Christmas Karma review – Dickens adaptation has as much Yuletide spirit as a dead rat in the eggnog

The release of 'Christmas Karma,' directed by Gurinder Chadha and featuring Kunal Nayyar, has sparked significant criticism for its uninspired take on Dickens's classic 'A Christmas Carol.' Set against the backdrop of the Ugandan South Asian community expelled by Idi Amin, the film attempts to modernize the story but falls short, described as joyless and nausea-inducing. Critics have drawn comparisons to last year's poorly received 'Red One,' emphasizing that 'Christmas Karma' lacks the charm and warmth typically associated with holiday films. Nayyar's portrayal of Mr. Sood, a character embittered by early poverty and a fixation on money, has been deemed unconvincing, further detracting from the film's appeal. This adaptation's failure to resonate with audiences reflects broader challenges in reviving classic narratives for contemporary viewers.