bollywood comedy.
Plot Snapshot
Rahu-Ketu revolves around two notorious troublemakers, Rahu and Ketu, who are infamous in the quiet town of Kullu.
Their daily antics irritate locals, making them town-wide nuisances. However, the story takes an interesting turn when the duo stumbles upon rising corruption cases in the city.
What follows is a series of bizarre, funny, and occasionally emotional events where the trio attempts to expose corruption using methods that are anything but ordinary. The film keeps its cards close to its chest, allowing humour and character dynamics to drive the narrative rather than shocking twists.
The Chaotic Cast
Varun Sharma as Rahu
Varun Sharma leans comfortably into his strength – comic timing. As Rahu, he delivers loud, physical humour without making the character feel hollow.
His performance carries an infectious energy that keeps scenes lively, even when the screenplay briefly loses momentum.
While some traits feel familiar to fans of his earlier work, Sharma manages to give Rahu a moral spine that adds depth to the laughter.
Pulkit Samrat as Ketu
Pulkit Samrat’s Ketu is the film’s emotional anchor. Beneath the jokes lies a character guided by belief; belief in karma, cosmic justice, and the idea that no action goes unnoticed.
Samrat brings a subtle restraint that contrasts well with Sharma’s boisterousness. His dialogue delivery, especially lines hinting at fate and morality, stands out as one of the film’s strengths.
Shalini Pandey as Meenu
Shalini Pandey brings sincerity to Meenu, a character that could have easily slipped into cliché. She plays her role with quiet confidence, neither overpowering nor fading into the background.
Meenu’s presence adds balance to the chaos, grounding the story emotionally and ethically. Her chemistry with both leads feels organic and unforced.
Supporting Cast: A Strong Backbone
The film also features powerful performances by:
- Piyush Mishra
- Amit Sial
- Chunky Panday
- Sumit Gulati
Each supporting character adds depth, credibility, and intensity to the narrative, especially in scenes dealing with corruption and power abuse.
A Mythological Undertone With a Modern Twist
The title Rahu-Ketu is not accidental.
In Indian mythology, Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets associated with karma, punishment, and destiny. The film cleverly adapts this concept into a modern setting.
Rahu-Ketu attempts to portray the exact duties of the celestial forces sticking to the core nature of themselves, walking into society in the human body and punishing sins in the most unconventional ways. Their actions are not random; they are driven by a higher, invisible moral force that ensures evil is exposed and punished.
This philosophical layer adds depth to an otherwise slapstick narrative.
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Direction & Screenplay: Vipul Vig’s Controlled Chaos
Being both the writer and director, Vipul Vig maintains a firm grip on the narrative.
The clear vision of Vig has aligned well with the storytelling. Rahu-Ketu is a balanced blend of humour and emotion, planned rightly wherever it is needed in the film. He doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel; instead, he polishes a familiar concept with sharp dialogues and situational comedy.
However, the film does suffer slightly from indulgence. A tighter edit could have enhanced the pacing, especially in the second half where a few scenes feel repetitive.
Despite minor flaws, Vig never loses control of the story. His direction ensures the film doesn’t drift away from its core message.
Cinematography & Setting
The film makes excellent use of its Himachal setting. Wide shots of Kullu add visual relief and authenticity, contrasting beautifully with the moral ugliness of corruption depicted in the story. The camera work remains unobtrusive, allowing performances and dialogues to take centre stage.
Storytelling & Concept
While the core idea of the film is fighting corruption through unconventional means is not new, Rahu-Ketu differentiates itself through mythological undertones. The metaphor of cosmic forces guiding human actions adds an interesting philosophical layer without overwhelming the narrative.
What Makes Rahu-Ketu Worth Watching
- Strong performances by lead actors
- Engaging dialogues
- Unique mythological symbolism
- Relevant social message
- Balanced humour and emotion
What Could Have Been Better
- Slightly shorter runtime
- More focused second half
- Reduced filler scenes
Is Rahu-Ketu Worth Watching?
Rahu-Ketu may not be groundbreaking cinema, but it doesn’t pretend to be. It succeeds as an entertaining, thought-provoking film that uses comedy as a gateway to discuss serious issues.
Its flaws are mostly related to pacing and predictability; don’t overshadow its intent. What remains is a film that makes you laugh, think, and occasionally question the systems we often accept without resistance.
If you enjoy socially aware comedies with strong characters and a touch of chaos, Rahu-Ketu is worth your time.
