Raat Akeli Hai - The Bansal Murders Review: A Worthy, if Familiar, Sequel

Netflix's 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders' revisits familiar territory with a new investigation for Inspector Jatil Yadav. While it may not break new ground, the sequel proves to be a worthwhile addition to the franchise.

The film centers on Inspector Yadav's investigation into the gruesome murders within the powerful Bansal family. With most of the family dead, suspicion immediately falls on the son, who has a history of drug abuse and estrangement. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Yadav's investigation soon reveals a tangled web of political conspiracies, corporate greed, and the influence of a mysterious godwoman.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui effortlessly embodies Jatil Yadav, perhaps too effortlessly, as the role doesn't stretch his acting capabilities. Chitrangada Singh delivers a compelling performance as Meera, an entitled woman grappling with the chaos surrounding her, maintaining an air of mystery about her character.

The strength of 'Raat Akeli Hai' lies in its ability to create a queasy atmosphere while showcasing cinematic brilliance through layered writing and nuanced storytelling. Though it appears to be another run-of-the-mill investigation drama, the film incorporates an unconventional romance and social commentary on the toxicity of patriarchy.

Sequels to films with such unique viewing experiences naturally invite apprehension. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. director Honey Trehan and writer Smita Singh largely succeed in recreating the magic of the original in 'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders'.

The film follows the blueprint of its predecessor: a wealthy family guarding secrets, a series of murders, and a convenient suspect. While the world is ready to close the case, Jatil Yadav remains convinced that there's more to the story.

Set within an affluent household, the film boasts an enhanced scale, while retaining the storytelling strengths of the original. The sequel seamlessly blends atmospherics, a deliberate pace, socially conscious narration, and occasional wit. It’s familiar, yet distinct.

The film establishes a sense of impending doom with an opening sequence featuring the death of crows. The tension simmers within the Bansal family, marked by a past tragedy, power struggles, and a young man's violent episodes fueled by drug use. The sudden murder of all the men in the house, leaving Meera unharmed, further complicates the mystery.

The presence of a godwoman and her cryptic pronouncements add to the unsettling atmosphere. As the forensics team meticulously examines the crime scene, Inspector Yadav faces pressure from his superiors to handle the case with sensitivity, despite his abrasive methods. The film explores how he navigates this complex situation.

Small details, such as the bittersweet dynamic between Dr. Panicker and Jatil, enhance the film's appeal. Both characters are dedicated to their jobs but struggle to tolerate each other's quirks. Jatil's relationship with Radha, from the first film, is also explored, with Radha pursuing academics. The godwoman, despite her creepiness, offers strangely insightful observations about Jatil.

Similar to the original, the film suffers from pacing issues in the middle, with an overload of details and names that can be confusing. The slow-burn approach and extended silences may test the viewer's patience. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the climax, like in the first film, delivers the heart of the story and leaves a lasting impression.

Ultimately, the culprit's motivations feel justified, stemming from discrimination and classism. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the original 'Raat Akeli Hai' remains more organic, tense, and enriching than this sequel.

'Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders' is a solid sequel that honors the original while establishing its own identity.

Deepti Naval's character starts strong but ultimately feels underdeveloped. Revathi shines as Dr. Panicker, a no-nonsense forensics expert. Rajat Kapoor delivers an impressive performance, while Sanjay Kapoor's contribution feels minimal. Radhika Apte makes an elegant cameo, and Ila Arun's brief appearance adds warmth to the tense setting.

The score by Karan Kulkarni, along with the sound design, effectively heightens the eeriness and tension, utilizing the characters to its advantage. The production design and costumes contribute to the viewing experience, and cinematographer Pankaj Kumar skillfully handles the visual tonal shifts.