Lord Curzon Ki Haveli: A Promising Concept Drowned in a Sea of Script Woes

Anshuman Jha’s directorial debut, "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli," arrives with a promising whisper of dark comedy and a stellar ensemble cast. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of London, the film attempts to weave a convoluted web of secrets, lies, and domestic discord during an ill-fated anniversary dinner.

On paper, the premise is undeniably intriguing: two couples, a missing mother, and a night destined for disaster. Yet, despite its unique DNA, the film struggles to transcend its foundational flaws, ultimately becoming a cautionary tale of squandered potential.

The narrative centers around Dev (Anshuman Jha) and Maya (Rasika Dugal), a couple hosting an anniversary celebration for their friends, Madhav (Arjun Mathur) and Sonia (Tannishtha Chatterjee).

The celebratory air, however, is immediately tainted by a pervasive tension, fueled by the mysterious disappearance of Dev's mother. As the evening unfolds, punctuated by unexpected arrivals and increasingly bizarre revelations, the film attempts to plunge into the murky waters of human relationships, exposing the hidden darkness beneath seemingly mundane lives.

It aims for a quirky, uncomfortable brand of humor, hoping to dissect the absurdities of domestic life and the lengths to which people will go to maintain appearances or achieve their desires.

The strongest pillar of "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" is undoubtedly its cast. Rasika Dugal, a connoisseur of nuanced performances, embodies Maya with a quiet intensity, hinting at deeper currents beneath her composed exterior.

Arjun Mathur delivers a compelling portrayal of Madhav, oscillating between charm and veiled menace. Tannishthta Chatterjee, too, brings a palpable energy to Sonia, navigating her character’s complexities with conviction. Anshuman Jha, both behind and in front of the camera, holds his own amidst this talented ensemble.

These actors, armed with their formidable skills, strive valiantly to breathe life into their characters, often succeeding despite the material they are given.

However, the film’s unique storyline and strong performances are, regrettably, overshadowed by its most glaring weakness: an underdeveloped and often clumsy screenplay.

The writing feels disjointed, with dialogues frequently circling back on themselves, creating a sense of repetition rather than dramatic tension. What begins as an interesting setup quickly devolves into a series of predictable twists, signaling their arrival long before they land. The attempt at dark comedy often falls flat, mistaking awkwardness for humor and cynicism for wit.

The emotional beats, intended to resonate, are often undermined by a superficial exploration of character motivations and relationships.

The pacing is another significant issue; "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" often drags, particularly in its middle sections, testing the audience’s patience. Scenes linger past their welcome, and the narrative momentum frequently stalls.

This is further exacerbated by an editing style that, as noted by critics, feels amateurish, failing to tighten the sequences or enhance the film's intended rhythm. The dialogue, sometimes switching between Hindi and English, occasionally feels clunky, with translations that detract from natural conversation rather than enrich it.

Ultimately, "Lord Curzon Ki Haveli" leaves one with a sense of profound disappointment.

It's a film that had all the ingredients for a compelling, unconventional thriller: a fresh premise, a talented director, and a stellar cast. Yet, it falters at the most crucial stage – the writing. The unique voice it attempts to cultivate is stifled by a script that lacks the precision, depth, and wit required for its ambitious genre.

While the performances offer glimpses of what could have been, they are ultimately unable to rescue a film marred by its own structural deficiencies. It serves as a stark reminder that even the most innovative ideas require a robust, well-crafted screenplay to truly shine on screen.