Raat Akeli Hai The Bansal Murders Review
Five years after the critical success of the 2020 noir thriller Raat Akeli Hai, Netflix and director Honey Trehan have finally released the highly anticipated sequel. Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders brings back the iconic Inspector Jatil Yadav for a case that is more gruesome, more political, and significantly more complex than his last outing
The Story: The Story: A Locked-Room Massacre in Raat Akeli Hai The Bansal Murders Review
The film opens with an unsettling, gothic sequence—crows falling dead from the sky over a sprawling mansion in Kanpur. This sets the tone for the “Bansal Hatyakand,” a mass murder where six members of the influential Bansal family, owners of a powerful media empire, are found slaughtered in their beds.
Inspector Jatil Yadav (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) arrives to find a crime scene already being “cleaned up” by his superiors. The official narrative is simple: the family’s drug-addicted son, Aarav, committed the murders in a fit of rage before fleeing. However, Jatil’s sharp instincts tell him otherwise. As he explores the blood-stained hallways of the Bansal estate, he realizes that the “locked-room” mystery is just the tip of the iceberg.
The investigation dives deep into the dark underbelly of power, uncovering connections to industrial gas leaks, systemic corruption, and a mysterious spiritual cult led by the enigmatic Geeta Vora (Deepti Naval).
Performances: A Masterclass in Acting
Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Jatil Yadav is the heart of this franchise. In The Bansal Murders, Nawazuddin brings a new layer of weariness and quiet intelligence to the character. He isn’t a superhero; he is an irritable, honest man trying to maintain his moral compass in a broken system.
Chitrangada Singh delivers a haunting performance as Meera Bansal, the primary survivor and a woman shrouded in ambiguity. Her scenes with Nawazuddin are filled with tension, leaving the audience constantly guessing her true motives.
The “Wildcard” of the film is undoubtedly Revathy, who plays Dr. Panicker, a no-nonsense forensic expert. Her chemistry with Jatil adds a procedural depth that was missing in the first part. Radhika Apte returns in a special appearance as Radha, providing the emotional anchor and personal stakes that keep Jatil grounded. The cast is rounded out by heavyweights like Sanjay Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor, and Deepti Naval, making it one of the strongest ensembles in recent Indian OTT history.
Direction and Social Commentary
Director Honey Trehan and writer Smita Singh have outdone themselves by evolving the film from a simple “Whodunnit” into a “Whydunit.” While the first film felt like a tribute to Agatha Christie, the sequel is more reminiscent of modern political noirs like Chinatown.
The film sharpens its edge by including subtle social commentary. It touches upon the AQI crisis in North India and the brutal reality of how the wealthy can “buy” silence after industrial tragedies. The cinematography by Sirsha Ray captures the foggy, cold atmosphere of Uttar Pradesh, making the audience feel the chill of the investigation.
The Climax and Ending Explained
Without giving away spoilers, the climax of The Bansal Murders is unpredictable and emotionally heavy. Unlike many thrillers that fall apart in the final 20 minutes, this film ties its various threads—the media empire, the gas leak, and the cult—into a satisfying but bleak resolution. It leaves the viewer questioning if true justice is even possible when the culprits are the ones who control the narrative.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders is a superior sequel. It is darker, tighter, and more intellectually engaging than the original. While the 136-minute runtime might feel slow to those used to fast-paced action, it is a rewarding experience for fans of “slow-burn” crime dramas.
- Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Release Date: December 19, 2025
- Director: Honey Trehan
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Chitrangada Singh, Radhika Apte, Revathy, Deepti Naval.
