Name: Ludo
Genre: Crime, Comedy
Released: 2020-11-12T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Bachchan, Inayat Verma, Rajkummar Rao, Fatima Sana Shaikh

The opening shot of Anurag Basu’s Ludo (2020) lingers on a dice roll, a deceptively simple moment that sets the tone for this chaotic, interconnected crime comedy. With a sprawling ensemble cast including Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ludo weaves together four disparate narratives through fate, chance, and one eccentric criminal.

Basu’s film excels in its first act introductions, each character’s story unfolding with a distinct rhythm and tone that keeps the audience engaged. The intertwining of these narratives is where Ludo truly shines. The butterfly effect is more than just a thematic device; it’s a structural choice that pays off in scenes where seemingly unrelated events collide in unexpected ways. For instance, the moment Rahul “Sattu” (Pankaj Tripathi) crosses paths with Batukeshwar Tiwari “Bittu” (Abhishek Bachchan) is executed with a frenetic energy that underscores the film’s chaotic charm.

The performances are a highlight, particularly Pankaj Tripathi, who brings a magnetic intensity to his role as Sattu. His physicality and verbal sparring add layers of depth to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional. Abhishek Bachchan also delivers a standout performance, embodying the eccentricities of Bittu with a mix of humor and menace.

However, Ludo stumbles in its pacing and execution. The film’s ambition to connect multiple storylines leads to moments of narrative overload, where the transitions between plots feel rushed or underdeveloped. The rogue suitcase of money, a central MacGuffin, loses some of its intrigue due to these hasty cuts.

The film’s title is a nod to the board game Ludo, but this thematic connection feels thinly stretched. While the game’s elements of chance and strategy are referenced, the metaphor isn’t fully explored or integrated into the narrative in a meaningful way. This missed opportunity leaves the film’s central premise feeling more like a gimmick than a genuine exploration of interconnected lives.

Visually, Ludo is a treat. Basu’s use of vibrant colors and dynamic camera work adds a layer of visual flair that enhances the film’s chaotic energy. However, the sound design sometimes falters, with moments of crucial dialogue being drowned out by the bustling soundtrack.

In the end, Ludo is a film that aims high but doesn’t always hit its mark.