Raat Akeli Hai Movie Review: A Dark, Gripping Netflix Crime Thriller

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Raat Akeli Hai  Release Date, Time And Where to Watch

‘Raat Akeli Hai‘ The Bansal Murders’ premiered on Netflix India on Friday, December 19th. Its first promotional screening was scheduled for 1:30 PM Indian time. Directed by Honey Trehan and written by Smita Singh, the story begins after a gruesome incident at the Bansal mansion. What initially seems like a straightforward crime gradually unfolds into a complex and sinister tale of a family steeped in deceit, power, and corruption. This slow-burn thriller is for viewers who appreciate meticulous police investigations and gripping crime dramas that hold their attention for extended periods.

• Director: Honey Trehan
• Duration:136 minutes
• Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Chitrangada Singh, Deepti Naval, Radhika Apte, Ila Arun, Sanjay Kapoor
• Synopsis: When members of the affluent Bansal family are brutally murdered in their mansion, Inspector Jatil Yadav is called to investigate.

 Raat Akeli Hai ,What Is The Story?

Although the film begins with a wedding scene, the joy doesn’t last long. The bride is murdered on her wedding night. Inspector Jatil Yadav, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, arrives to investigate the incident. The investigation, which initially seems complex, turns out to be less complicated than expected, but it uncovers the secrets behind many of the characters. The hidden lives of an extremely wealthy family gradually unravel, revealing their old enmities and web of deceit. The speculation that arises with each scene and about everyone involved further heightens the suspense.

Who Was The Killer?

The investigation reveals that the innocent Om Prakash committed the murders out of revenge. He was driven to this decision because his daughter had died due to a gas leak at a factory owned by the Bansal family. The crime was staged in such a way that it would appear to be an ordinary murder. Jatin ultimately explains the truth, but he pays the price for his honesty—and loses his job. Instead of celebrating an institutional victory, the film leaves us with a sense of moral justice, which makes the film all the more realistic.

Radhika Apte’s Strong And Realistic Role

Radhika Akhtar’s character is calm yet powerful. She speaks little, but when she does, she says important things, and her words have a profound impact. Her role not only supports the story but also propels the narrative forward at several crucial moments. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte appear on-screen, and both are quite natural, which makes them seem very much like real people from the real world, as opposed to movie characters.

Direction and Storytelling

Director Honey Trehan has shown exceptional planning in his debut film. Although the film’s pace is slow, it never feels boring. Every scene has a purpose, and there are no unnecessary songs or inappropriate scenes. Everything is based on social reality, which makes the film credible.

Cinematography and Background Music

This film uses tenderness and joy. The natural setting complements the story; the small-town environment, old houses, and quiet streets seem to be an integral part of the narrative. Silence is used in many scenes, and it is so powerful that it has a greater impact than any spoken words.

Audience and Critics’ Reaction

The positive aspect of this film is that it has been quite entertaining for the audience. The viewers, especially, appreciated Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance, which reflected the realities of society. On social media, the film’s trailer has been described as slow-paced but powerful and intellectually stimulating.

Final Opinion

 If you like interesting, down to earth and meaningful thrillers instead of bombastic action, “Raat Akeli Hai” is to be watched anyway. The film is uncelerated but by the end it leaves a deep and lasting impact — as if, a lonely night, with empty stillness, doesn’t really sound like much to say.