Kapkapiii: The Bollywood Horror-Comedy That Has Everyone Talking (and Trembling)

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Ever had that shivery, jittery feeling when you’re scared and amused at the same time? That delightful mix of a gasp and a giggle? In Hindi, there’s a perfect word for it: Kapkapiii. It’s that tremor of fear and fun, and now, it’s the title of a Bollywood film that’s trying to capture that very essence. But did it succeed?

Released in May 2025, “Kapkapiii” stormed into the already bustling genre of horror-comedy with a familiar cast and a promising premise. But in a world still buzzing from the success of blockbusters like “Stree” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2,” does this new entrant have what it takes to leave a mark? Or is it just another flicker in the pan? Let’s dive deep into what makes “Kapkapiii” tick, tremble, and, at times, stumble.

What on Earth is “Kapkapiii” About?

At its core, “Kapkapiii” is a horror-comedy that revolves around a group of directionless friends who, in a moment of boredom and mischief, decide to conduct a séance. As you might expect in a film of this genre, their playful attempt to summon a spirit goes horribly right, and they unwittingly invite a paranormal entity into their lives. What follows is a chaotic and often hilarious series of events as they try to deal with the supernatural consequences of their actions.

The film is an official remake of the 2023 Malayalam hit “Romancham,” which was celebrated for its fresh and organic humour. The Hindi adaptation, directed by the late Sangeeth Sivan, aims to bring that same quirky energy to a wider audience, infused with a distinct Bollywood flavour. The challenge, of course, is whether the remake can capture the magic of the original or if it gets lost in translation.

Meet the Ghost-Busting (and Busted) Crew: Cast and Characters

One of the film’s biggest draws is its cast, featuring two actors who are no strangers to comedy:

  • Shreyas Talpade: Known for his impeccable comic timing in films like the “Golmaal” series, Talpade leads the pack as Manu, the de facto leader of the friend group. His performance has been widely noted as one of the film’s high points, bringing a much-needed energy to the proceedings.
  • Tusshar Kapoor: Another veteran of the Bollywood comedy scene, Kapoor’s entry in the second half of the film as Kabir is meant to inject a new wave of chaos. His character’s bizarre trajectory provides some genuinely funny moments, even if his appearance feels a bit late in the game.

The supporting cast, including Siddhi Idnani, Sonia Rathee, Varun Pande, and Dinker Sharma, also puts in a commendable effort to keep the energy high. The chemistry between the group of friends is palpable and often feels like the glue holding the sometimes-messy screenplay together.

A Spoiler-Free Look at the Spooky Shenanigans

Imagine a group of jobless friends, sharing a slightly rundown apartment, with too much time on their hands. That’s the setup for “Kapkapiii.” To spice up their mundane lives, they decide to play with a makeshift Ouija board (a carrom board, no less!). They jokingly “create” a spirit named Anamika, but the game takes a terrifying turn when their fictional ghost starts to interact with them in very real ways.

The initial fun and games quickly descend into a spiral of paranormal activities and hilarious misadventures. The friends try to monetize their newfound connection to the spirit world, leading to a queue of people seeking answers to everything from stolen jewellery to paternal identity crises. As expected, things get out of hand, and the group must find a way to undo the mess they’ve created. The film balances its spooky moments with a steady stream of gags, leaning more into the comedy than the horror.

The Critics vs. The Crowd: How Did “Kapkapiii” Fare?

This is where the story of “Kapkapiii” gets interesting. The film has seen a stark division between critical reviews and audience reception.

The Critics’ Take: Most major critics in 2025 have given “Kapkapiii” a lukewarm reception at best. Publications like Bollywood Hungama and Hindustan Times pointed to a “weak script” and a “convoluted” screenplay. The general consensus among critics is that while the premise had potential, the execution was messy. Many felt that the humour didn’t always land and that the film left too many questions unanswered, culminating in a frustrating and abrupt ending that hints at a sequel. The Hindustan Times went as far as to say that “Kapkapiii” signals a “saturation point for the genre.”

The Audience’s Reaction: On the other hand, a significant portion of the audience seems to have enjoyed the film for what it is: a light-hearted, chaotic entertainer. On social media, fans have praised the film as a “perfect weekend watch” and a “refreshing change.” This positive buzz is reflected in its surprisingly high IMDb rating. Many viewers appreciated the chemistry of the cast and the film’s unpretentious, silly humour. It seems that for those looking for a fun, mindless comedy with a few jump scares, “Kapkapiii” delivered.

The Numbers Game: Box Office Performance in 2025

Despite the enthusiastic response from some audience members, “Kapkapiii” has struggled to make a significant impact at the box office. According to reports from Sacnilk and Koimoi, the film has been one of the lowest-grossing Bollywood films of 2025. With an India net collection hovering around ₹1.5 crore, it has been declared a “box office disaster.”

This disconnect between a high IMDb rating and low box office numbers is a curious case. It could be attributed to a lack of aggressive marketing, the overwhelming competition from other major releases, or perhaps the feeling that the horror-comedy genre has been overdone.

Also read: The Future of Indian Cinema: Trends to Watch in 2026

Bollywood’s Love Affair with Horror-Comedy: A Booming Trend

“Kapkapiii” didn’t emerge in a vacuum. The horror-comedy genre has been a goldmine for Bollywood in recent years. Films like “Stree” (2018), “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2” (2022), and “Bhediya” (2022) have not only been massive commercial successes but have also been critically acclaimed for their clever blend of scares and laughs, often with a social message woven in.

The year 2025 is set to continue this trend with a slew of anticipated horror-comedies like “The Bhootnii” and “Thama.” This boom has raised the bar for new entrants. For a film like “Kapkapiii,” the competition is not just other movies at the box office, but also the high expectations set by its predecessors. While it taps into a popular trend, it also faces the challenge of standing out in a crowded field.

Final Verdict: Is “Kapkapiii” Worth the Watch?

So, should you give “Kapkapiii” a go? The answer really depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re a connoisseur of fine cinema, seeking a tight script and groundbreaking horror, you might want to heed the critics’ warnings. The film has its flaws, with a chaotic screenplay and an unsatisfying conclusion.

However, if you’re in the mood for a fun, frivolous, and genuinely funny film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, you might just find yourself siding with the audience. It’s the kind of movie you’d enjoy with a group of friends on a lazy evening, laughing at the sheer absurdity of it all. Shreyas Talpade’s performance alone is a strong reason to watch.

In the end, “Kapkapiii” may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a film with its heart in the right place. It sets out to make you shiver and giggle, and on that front, it often succeeds. It’s a classic case of a film that’s more than the sum of its critical reviews.

What do you think? Have you watched “Kapkapiii”? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is “Kapkapiii” a remake? Yes, “Kapkapiii” is the official Hindi remake of the 2023 Malayalam blockbuster film “Romancham.”

2. What is the rating of “Kapkapiii”? Critically, the film has received low ratings, with most publications giving it between 1.5 to 3 stars out of 5. However, it has garnered a surprisingly high audience rating on IMDb.

3. Who is the director of “Kapkapiii”? The film is directed by the late Sangeeth Sivan, known for his work on comedy films like “Kyaa Kool Hain Hum.” “Kapkapiii” is his final directorial venture.

4. Was “Kapkapiii” a box office hit or flop? As of June 2025, “Kapkapiii” has been declared a box office flop, with very low collections despite its popular genre and cast.

5. What is the main cast of “Kapkapiii”? The film stars Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Siddhi Idnani, and Sonia Rathee in lead roles.

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