Umesh Shukla's Ek Chatur Naar, which translates to "A Clever Lady," has arrived in theaters on September 12, 2025, promising a darkly comic thriller that reinvents the crime genre with suspense and wit. The film stars Divya Khosla Kumar and Neil Nitin Mukesh in leading roles.
The film tells the story of a seemingly charming woman who uses her sharp wit to navigate a small-town landscape. She is ambitious and cunning, effortlessly outsmarting those around her. When a lucrative opportunity presents itself, she dives in headfirst, only to find herself entangled in unpredictable twists and darkly comedic turns that test her cunning at every step.
Divya Khosla Kumar plays Mamata, a feisty woman from a Lucknow slum who finds herself in a high-stakes game of wits after a chance encounter with a powerful businessman, Abhishek Verma, played by Neil Nitin Mukesh. When Mamata gets her hands on Abhishek's smartphone, she is thrown into a world of lies, deception, and blackmail.
Critics highlight the performances of the lead actors. Divya Khosla Kumar is said to have given a varied performance, showcasing both light comedy and emotional intensity. Her portrayal of a strong-willed and independent woman is described as realistic and interesting. Neil Nitin Mukesh is also recognized for his convincing performance as Abhishek Verma. Together, their chemistry is said to provide the film's most compelling moments.
The supporting cast includes Chhaya Kadam, Sushant Singh, Rajneesh Duggal, Zakir Hussain, Rahul Mittra, and Yashpal Sharma.
Umesh Shukla, known for films like Oh My God!, directs Ek Chatur Naar, blending suspense, satire, and masala entertainment. The film distinguishes itself by exploring the morally gray areas of its characters, avoiding the typical hero-villain dynamic. The combination of suspense and dark humor keeps the audience engaged as the plot unfolds. While some found the humor overstayed its welcome at times.
Reviewers have noted the film's extensive outdoor locations, including traffic signals, overbridges, and busy roads, which contribute to a looming sense of dread and propel the plot. The film is praised for its originality and its ability to balance suspense with comedy. The screenplay involves devious masterminds Jay Master, Umesh Shukla, Deepak Nirman, and Siddharth Goel.
Amar Mohile's background score elevates the suspense and drama, while the songs by Vayu and Sharan Rawat add a light pace to the film. Ek Chatur Naar is described as a complete entertainment package that makes you laugh, surprises you, and ultimately makes you think.
While some critics felt that the second half of the film becomes problematic, with the heroine's character crossing boundaries of plausibility, others praise Divya Khosla for making Mamata believable, even when the screenplay falters.
