The Transformative Comedy “Kaj Pileh”: From Misogyny to Living in a Man’s Skin

Feature Title: Hatef Alimardani’s Controversial Return with a Daring Narrative on the Battle of the Sexes in Iranian Society

Kaj Pileh (The Crooked Cocoon) is the latest cinematic work by Hatef Alimardani, a seasoned and stylistic Iranian director, produced in 2024 (1403 SH) and released in cinemas nationwide on October 14, 2025 (Mehr 23, 1404 SH). This film, categorized as a Social Comedy-Drama, has become one of the most talked-about movies of the recent screening season, featuring prominent actors and a surprising storyline

Plot Summary: A Curse or a Miracle

The film Kaj Pileh tells the story of Sima Servati (played by Elnaz Shakerdoost), a famous actress who, due to bitter experiences, is deeply pessimistic and hateful towards men. She believes that the root of all her misery and life problems stems from men and is even suspicious of her own husband

This intense pessimism and hatred suddenly lead to a shocking, supernatural event following an unexpected incident: Sima Servati is unbelievably transformed into a man in a single, unbelievable moment! This strange metamorphosis forces her to see and experience the world from a completely different perspective, marking the beginning of the film’s comedic and dramatic conflicts

Presence of Famous Actors and Shakerdoost’s Distinct Role

Kaj Pileh has garnered significant attention due to its cast composition

• Elnaz Shakerdoost: Her heavy and completely different makeup and role as a man is one of the film’s biggest attractive and controversial points. Shakerdoost, who had previously shifted her career path with successful serious roles (such as in When the Moon Was Full and Ablagh), returns to the silver screen with a distinctive social comedy
• Naeimeh Nezamdoost: She also plays a prominent and different role alongside Shakerdoost
• Other Cast Members: Soroush Sehhat, Nima Shabannejad, Ramin NasserNasir, Fornoush Nikandish, and Zahra Davoudnejad are among the film’s other actors. (It should be noted that some initial sources had announced the name of Mehran Modiri, but the final screening list confirms the main actors mentioned)

Alimardani: Comedy with a Pinch of Social Critique

Hatef Alimardani, the film’s director, is known for his previous works like Kooche Bi Nam (No-Name Alley) and Haft Mahegi (Seven Months), which consistently offered a psychological and realistic view of the issues and crises faced by Iran’s middle class

In Kaj Pileh, despite the comedic tone, he maintains his usual concerns regarding relationships, family problems, and the internal crises of characters. The film attempts to critique the roots of suspicion and conflicts between men and women in society by utilizing the comedic situation created by the main character’s gender change

Kaj Pileh, with its strange plot and the energetic performances of its actors, is an expected box-office success and should be well-received by audiences of social comedy cinema

Director and Producer: Hatef Alimardani

Year of Production: 2024 (1403 SH)

Genre: Social Comedy-Drama

Release Date: October 14, 2025 (Mehr 23, 1404 SH)

Main Cast: Elnaz Shakerdoost, Naeimeh Nezamdoost, Soroush Sehhat, Nima Shabannejad, Ramin NasserNasir, et al

Source: Cinematic News Agencies and Domestic Media

For further analysis of films and series, as well as news about Iranian and international festivals, please visit the website www.iimdb.ir