Detective Sherdil Review: Diljit Dosanjh Shines in a Dull Mystery

Detective Sherdil introduces us to Diljit Dosanjh in the titular role, a quirky and overly confident small-town detective who dreams of becoming the next Sherlock Holmes. Set against the colorful backdrop of rural India, the plot kicks off with a murder that shakes a seemingly sleepy village. Sherdil jumps at the opportunity to prove himself, but soon finds the case to be more twisted than he expected.

Platform: ZEE5
Starring: Diljit Dosanjh, Avantika Dassani, Ravi Kishan
Director: Ravi Adhikari
Genre: Mystery/Comedy
Language: Hindi
Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Performances

Diljit Dosanjh:

Dosanjh is undoubtedly the soul of the film. With his natural comic timing, disarming charm, and expressive eyes, he keeps viewers invested even when the plot falters. His ability to deliver humor with subtlety while maintaining a sense of innocence is refreshing. Unfortunately, even his engaging presence can’t carry the entire film.

Supporting Cast:

Avantika Dassani plays her part with earnestness, but lacks the screen presence needed for a memorable role. Ravi Kishan is reliable as always, adding some much-needed gravitas, but the screenplay gives him very little to work with.

Plot and Writing

The film aims to be a lighthearted murder mystery, but struggles to find its footing. The storyline is wafer-thin, and the mystery unfolds with little intrigue or urgency. Predictable turns, one-dimensional suspects, and an underwhelming climax make the entire affair feel disappointingly shallow.

Attempts at humor are frequent but inconsistent. There are moments that earn chuckles, but many jokes fall flat due to their repetitive nature and weak writing.

Direction and Cinematography

Ravi Adhikari’s direction lacks finesse. The tone of the film oscillates awkwardly between comedy and crime drama without a strong sense of rhythm. While the rural setting is visually pleasing at times, thanks to bright cinematography, the film fails to use its backdrop meaningfully to enhance the tension or mood.

Music and Background Score

The soundtrack is forgettable. The background score tries to mimic the playfulness of classic detective comedies but ends up feeling generic. Music sequences, while peppy, interrupt the flow and seem forcefully inserted.

Verdict

Detective Sherdil had the potential to be a fun, desi take on the detective genre — especially with a star like Diljit Dosanjh at its helm. However, the film’s lazy writing, weak plot mechanics, and flat humor reduce it to a forgettable affair. Diljit Dosanjh fans might find some joy in his antics, but mystery lovers are likely to be disappointed.