Comprehensive review of Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders
23-12-2025 | Posted By: Admin | 164 View(s)
Here is a review of Raat Akeli Hai The Bansal Murders-OTT Play released on Netflix.
The Bansal Murders is the 2025 Hindi-language crime thriller sequel to Raat Akeli Hai (2020), directed by Honey Trehan. It stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Inspector Jatil Yadav, backed by Chitrangada Singh, Deepti Naval, Revathi, and others, and revolves around a brutal mass murder within the influential Bansal family.
Raat Akeli Hai The Bansal Murders: Nawazuddin Siddiqui returns as Inspector Jatil Yadav after five years with the sequel to the 2020 film, releasing on Netflix this December.
This winter, Netflix brings back Raat Akeli Hai with a brand new sequel, The Bansal Murders, for another dose of spooky thrills. Directed by Honey Trehan and penned by Smita Singh, the sequel returns to the creepy world of crime and hidden truths. Nawazuddin Siddiqui returns as Inspector Jatil Yadav to investigate another gripping murder case, which is claimed to be one of his darkest and complex cases to date. The Bansal Murders is set in Kanpur, focusing on the well-known Bansal family who are found brutally murdered inside their own mansion.
When to watch Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders?
The sequel to the 2020 movie is making its direct debut on Netflix on December 19, 2025, skipping a theatrical release, akin to the original one. For the unversed, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders had its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on November 27.
What to expect from Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders?
The sequel promises to be darker yet emotional. Inspector Jatil Yadav will be seen investigating the horrific mass murder case of the Bansals inside their Kanpur mansion. The movie promises a gritty plot packed with twists. The narrative is expected to unravel betrayals, hidden agendas, political influence, and power struggle among the deceased family members.
Nawazuddin stated that working on the sequel is like revisiting a part of himself that never left. The Bansal Murders took him to those places he has never been, both emotionally and morally, according to The Hollywood Reporter India.
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders FAQs
Q: When is Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders releasing?
A: The film is scheduled to release globally on Netflix on December 19, 2025. Before that, it had its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on November 27.
Q: Who is the main cast of Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders?
A: The main cast includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Inspector Jatil Yadav and Radhika Apte. New and prominent cast members include Chitrangada Singh, Rajat Kapoor, Deepti Naval, Ila Arun, Revathy, Akhilendra Mishra, Priyanka Setia, and Sanjay Kapoor.
Q: Who is the director and writer of Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders?
A: Honey Trehan, who also helmed the first film, returns to direct the sequel. The screenplay for Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders is written by Smita Singh, who was the writer for the 2020 film as well.
⭐ What Critics and Viewers Are Saying
👍 Strengths
1. Strong Performances
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s portrayal of Inspector Jatil is widely praised for its quiet intensity and depth, anchoring the series even when the story slows. Many viewers on social media have lauded his performance as a major highlight.
Supporting actors like Chitrangada Singh, Revathi, and Deepti Naval are also noted for adding weight to their roles.
2. Tense Crime Investigation
The narrative layers mystery, betrayal, power struggles, and hidden agendas within a wealthy household, giving it a characteristic whodunit feel.
The procedural elements — especially forensic sequences and methodical clue unraveling — are engaging and well-executed-Filmi Beat
3. Atmospheric & Gritty Tone
The thriller builds mood through moody visuals and a deliberate pace, adding depth to its murder mystery premise.-Jagran
👎 Weaknesses
1. Predictability & Familiar Tropes
Some critics and viewers find the plot familiar and predictable, with twists that don’t always surprise seasoned mystery fans.-India Today
A few subplots — like red herrings involving secondary characters — can make the narrative feel cluttered or unfocused-Filmy Beat
2. Uneven Pacing
While the first half builds suspense well, the momentum sometimes dips due to overextended scenes or diversions from the central mystery-Filmi Beat
3. Mixed Critical Response
Reviews range from calling it a “serviceable thriller” to a “strikingly brilliant whodunit,” indicating that reception is somewhat subjective based on viewer expectations-Scroll.in
📊 Overall Verdict
📍 Rating Range: ~3–3.5 ⭐ / 5
What Works:
✔ Excellent lead performance (Nawazuddin Siddiqui)
✔ Atmospheric tension and procedural detail
✔ Engaging mystery elements
What Doesn’t Always Work:
✖ Predictable twists for some viewers
✖ Uneven narrative pacing
✖ Side tracks dilute focus occasionally
Who Will Enjoy It:
✅ Fans of intelligent crime dramas
✅ Viewers who like slow-burn whodunits
✅ Those who appreciated the original Raat Akeli Hai
Who Might Be Less Impressed:
❌ Viewers wanting fast-paced thrills
❌ Audiences expecting completely fresh twists
🎯 Final Thoughts
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders builds upon its predecessor’s world with a layered investigation and strong performances, particularly from Nawazuddin Siddiqui. While it isn’t without flaws — such as moments of predictability and pacing issues — it remains a worthwhile watch for OTT crime thriller fans who appreciate thoughtful storytelling and character-driven suspense
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