In the world of cinema, revenge often takes center stage as a powerful theme, and the Punjabi-language film “Cheta Singh” (2023) is no exception. Directed by Ashish Kumar and starring Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Japji Khaira, and Irwin Meet Kaur, this film follows the familiar narrative of a man betrayed by the system who embarks on a brutal quest for vengeance.
The story revolves around Paala (Prince Kanwaljit Singh), a simple and upright family man running a bookstore. He cherishes his loving sister Nimmi and dreams of a future with Preet, a school teacher. However, the village Sarpanch (Mahabir Bhullar) and a gang of thugs conspire to amass wealth through devious means, setting off a chain of events that shatters Paala’s peaceful life.
When Nimmi uncovers unsettling activities at her school, the Sarpanch ruthlessly suppresses her efforts. Paala, left for dead but miraculously revived, transforms into Cheta Singh, a man driven by a thirst for revenge. The arrival of the new police inspector Kirandeep (Japji Khaira) marks a turning point as an investigation into the village’s dark secrets commences.
The film’s narrative has its moments of brilliance but is plagued by pacing issues, especially in the first half, where it attempts to establish the backdrop for the unfolding drama. It’s in the second half that “Cheta Singh” gains momentum with Paala’s transformation into Cheta. While the film doesn’t offer a groundbreaking storyline, it does present a unique twist by portraying a protagonist who evolves from a gentle, religious man into a psychopath. Unfortunately, the film fails to fully explore the depths of this character, instead relying heavily on graphic scenes of violence that often feel gratuitous.
Prince Kanwaljit Singh, also credited with the screenplay and dialogues, delivers a standout performance as the deranged avenger. With a manic glint in his eye and a chillingly calm demeanor, he uses nursery rhymes to create an eerie atmosphere. However, the character’s transformation feels abrupt and exaggerated, occasionally bordering on the absurd. There’s a scene where Singh, seemingly expressing concern for his victim, offers to make tea before callously inflicting harm.
Conclusion
“Cheta Singh” offers a captivating tale of revenge with moments of brilliance, elevated by Prince Kanwaljit Singh’s compelling performance. However, it falls short of fully capitalizing on the potential of its intriguing protagonist, resorting instead to excessive violence for shock value. Despite its flaws, the film remains a noteworthy addition to the genre of revenge dramas.