Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders Review: A Thrilling Whodunit That Balances Crime With Social Issues

Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders Review: When an entire family is murdered one night, Inspector Jatil Yadav finds himself struggling to get to the truth while fighting against a corrupt system that has no problem helping the rich and powerful.

The film has a runtime of 136 minutes.

Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders Review

In this tense whodunit, a serial murder case in one family leaves Jatil Yadav desperate to find the truth while those in power try to keep things hidden and follow the path of least resistance. The film, with a runtime of 136 minutes, is an intriguing watch with a ton of twists and turns that will leave most viewers on edge as we get different perspectives and try to understand who the real culprit is and their true motives. However, the revelation is a heartbreaking showcase of the reality of living in India.

When the film starts, things seem somewhat clear-cut and obvious. OBVIOUSLY, the drug-addict younger son is the murderer since there were witnesses as well, right? However, as Jatil gets deeper into the situation, he starts to see the cracks in the story and digs deeper. It’s Jatil who makes Raat Akeli Hai 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.

Jatil’s relentlessness adds to the thrill of the situation, while the writing does a good job of gradually transitioning from a standard murder mystery to incorporating social issues that lend weight to the storytelling. The film has layers to its storytelling that make it feel more authentic and engaging, and there’s a reason behind every event that will intrigue viewers and leave them with something to remember. The film is mostly slow-burning, but there aren’t long sequences where we are left to watch Jatil “think” stuff. There is always some movement, some investigation or some sequences that will keep everyone engaged.

The film ends on somewhat of an ambiguous note, wherein it doesn’t answer whether there is more under the surface or not. I think the story was presented quite well, balancing answering any and all questions while keeping some things on the back burner. The tension simmers till the end as clues unfold and justice is served… but is it really? It’s a sordid tale without a truly happy ending, including Jatil’s own professional life threatened because of trying to find the truth.

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Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as I mentioned previously, is one of the best parts of the film. Although I enjoyed watching the story unfold, I think Siddique adds a layer of tension in the way he approaches the case and how he goes about getting justice. You feel attached as he realises the truth behind the murder and feel his emotions as they bubble to the surface. Meanwhile, his home life with Radhika Apte and Ila Arun makes for a sweet respite, and it’s nice to watch Apte back as Radha as well.

The others, especially Chitrandgada Singh, are great as well, and their shifty attitude will leave viewers to question their motivations at every turn.

Final Thoughts

Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders is an exciting and engaging watch that will leave viewers thrilled. The way the story unfolds, and the characters interact with each other adds tension and intrigue that the film can hold on to. In the end, we are left a bit heartbroken as we realise that true justice is never served, at least when it comes to the rich and the powerful.

What are your thoughts on Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders? Let us know in the comments below!

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