At one point in Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery, streaming on Netflix in the UAE, a world-weary police official says, "We are supposed to follow the Indian Penal Code but in reality we are following the Indian Political Code".

The wry observation is a reaction to the latest case cops in Moba district, presumably in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, have been saddled with – find a thief who has stolen two ‘Uncle Hong’ jackfruits from the house of a local politician, Munnalal Pateria (Vijay Raaz). The group consists of a sprightly young inspector Mahima Basor (Sanya Malhotra), a sincere albeit clumsy constable Saurabh (Anant Joshi), and two other constables Kunti (Neha Saraf) and Mishraji (Govind Pandey). Mahima and Saurabh are in love but have to contend with two bitter truths: One, she belongs to a lower caste and the other, she is his boss. In this wild goose chase for the missing jackfruit, Mahima and her team stumble over a far more serious issue of kidnapped young girls in the district.

If all this sounds familiar, it’s because Indian OTT viewers traversed a similar territory in the recent web series Dahaad starring Sonakshi Sinha. There are other common threads. The spectre of caste looms large in both, Dahaad and Kathal, they are set in the arid regions of Northern India, and the female leads’ experiences are tinged by patriarchy and opportunistic politics.

However, that’s where the similarities end. While Dahaad had a brooding, melancholic feel to its proceedings, Kathal is a social satire which makes a political statement. Mahima doesn’t wear the weight of her caste or gender too heavily and overcomes obstacles – from society’s snarky remarks to unwanted advances by oily men – with her wit and spunk. There is a lightness of touch in the social evils portrayed so the viewer does not get too perturbed by the ugly reality the plot actually underlines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, although one wishes the satire had been more biting. Director Yashowardhan Mishra has plucked episodes from news headlines and while it works in some instances – like the case of the enthusiastic TV reporter, Anuj (Rajpal Yadav) who is arrested for allegedly defaming the nation with his story on missing girls – in others, it doesn’t make quite an impact. Sometimes, the film’s progressive ideas are too in your face while the climax featuring a vegetable fight between the good guys and the bad ones fail to raise a chuckle.

To its credit, the humour is largely on point and it helps that Mishra has chosen an excellent cast to push the message. Put actors like Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Brijendra Kala and Raghubir Yadav together and they can elevate even the most mundane scene. However, while each of these veterans light up the screen in their scenes, they have been under-utilised to a certain extent and none of their character arcs really stand out. Among the supporting cast, Neha Saraf as the constable who has to balance between home and work is brilliant while Anant Joshi as Mahima’s meek boyfriend who wants to rise above social discrimination is also good.

The one actor who shines is Sanya Malhotra, who, with her fabulous screen presence and confidence, makes Mahima Basor believable and adorable. She can be funny and serious, sharp and coy, making you root for her. If only the screenplay had been a bit sharper and punchier, Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery could have been a juicier fruit to bite into.

Director: Yashowardhan Mishra

Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Anant Joshi, Vijay Raaz

Stars: 3/5

A well-known Pakistani music television series “Coke Studio Pakistan” began to air on 14th April 2024 with the first song called “Aayi Aayi” featuring local artists from Sindh, Pakistan. The journey for this season is mostly focused on the cultural aspects of Pakistan.

The audience enjoyed the songs in various cultural languages of Pakistan like Sindhi, Pashto, Punjabi, and Balochi, and with the beautiful additional flavors of Urdu and English. Coke Studio has released the song “Piya Piya Calling”, which can be a major milestone in making Coke Studio Pakistan an international brand. This song featured Kaifi Khalil with the Norwegian artist Amanda Delara and Karpe The band.

This song had so many flavors of different languages from all over the world. Amanda and Karpe sang in Norwegian, Gujarati, and Arabic with some lines in Urdu too, while Kaifi showed his class with Urdu and Balochi contrast. The audience had a mixed response after listening to the song as it has so many aspects to be looked at. The genre of this song is majorly pop with some catchy beats and hookups. The video quality has been consistent this season as every song’s official video contains lovely sets and story elements with a great touch of CGI animations.

According to Coke Studio’s official announcement, this season will have 11 songs. Therefore, with its 11th song, this week will mark the end of this amazing season. The audience is desperate to discover what will be the next and final surprise from Coke Studio. You’ll find this out together with Real Time Brief.

Halloween is a fun and exciting time for families, filled with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations. However, with all the festivities, it’s essential to prioritize safety so everyone can enjoy the night worry-free. From costume choices to staying safe in the dark, a few mindful steps can help families have a safe and memorable Halloween. Here are the top safety tips for families to consider this Halloween season.

1. Choose Safe and Visible Costumes

Costumes are one of the most exciting parts of Halloween, but it’s essential to pick ones that are safe and visible, especially if you’re trick-or-treating after dark.

• Visibility: Make sure your child’s costume includes reflective elements or has bright colors that can be easily seen by drivers. If the costume is dark, add reflective tape or patches.
• Fit: Costumes should fit comfortably without dragging on the ground to avoid tripping. If your child’s costume includes a cape, make sure it’s short and securely attached.
• Accessories: Opt for soft, flexible costume props like swords or wands to reduce the risk of injury. Avoid sharp or rigid accessories that could hurt someone if your child falls.

2. Test Face Paint and Masks for Safety

Halloween makeup and masks are popular costume choices, but they come with specific safety considerations.

• Face Paint: Use non-toxic, hypoallergenic face paint or makeup specifically designed for children. It’s a good idea to test a small area on your child’s skin a few days before Halloween to check for any allergic reactions.
• Masks: If your child is wearing a mask, ensure it fits well and has large enough eye holes for them to see clearly. A mask that’s too tight can be uncomfortable, while one that obstructs vision could increase the risk of tripping or bumping into things.

3. Set Rules for Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating is a highlight of Halloween for many kids, and setting rules can help make it a safe experience for everyone.

• Stay in a Group: Kids should go trick-or-treating with an adult or in a group with a responsible older child. It’s safer and more fun to enjoy the night with friends or family.
• Stay on the Sidewalk: Remind children to stick to sidewalks or designated paths instead of walking on the road. If there are no sidewalks, make sure they walk facing traffic and keep to the side of the road.
• Cross Carefully: Always cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections, and make sure to look both ways before crossing. Teach kids to avoid running across the street between parked cars.

4. Make Your Home Safe for Trick-or-Treaters

If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters, taking a few steps to make your home safe can ensure everyone has a great time.

• Clear Walkways: Remove any objects or decorations from your walkway that could cause someone to trip. Items like hoses, garden tools, or loose gravel should be moved out of the way.
• Light Up Your Home: A well-lit entrance helps trick-or-treaters see where they’re going and reduces the risk of falls. Use porch lights, pathway lights, or even some jack-o'-lanterns to illuminate your entryway.
• Pet Safety: If you have pets, it’s best to keep them inside and away from the door. Even friendly pets can become nervous or excited with the constant flow of visitors.

5. Carry Flashlights or Glow Sticks

Since Halloween often involves activities in low-light environments, flashlights and glow sticks are essential for keeping everyone visible and safe.

• Handheld Flashlights: Kids should carry a small flashlight to help them see where they’re walking. It can also help them spot any tripping hazards, like uneven sidewalks or steps.
• Glow Sticks or Bracelets: Glow sticks and bracelets are fun and easy ways to increase visibility without needing to hold onto a light source. You can attach glow sticks to kids’ costumes or have them wear reflective bracelets for added safety.

6. Inspect Candy Before Eating

Candy is one of the best parts of Halloween for kids, but it’s essential to inspect it before letting children dig in.

• Check Wrappers: Examine candy wrappers for signs of tampering, like torn or unsealed packages. Avoid letting kids eat homemade treats from strangers unless you know and trust the person who made them.
• Age-Appropriate Treats: Remove any small, hard candies or choking hazards from younger children’s bags. Stick to treats that are safe for their age, especially if they’re under five.
• Allergen Awareness: If your child has allergies, be mindful of the ingredients in their candy. Many Halloween treats contain common allergens like nuts or dairy, so it’s helpful to sort through the candy and remove any unsafe options.

7. Be Extra Cautious with Fire Hazards

Halloween decorations often involve candles, jack-o'-lanterns, and other fire elements that can be risky, especially with kids around.

• LED Lights Over Open Flames: Opt for battery-operated LED lights in pumpkins instead of candles. LED lights give off a similar glow without the risk of fire.
• Avoid Long Costumes Near Flames: If your child’s costume includes a long cape or tail, make sure they keep a safe distance from any open flames. This is especially important if you’re attending events with fire pits or candles.
• Keep Lit Decorations in Safe Places: Place jack-o'-lanterns with candles away from walkways or areas where children’s costumes could accidentally catch fire.

8. Use Social Media Safely

Sharing Halloween memories on social media can be fun, but it’s essential to keep safety in mind when posting pictures online.

• Avoid Posting Real-Time Locations: Wait until after the event to post photos if you’re concerned about privacy or security. Sharing your location in real-time can potentially put your family at risk.
• Protect Kids’ Privacy: Make sure to avoid posting personal information or identifiable details in photos, like your child’s school logo on a costume or visible addresses.
• Set Privacy Controls: If you’re sharing on social media, use privacy settings to control who can see your posts. Limiting access to friends and family can help keep your Halloween celebrations private.

9. Talk About Stranger Safety

Even if your child is with an adult, it’s essential to remind them about stranger safety on Halloween night.

• Only Approach Well-Lit Houses: Teach kids only to go to homes that have their lights on, as this is a general sign that the residents are welcoming trick-or-treaters.
• No Entering Houses: Remind children never to enter someone’s home for candy, even if they are invited inside. They should always stay on the porch or at the door.
• Keep Devices Handy: If your child is old enough to trick-or-treat alone, ensure they have a phone and a way to contact you. Pre-program emergency numbers into their phone and review how to reach you quickly.

10. Teach Children to Trust Their Instincts

Finally, encourage kids to trust their instincts and speak up if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe during Halloween.

• Listen to Your Gut: Let children know it’s okay to leave a situation if something doesn’t feel right. Trusting instincts are an essential part of staying safe.
• Find a Safe Place: If they ever feel lost or uncomfortable, teach them to find a safe place, like a neighbor’s home, to ask for help.
• Have a Plan: Go over a plan before heading out, so everyone knows what to do if you get separated or someone feels uneasy.

Final Thoughts

Halloween should be a fun and joyful experience for families, and a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring everyone stays safe. By following these safety tips, you can keep the spooky spirit alive while making sure that the evening is accident-free and enjoyable for all. From costumes to candy, a few simple precautions can help you and your family make the most of Halloween night with peace of mind.

With these tips in mind, enjoy a safe and memorable Halloween with your loved ones!