Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders (2025) Review!!

Synopsis – When members of the Bansal family are found murdered, Inspector Jatil Yadav uncovers a trail of greed, betrayal and secrets tied to a deadly conspiracy.

My Take – Released in 2020, at a time when whodunits were once again finding their footing, the Honey Trehan directorial ‘Raat Akeli Hai‘ managed to stand out as a deft murder mystery due to Smita Singh‘s layered writing, which not only ensured that the narrative was evenly paced but also got juicier by unfolding each new piece of the puzzle as it further delved into the intricacies of the complex family drama at the center.

Add to that the unusual romance and social commentary addressing the toxicity of patriarchy, the Netflix release ended up being a winner on all accounts.

Now, five years later, both the director and writer not only return for a new installment, but also bring back Nawazuddin Siddiqui‘s character Inspector Jatil Yadav and drop him into a very different crime scene, but with bigger players and dirtier secrets. But thankfully, in spite of staying loyal to the design of the original, the sequel manages to carve its own identity by delivering yet another exciting and engaging watch that will leave both returning and new viewers thrilled.

Darkly atmospheric with a sinister thread of suspense running through it, the film possess much more depth than the average police procedural taking up the streaming space, and aided by some terrific performances, the investigation and journey manages to remain intriguing throughout.

Sure, it doesn’t match the sharpness of its predecessor, yet, by deepening its central character and focusing on atmosphere and moral ambiguity it brings enough intensity to the narrative to keep one engaged thoroughly. In a genre crowded with forgettable entries that counts for a lot.

The story once again follows Jatil Yadav (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), who remains devoted to his job. Though, he finds himself stuck in bachelorhood, Jatil is trying his best to navigate his complicated relationship with Radha (Radhika Apte), despite growing pressure from his mother (Ila Arun) to settle down.

His life gets further complicated when he is first summoned to the lavish mansion of the prestigious Bansal Family, because of an ominous mass killing of crows in their backyard, and the placing of a pig’s head on a newspaper the family runs. And while the family’s matriarch points his finger of suspicion at a relative/media rival (Sanjay Kapoor), a close confidant of Jatil’s DIG boss (Rajat Kapoor), his privilege and cronyism protects him.

However, matters escalate when 24 hours later, five members of the Bansal clan are brutally stabbed to death, and the alleged killer, a junkie nephew with history of violence, is found floating in the pool along with the murder weapon. Leaving behind only Meera Bansal (Chitrangada Singh) and two young one as the survivors of the carnage. But while, it looks like an open-and-shut, Jatil is not convinced. And despite his superiors’ warnings to let things go, he pushes towards a thread that unravels a whole conspiracy of silence, neglect and buried tragedy.

Given the story is positioned in an elite household, the scale of the film appears enhanced to an extent, yet the strengths of the original in terms of storytelling are notably not tampered with. The atmospherics, the leisurely, unhurried treatment, and the narration with a social conscience, peppered with occasional wit, everything comes together seamlessly in the sequel too. The sense that nothing is as straightforward as it appears remains consistent throughout.

Each clue opens up another door rather than leading to a neat answer. The film thrives on this layered confusion and uses it to keep the viewers actively guessing instead of passively watching events unfold. The pacing allows conversations to linger and silences to speak. This measured storytelling gives the film a texture that feels richer than most fast paced thrillers even if it occasionally tests the viewer’s attention.

But most importantly, it is Jatil who makes the film feel personal and thrilling. His character is flawed but moral, and his ability to see through things from different perspectives is such a great quality to have for investigators in thrillers that one can’t help but sit on the edge of their seat.

However, the revelation is a heartbreaking showcase of the reality of living in India, and the complex layers of how class and power work. How the rich close ranks against outsiders, like the persistent cop. For people like the Bansals, it is easy to buy or threaten their way out of anything. The case may be solved, but doubts remain.

Yes, the middle half of the film struggles a bit where too many details, theories, and names are thrown in, but the heart of the story, like its predecessor, is left for the climax and it lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

Performance wise, Nawazuddin Siddiqui sleepwalks through the role with ease. As I mentioned previously, he is one of the best parts of the film. You feel attached as he realizes the truth behind the murder and feel his emotions as they bubble to the surface. Chitrandgada Singh is great as well, and her shifty attitude will leave viewers to question her motivation at every turn. Deepti Naval as the god woman is quite creepy, especially when she reveals strangely discomforting truths about Jatil during their talks.

Rajat Kapoor and Priyanka Setia are impressive, while Sanjay Kapoor and Akilendra Mishra are underutilized. Revathi acts as a breath of fresh air and her interactions with Siddiqui are a highlight. In smaller roles, Radhika Apte and Ila Arun make for a sweet respite. On the whole, ‘Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders‘ is a gritty and thrilling whodunit that offers a layered exploration of crime and entitlement.