"Detective Sherdil," directed by Ravi Chhabriya, is a Hindi-language mystery comedy film released on ZEE5 on June 20, 2025. The film features Diljit Dosanjh as the titular character, a witty and unconventional detective investigating the murder of Pankaj Bhatti, a wealthy Indian-origin telecom tycoon in Budapest. The cast includes Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak Shah, Banita Sandhu, Chunky Panday, and Diana Penty.
The film begins with the murder of Pankaj Bhatti, which initially appears to be a hate crime. However, Detective Sherdil, along with Natasha (Diana Penty), uncovers a complex conspiracy involving family secrets, betrayals, and financial motives. Sherdil encounters a host of eccentric suspects, including Bodhi Mama (Chunky Panday), Shanti Bhatti (Banita Sandhu), and various members of the Bhatti family.
Several reviews praise the performances of Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Banita Sandhu. Banita Sandhu shared that Ratna Pathak Shah inspired her on set. She was impressed by Shah's intense focus and Irani's improvisational style, encouraging spontaneity. She also added how Boman Irani's compassionate nature made her performance more heartfelt.
Diljit Dosanjh's portrayal of Detective Sherdil is described as charming and quirky. He describes himself in the film as "Sherlock for the white folks, Byomkesh for the desi people, and Karamchand for my parents," embracing his desi style of solving a high-profile murder case. Diana Penty plays Natasha, a sharp and poised investigator who assists Sherdil.
While some reviews commend the storyline and Dosanjh's performance, others criticize the film's humor and script. One review notes that the film tries to be a comedy show where people are solving a crime like it's a family reunion, and the script should have spent more time in the making. Another review mentions that the film suffers from self-indulgence and doesn't dig deep enough, and that the protagonist prefers his harmonica to real deductive reasoning.
Despite mixed reviews, "Detective Sherdil" presents a stylish and gripping murder mystery set in Budapest, with a talented cast and unexpected twists. The film explores themes of family dynamics, inheritance, and deception, offering viewers a blend of comedy, mystery, and detective work.