★ 4 / 10
A grounded crime thriller that trusts its performances
Atul D
A grounded crime thriller that trusts its performances more than its plot twists Bhagwat – Chapter One: Raakshas opens with the promise of a mythic crime saga…
A grounded crime thriller that trusts its performances more than its plot twists
Bhagwat – Chapter One: Raakshas opens with the promise of a mythic crime saga but reveals itself to be far more grounded — a grim, character-driven investigation about the evils men hide behind intellect and charm. What begins as a procedural about a missing girl slowly unravels into the psychological study of a human “raakshas” — not a monster of legend, but of conscience.
The film, though “inspired by true events,” stays close to the emotional and moral reality of its world. The disappearance narrative never feels overly dramatized or exaggerated; instead, it unfolds with unsettling stillness. While the investigation itself isn’t exceptionally tight, it flows naturally, reflecting how real-world cases evolve — messy, logical, and uncinematic in pace. Director Akshay Shere treats the story like a slow-burn descent into human depravity rather than a sensational thriller.
Arshad Warsi as Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat gives the film its spine — authoritative, unpredictable, and deeply human. His anger and brute force are balanced by empathy and intelligence, painting a complex portrait of a man hardened by his duty yet softened by his morality. Opposite him, Jitendra Kumar is a revelation as Sameer — his calm exterior slowly fractures to reveal the psychosis beneath. The way he modulates between vulnerability and menace feels deeply earned and unpredictable.
Ayesha Kaduskar, though limited by screen time, delivers one of the film’s most grounded and graceful performances. Her presence adds emotional texture to an otherwise cold, procedural environment — a reminder of what innocence looks like in a story defined by its absence.
The screenplay moves like a bridge between the investigative and the personal. What first seems like a systemic crime — a prostitution or disappearance racket — narrows into a singular, haunting confrontation with an individual monster. The writing doesn’t romanticize justice or redemption; instead, it exposes moral relativism and institutional fragility in modern society.
Cinematography and design are functional rather than flashy — neutral enough to serve the story without distraction. The visual language of temples, religion, and “raakshas” imagery is symbolic rather than literal, carrying the story forward instead of weighing it down. Every frame feels like it’s meant to observe rather than impress.
Ultimately Bhagwat – Chapter One: Raakshas succeeds because it refuses to manipulate. It doesn’t chase jump scares or moral grandstanding. Instead, it holds a mirror to the quiet, calculated violence of everyday monsters. As a self-contained chapter, it’s complete — though it leaves just enough unease to justify what future installments might explore.
Its biggest strength lies in restraint — in trusting its performers and its truth more than theatrics. Among a wave of over-stylized OTT thrillers, Bhagwat stands out for its clarity of tone and its no-nonsense conviction.
Sum up - A grounded and unsettling character study disguised as a crime thriller — led by two powerhouse performances and an unflinching sense of realism.
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★ 8 / 10
I was gripped from the start by this
Cavanşir G
I was gripped from the start by this taut 2-hour thriller's no-frills mystery and relentless police chase, feeling a chill of real dread knowing it's inspired…
I was gripped from the start by this taut 2-hour thriller's no-frills mystery and relentless police chase, feeling a chill of real dread knowing it's inspired by Cyanide Mohan's horrific real-life murders of 20 women—those dark, authentic visuals of Indian streets and cop stations made the urban terror hit way too close to home. Loved Arshad Warsi's flawed, brutal cop who uncovers the serial killer's plain-sight horrors, exposing women's vulnerability and police grit without Bollywood exaggeration; it thrilled me with its natural tension and courtroom payoff. The only letdown was the somewhat subdued finale that fizzled without a sharper twist, but at 8/10, it's a raw, riveting wake-up call I'd rewatch for its unflinching truth.
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★ 7 / 10
Overall a well made movie based on a
Shailendra K
Overall a well made movie based on a true story of a serial killer with decent performances from Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar. Unfortunately this story was…
Overall a well made movie based on a true story of a serial killer with decent performances from Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar. Unfortunately this story was very recently adapted into a much superior product with even better performances in the series Dahaad. Raakshas doesnt offer anything new that wasnt chronicled in Dahaad, infact Dahaad was able to explore the case in much more detail and added even much more suspense and grittyness in its longer run time. As a result Raakshas ends up as Dahaad Lite. Something that Arshad Warsi fans will enjoy and Jeetendra fans will get shocked from watching a very different type of character from Jeetu Bhaiya. In a multi-verse without Dahaad, Bhagtwat Chapter 1: Raakshas is a good suspense thriller, however it is a let down in comparison with 2023's version of the same story. 7/10
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6.8/10
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