Movie: Rahu Ketu
Starring: Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma, Shalini Pandey, Piyush Mishra, Chunky Pandey, Amit Sial, Manu Rishi Chadha, Sumit Gulati
Director: Vipul Vig
Producers: Umesh Kumar Bansal, Suraj Singh, Varsha Kukreja, Pragati Deshmukh
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Yogesh Mishra
At a time when Hindi cinema often leans towards excessive noise and spectacle, Rahu Ketu feels like a welcome pause. Built around the proven camaraderie of Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma, the film banks on situational humour, easy friendship and a mild mythological layer, shaping a viewing experience that remains light, amusing and largely satisfying.
Story:
Set in a modest Himachal Pradesh town, the film introduces Churu Lal Sharma (Manu Rishi Chadha), a writer battling professional stagnation and personal frustration. His predictable routine is disrupted when he encounters the eccentric Phuphaji (Piyush Mishra), a mysterious figure who owns a peculiar book capable of turning imagination into reality. The book gives rise to Rahu and Ketu, two odd yet instantly endearing characters whose presence inevitably leads to disorder. Considered unlucky by the townspeople, the duo remain oblivious to the confusion they cause. Alongside this narrative runs the story of Meenu (Shalini Pandey), whose concealed link with the erratic local gangster Mordekhai (Chunky Pandey) injects both conflict and comedy into the unfolding chaos.
Performances:
The film’s backbone is the seamless rapport between Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma. Varun Sharma leans into his strength with expressive comic timing as Rahu, while Pulkit Samrat balances the energy with a calmer, reactive approach as Ketu. Their interactions give the film its most memorable moments.
Shalini Pandey brings sincerity and composure to Meenu, providing emotional steadiness amid the madness. Piyush Mishra is particularly effective as Phuphaji, blending eccentricity with subtle wit. Supporting turns by Chunky Pandey, Amit Sial, Manu Rishi Chadha and Sumit Gulati enhance the narrative texture and maintain narrative momentum.
Direction:
Writer-director Vipul Vig manages the ensemble cast and tonal shifts with assurance. Comedy arises naturally from situations rather than forced gags, lending the film a fluid and spontaneous rhythm. While certain stretches feel slightly prolonged, the engaging character dynamics prevent the film from losing its grip.
The Himachal landscape is captured with restraint, allowing the setting to breathe and support the story organically. The background score and music remain lively yet controlled, reinforcing the film’s playful mood without becoming overpowering.
Final Verdict:
Rahu Ketu succeeds as a breezy entertainer anchored by strong performances, character-driven humour and a soft mythological touch. Though a tighter edit might have elevated the overall impact, the film delivers on its promise of uncomplicated, good-natured fun. Carried by the Pulkit–Varun pairing and a confident narrative approach, Rahu Ketu emerges as a pleasant theatrical outing.
