The story of Cuttputlli and its descent into darkness
When a quiet town gets plunged into the nightmare of serial killings, rookie cop Arjan doesn't have the experience or the connections to lead the investigation — but he's got the hunger. Cuttputlli follows his obsessive chase for the truth as bodies pile up and the conspiracy deepens, revealing layers of corruption and madness that go far beyond what anyone in the department expected. The film trades procedural logic for psychological tension, asking what it costs when an ordinary cop refuses to let the case go. No spoilers here, but the final act pivots in ways that reframe everything you've watched up to that point.
Behind the making of Cuttputlli and its Tamil roots
Cuttputlli is a Hindi remake of the 2018 Tamil film Ratsasan, written and directed by Ram Kumar, adapted here by director Ranjit M. Tewari for a broader Indian audience. Produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, and Deepshikha Deshmukh under Pooja Entertainment, the film brought Akshay Kumar into the lead role—a calculated choice to anchor a crime thriller that demanded star power and credibility. The 134-minute runtime gives the narrative room to breathe, though that length also means the pacing occasionally stutters. At the box office, the film had a modest run, but it found its true home on streaming platforms where audiences could engage with it on their own schedule. The film earned 2 wins and 2 nominations at various award ceremonies, a respectable showing for a remake that was always going to live in the shadow of its source material. Rakul Preet Singh carries the emotional weight opposite Kumar, while Chandrachur Singh, Sargun Mehta, and Gurpreet Ghuggi round out a cast that understands the genre's demands—these aren't actors phoning it in, they're professionals who commit to the procedural atmosphere Tewari builds.
What makes Cuttputlli stand out as a crime thriller
Here's what's striking about Cuttputlli: it doesn't rely on jump scares or gore to disturb you. Instead, it's the slow realization that the killer isn't some distant monster—he's embedded in the town's fabric, known to people, trusted even. What I keep coming back to is how the film uses Kumar's desperation as its emotional core; his cop isn't a genius detective solving crimes through deduction, he's a man grinding against institutional apathy, fighting his own department as much as he's hunting the killer. The performances don't oversell the material—there's a restraint here that works in the film's favor, especially in scenes where Kumar's Arjan sits alone in a room, staring at case files, realizing he's missing something crucial. It's not flashy cinema, and the IMDb rating of 5.7 out of 10 from over 22,000 votes reflects that this isn't a crowd-pleaser. But if you're the kind of viewer who appreciates slow-burn psychological crime stories—the kind that don't need a twist every fifteen minutes—there's something worth discovering. The cinematography leans into the town's oppressive atmosphere, all grey skies and fluorescent interrogation rooms, and that visual language does more heavy lifting than you'd expect from what could've been a straightforward remake.
Where to stream Cuttputlli online
Cuttputlli is currently available on Disney+ Hotstar, where it's easy to access if you're already subscribed to the platform. Since streaming rights shift constantly, Movie OTT tracks where this title and thousands of others are currently streaming across India's major platforms—it's worth checking the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page to confirm availability in your region. If you're a Disney+ Hotstar subscriber, you won't need to rent or purchase; it's included with your membership, which makes it a low-friction option for testing whether this kind of crime thriller appeals to you.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Cuttputlli based on a true story?
No, it's a fictional crime thriller, though it was adapted from the 2018 Tamil film Ratsasan. The story is an original creation by Ram Kumar, reimagined for Hindi-language audiences.
Q: Who directed Cuttputlli?
Ranjit M. Tewari directed the film, bringing his vision to what is essentially a remake of an existing Tamil property.
Q: What's the runtime of Cuttputlli?
The film runs 134 minutes, giving the narrative substantial time to develop its mystery and character arcs without feeling rushed.
Q: Is Cuttputlli a remake?
Yes—it's a Hindi remake of the 2018 Tamil film Ratsasan. Remakes across language industries are common in Indian cinema, and this one adapts the original story for a Hindi-speaking audience.
Q: Where can I watch Cuttputlli?
Cuttputlli streams on Disney+ Hotstar. For the most current list of platforms where it's available in your region, check Movie OTT's streaming availability tracker.
Final thoughts on Cuttputlli
Cuttputlli won't blow your mind—that 5.7 rating exists for a reason. But it's a competent, atmospheric crime thriller that respects its audience enough not to spell everything out. Akshay Kumar's performance anchors the film in a place of genuine frustration and obsession, and if you're in the mood for a psychological mystery that unfolds methodically rather than explosively, it's worth your time. Stream it on Disney+ Hotstar when you've got two hours and want something that won't demand constant attention but will reward your focus.
