When a film promises a thrilling whodunit you expect suspense, clever twists and a detective who keeps you guessing. Detective Sherdil sets out to deliver just that—but somewhere along the way the mystery loses its grip. Despite a lively lead and an intriguing setup the film struggles to hold attention and fizzles out before the final reveal.
An Intriguing Setup
The story kicks off in Budapest where billionaire Pankaj Bhatti (Boman Irani) is murdered under mysterious circumstances. His will stirs up even more drama—most of his wealth goes to his daughter’s boyfriend and even his dog while his family is left nearly empty-handed. Naturally everyone becomes a suspect.
Enter Detective Sherdil (Diljit Dosanjh) a flamboyant sleuth with a harmonica and a flair for theatrics. He’s brought in to crack the case and his arrival promises a fun ride. The film blends elements of Knives Out classic Indian detective shows and a dash of Bollywood flair. On paper it sounds like a winner.
What Works
Diljit Dosanjh brings energy and charm to the role. His quirky style and comic timing offer some light-hearted moments even when the plot stumbles. Banita Sandhu playing Bhatti’s daughter delivers a quiet yet impactful performance. Her character who is hearing and speech impaired communicates with grace and emotion.
The Budapest setting adds a fresh visual appeal. The grand mansion stylish costumes and sleek cinematography give the film a polished look even if the location isn’t fully utilized.
The supporting characters feel underdeveloped. Despite a talented cast—including Ratna Pathak Shah Chunky Pandey and Diana Penty—their roles don’t leave a lasting impression. Diana’s character who doubles as Sherdil’s assistant and love interest feels more like a side note than a meaningful part of the story.
The film also struggles with tone. It swings between comedy and drama without finding a steady rhythm. One moment it’s trying to be emotional the next it’s cracking jokes. This inconsistency makes it hard to stay engaged.
Missed Potential
There are glimpses of creativity—a detective who makes social media reels at crime scenes, a will that sparks chaos and a family full of secrets. But instead of diving deeper the film rushes through these ideas. The climax which should be the highlight feels flat and predictable.
Final Verdict
Detective Sherdil had all the right ingredients: a mysterious murder a colorful detective and a house full of suspects. But the execution falls short. The film tries to be clever and entertaining yet ends up feeling uneven and forgettable.
If you’re a fan of Diljit Dosanjh, his performance might be reason enough to watch. He brings life to an otherwise lukewarm script. But if you’re hoping for a gripping mystery that keeps you on edge this one might leave you wanting more.
In the end Detective Sherdil is like a puzzle that’s too easy to solve—fun for a moment but not something you’ll remember for long.
