Star Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Anurag Kashyap, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Shriidhar Dubey, Vipin Sharma, Ila Arun, and ensemble.

Director: Akshat Ajay Sharma.

What’s Good: Emerging Filmmaker's Vision and Anurag Kashyap's Acting

What’s Bad: Puzzling Narrative Structure and Soap Opera-like Climax

Loo Break: Take a break, but don't miss Nawazuddin's different yet impressive performance.

Watch or Not?: Worth watching for its potential and if you can overlook its flaws.

Language: Hindi (with subtitles).

Available On: Zee5

Runtime: 134 Minutes.

Haddi Movie Review: Star Performances

The discussion around casting real transgender individuals remains valid. While casting a cis-gendered actor in the lead role can be understandable for star power, there was ample room to include transgender actors in supporting roles. Ila Arun's presence elevates the film, but it missed an opportunity to be more inclusive.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui takes a step back to his roots, attempting to create a character that resonates with the heart rather than just the intellect. Although not flawless, his performance in Haddi showcases his versatility, with his shining moments in the climax.

Anurag Kashyap's acting deserves applause. He brings freshness to his villainous character, drawing inspiration from pulpy antagonists and infusing a contemporary twist. Kashyap's performance encompasses eccentricity, political awareness, and dread, making him a standout in the film.

The rest of the cast put in commendable efforts in shaping their characters.

Haddi Movie Review: Direction and Music

Akshat Ajay Sharma exhibits strong directorial instincts, knowing what should and shouldn't be in each frame. His collaboration with cinematographers Piyush Puty and Jay Oza results in visually appealing scenes. The use of lighting is prominent, adding depth to the visuals. However, the climax takes a soap opera-like turn, feeling disjointed and less organic, saved partially by Nawazuddin's performance.

Rohan Rohan's music adds a unique touch to the film. It's refreshing and breaks away from stereotypes. While it may take time to grow on the audience, the inclusion of a soulful Rekha Bharadwaj track is a highlight.

Haddi, despite its flaws, holds promise due to the emerging filmmaker's vision and the impressive performances of Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Anurag Kashyap. It's worth a watch if you can overlook its narrative complexities and appreciate its potential.