Film: Rahu Ketu
Cast: Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma, Shalini Pandey, Piyush Mishra, Chunky Pandey, Amit Sial, Manu Rishi Chadha, Sumit Gulati
Director: Vipul Vig
Producers: Umesh Kumar Bansal, Suraj Singh, Varsha Kukreja, Pragati Deshmukh
Duration: 2 hours 17 minutes
Certification: UA
Release Date: 16 January 2026
Rating:
When it comes to sheer comic chemistry, Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma once again prove why they remain one of Bollywood’s most loved comedy pairings. In Rahu Ketu, the duo delivers consistently hilarious, rhythm-perfect performances, feeding off each other’s timing, expressions and spontaneity. Their effortless banter, physical comedy and emotional ease form the beating heart of the film, making it an engaging watch even when the narrative momentarily wanders. This is classic Bollywood buddy comedy—energised, playful and thoroughly entertaining.
Rahu Ketu chooses a lighter, smarter route. Rooted in humour, friendship and a mischievous mythological twist, the film offers a feel-good experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet knows exactly what it wants to be.
Story
Set in a small town in Himachal Pradesh, the story opens with struggling writer Churu Lal Sharma (Manu Rishi Chadha), creatively blocked and desperate for a breakthrough. The plot takes an intriguing turn with the arrival of the enigmatic Phuphaji (Piyush Mishra), who possesses a magical book—one that can turn written words into reality.
From this book emerge Rahu and Ketu, two odd yet oddly lovable characters whose presence seems to bring chaos wherever they go. Declared unlucky by the townspeople, the duo themselves remain clueless about the cosmic reason behind their misfortune. Running alongside is Meenu’s (Shalini Pandey) story—secretly entangled with a dangerous local criminal, Mordekhai (Chunky Pandey)—adding both tension and comic friction to the narrative.
The film smartly balances fantasy with grounded humour, allowing the magic to enhance the storytelling without overwhelming it.
Performances
The film belongs squarely to Varun Sharma and Pulkit Samrat. Varun’s Rahu is loud, expressive and irresistibly funny, while Pulkit’s Ketu brings restraint, timing and situational humour to the table. Together, they elevate even the simplest scenes into laugh-worthy moments.
Shalini Pandey impresses with a confident, sharp-edged performance, bringing emotional stability amid the madness. Piyush Mishra lends gravitas and intrigue to Phuphaji, grounding the film’s fantastical elements. Chunky Pandey clearly enjoys his role, while Amit Sial, Manu Rishi Chadha and Sumit Gulati add depth and flavour to the ensemble.
Direction
The film’s humour flows largely from situations rather than forced punchlines, keeping the narrative unpredictable and fresh. The pacing is mostly tight, though the runtime could have benefited from a slightly crisper edit. Visually, Himachal Pradesh is captured in an earthy, lived-in manner, becoming part of the story rather than a postcard backdrop.
The music remains upbeat and well-placed, enhancing the mood without interrupting the film’s flow.
Final Verdict
Rahu Ketu is a classic Bollywood entertainer with a modern sensibility—powered by crackling chemistry, playful mythology and strong ensemble performances. While not without minor flaws, the film delivers where it matters most: laughs, warmth and entertainment. Thanks to the Pulkit–Varun pairing firing on all cylinders, Rahu Ketu emerges as a pleasant surprise and a solid theatrical watch.