Detective Sherdil, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Diana Penty, and Boman Irani, directed by debutant Ravi Chhabriya, is a ZEE5 murder-mystery comedy. The trailer, released on June 10, 2025, teases a stylish, twist-filled investigation into a billionaire’s murder. Set in Budapest’s moody streets, the film will stream exclusively on ZEE5 from June 20, 2025. The 2-minute-29-second trailer dropped ahead of the film’s long-delayed OTT premiere. With Diljit’s charismatic detective, a stellar ensemble, and Ali Abbas Zafar’s production, the trailer blends dark humor, suspense, and vibrant visuals, drawing Knives Out comparisons.
Trailer Breakdown
The Detective Sherdil trailer, unveiled on June 10, 2025, immerses viewers in a gripping murder mystery. It opens with the brutal assassination of billionaire Pankaj Bhatti (Boman Irani), shot and incinerated on a Budapest highway. Enter Detective Sherdil, played by Diljit Dosanjh, a flamboyant sleuth who declares himself “Sherlock for white people, Byomkesh for Indians, and Karamchand for my parents.”
Partnered with the sharp Natasha (Diana Penty), Sherdil navigates a web of suspects, including Bhatti’s widow (Ratna Pathak Shah), a mute daughter Shanti (Banita Sandhu), and a wayward son (Sumeet Vyas). The trailer, backed by a pulsating score, teases family secrets, betrayal, and billion-dollar motives, with Budapest’s cobbled streets adding intrigue. Chunky Panday and Kashmira Irani round out the ensemble, promising eccentric characters.
Critics have mixed views. Some praises its “charming sleuth” and stylish visuals. Fans on X are enthusiastic, with posts like, “Diljit’s Sherlock vibe is #DetectiveSherdil,” and Vicky Kaushal’s Instagram shoutout, “Mazedaar,” amplifying buzz. Some draw parallels to Knives Out for its dysfunctional family and whodunit setup. Diljit’s witty one-liners, like “I think I got it,” and his fresh detective avatar have sparked excitement, though Koimoi notes the comedy feels underwhelming compared to the mystery.
Production and Context
Produced by Ali Abbas Zafar, Himanshu Mehra, Rohini Singh, and Manmeet Singh under AAZ Films, Offside Entertainment, and Maurya Entertainment, Detective Sherdil marks Zafar’s second collaboration with Diljit after Jogi (2022). Shot in 2023 in Budapest, the film faced delays but is now set for a June 20, 2025, ZEE5 release. Director Ravi Chhabriya, a Zafar protégé, brings a sleek, modern twist to the genre. Diljit , “Playing Sherdil was fun; the quirks are something new,” while Penty described Natasha as her “most grounded” role. Zafar emphasized Diljit’s versatility, calling him “one of the biggest stars we have.”
The Detective Sherdil trailer promises a rollercoaster of suspense, humor, and style, with Diljit Dosanjh’s magnetic presence at its core. While some find the premise familiar, its vibrant cast and Budapest backdrop make it a compelling watch. Set to stream on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium, it’s poised to be a summer streaming highlight.
-By Manoj H