Set against the backdrop of a prestigious Indian Institute of Technology-like college, the new film ‘Indian Institute of Zombies’ delivers a quirky and entertaining take on the often intense world of engineering students. Directed by Alok Kumar Dwivedi and Gaganjeet Singh, the film introduces us to a sinister scientist named Darwendra, played by Mohan Kapur, whose outlandish experiment turns the top-performing students into flesh-eating zombies. What ensues is a comedic adventure that flips the typical academic narrative on its head.
The film’s plot is as wild as it is imaginative. The top-scoring scholars and diligent learners, who usually dominate the classroom and campus accolades, find themselves transformed into mindless zombies craving human flesh. As a result, the misfit group of underachievers, including a pair of best friends portrayed by Sachin Kavetham and Tanishq Chaudhary, alongside a couple in love played by Jessy Lever and Rose Sardana, must step up to save their institution. Adding to the crew is a promising student, Ranjan Raj, who unbelievably has developed a serum to counteract the zombie epidemic.
Spearheading their rescue mission is the quirky teacher Braganza, portrayed by Anupriya Goenka, who comically dons a satin nightie throughout the chaos. Although the team lacks a solid plan, their creativity shines through as they devise unconventional tactics to combat the undead. The film features an array of humorous distractions — from a risqué video to a surprise examination and an unexpected dance sequence set to a remixed version of the iconic song ‘Maar Daala’ from Devdas. This delightful mix of comedy and absurdity keeps viewers engaged and entertained.
In an ironic twist, the zombified students often display inconsistent behavior, swinging between mindless staggering and unexpected compliance, adding to the film’s humor. Meanwhile, Inspector Reddy, played by Shantanu Anam, reinforces the stereotypical image of law enforcement as he bumbles through the investigation, providing more laughs than solutions.
‘Indian Institute of Zombies’ brilliantly captures the essence of college life, deftly balancing humor and chaos in a way that resonates with young audiences. Its portrayal of an unlikely group of heroes — often dismissed as backbenchers — confronting an absurd situation reflects the spirit of teamwork and friendship. While it may not be a perfect film, its comedic approach offers a refreshing commentary on academic pressures and the often-unseen talents of those who may not always be at the front of the class.
