Murder Mubarak has tempted me to read Anuja Chauhan's book Club You To Death. I enjoyed this film from director Homi Adajania. All the fancy characters of the Delhi Royal Club put up an engaging show. And that disappointment Sara Ali Khan gave me in Ae Watan Mere Watan is compensated in Murder Mubarak. The Todi girl Bambi was hot and wily. I liked her sophisticated exteriors which give zero clue on what lies beneath. DRC’s high-profile regulars and some pricey secrets of their lives give an edge to the plot. I meant its ensemble cast and their mindful involvement engage us. Everybody seems to enjoy their part in this sinister drama. The unexpected death of their smart and hot Gym instructor opens doors to many dark stories. ACP Bhavani Singh's (Pankaj Tripathi) dramatic entry is an interesting shift. The man with a sharp nose for reading humans relishes his deceptive show. Whether Royal or lowly, Bhavani has his own style of treatment. He frees people from the heaviness of a crime and pushes them to their limits. That breaking point is his target. As I watch him more and more, I feel Pankaj Tripathi is turning into a typecast. Since Mirzapur, I am his fan. It’s time for him to choose roles wisely. Even superstars struggle with mediocrity. Change is the only constant.

Murder Mubark lists everybody in and around as a suspect. In a limited screen space, watch Cookie Katoch (Dimple Kapadia). Exotic! What a beautiful actor! The second-coming mood of Karisma Kapoor as Noorani caught my eye. This drama queen slot suited her well. Sanjay Kapoor is really improving. I didn’t feel the slithering Guppi Ram (Brijendra Kala) and Kashi Dogra (Vijay Varma), were fully on in their respective zones. Some mismatch. Tisca Chopra was a bit extravagant.

Murder Mubarak is not a Whodunnit horror but an entertainer. Live characters deliciously exaggerate the drama. Well-edited pace. Cool watch.

Make it your Sunday matinee.