
Haddi
- Director
- Akshat Ajay Sharma
- Studio
- Zee Studios
- Release Date
- 6 September 2023
- Running Time
- 134 min
- Language
- Hindi
- Country
- India
Review
Nawazuddin Siddiqui delivers a remarkably committed performance in *Haddi*, with critics unanimously acknowledging his meticulous approach to the role. His command over body language, dialect, and the nuanced portrayal of his character demonstrates the kind of transformation that elevates even ambitious but uneven cinema. The film itself attempts to break new ground by centering a revenge narrative around transgender representation and pushing for broader inclusivity—themes that deserve to be explored in mainstream Hindi cinema with this kind of unapologetic directness.
However, the execution falters in its ambition. The film struggles with tonal consistency, layering noir aesthetics, revenge drama, and social commentary in ways that feel scattered rather than cohesive. Multiple stylistic approaches vie for dominance throughout, creating a viewing experience that's often at odds with itself. While the film's heart lies in the right place and its central performance anchors the narrative effectively, the overall craftsmanship doesn't quite match the earnestness of its intent.
*Haddi* is a film that swings for the fences with its themes and lead performance, deserving credit for its boldness even as the filmmaking itself stumbles. It's worth watching primarily for Siddiqui's work, though viewers should temper expectations about the film's structural coherence. Rating: 6/10