BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN*
Following the massive success of the 2020 crime noir, Netflix has finally returned with its sequel, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, which premiered on December 19, 2025. Directed by Honey Trehan, the film brings back the gritty atmosphere of North Indian crime while introducing a new, mass-murder mystery that challenges the resilience of Inspector Jatil Yadav.
The Story & Connection to 2020
For those who need a refresher, the 2020 original followed Inspector Jatil Yadav (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) as he investigated the murder of a patriarch on his wedding night, ultimately saving the victim’s young bride, Radha (Radhika Apte), from a toxic family. The new film picks up where their lives left off—showing their continuation as a pair—but the focus shifts to a brutal mass murder at the Bansal mansion, a wealthy media family in Kanpur. While the mystery is a “new chapter,” the emotional baggage from the previous case follows Jatil into this high-stakes investigation.
The Positives: Atmosphere and Ensemble Brilliance
The film excels in its continuity and screenplay discipline. There are no loose ends, and the script meticulously answers every question it poses. The story build-up is equally impressive, successfully keeping the audience intrigued by the “not normal” and secretive lifestyles of the Bansal family.
The acting remains the backbone of the film. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is effortlessly intense, and Chitrangda Singhdelivers a powerful performance as Meera Bansal. The supporting cast is a masterclass in talent, featuring Rajat Kapur, Sanjay Kapoor, and Ila Arun. A special mention must go to the legendary Revathi, the acclaimed South Indian actress, who joins the cast as a sharp-nosed forensic expert, adding a new layer of professional gravitas to the investigation. Additionally, Deepti Naval’s portrayal of the mysterious “Guru Ma” is a standout, providing a chilling, mystical energy to the household.
The Negatives: Wasted Stars and Unclear Payoffs
Despite the strong start, the film falters significantly in its character management. Radhika Apte, once Netflix’s “sweetheart,” is largely wasted as just a love interest for Jatil. While she and Jatil continue their journey from the first film, she lacks a substantial role, especially when compared to Chitrangda Singh, who clearly walked away with the more complex and “juicier” character arc.
Another major drawback is the payoff of the mystery. While the build-up creates a massive, mystical aura, the ultimate reason behind the murders feels underwhelming compared to the stakes involved. Furthermore, the film fails to clarify Jatil Yadav’s backstory. Since the beginning, he is portrayed with a “dark aura,” yet the deal with his character and his specific history remains unrevealed by the time the credits roll.
BTS & Interesting Facts: The Bald Look
One of the most talked-about aspects of the film is Deepti Naval’s striking bald look. To portray the cult-like “Guru Ma,” many wondered if the veteran actress actually shaved her head. In reality, Naval used high-end prosthetics for the role. She recently shared in an interview that she was “excited about the prosthetics” and trusted director Honey Trehan blindly to create the unsettling, “Ancient One” vibe that has since gone viral on social media.
Overall Review
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders is a one-time watch. While you won’t miss much if you skip it, it remains a decent thriller for those who enjoy the genre. The best part of the suspense is that you never see it coming. The film constructs a grand, dark labyrinth of secrets, only to lead the audience to a reveal that feels far too small for the massive shadows it casts.
Verdict: 2.5/5 Stars
*Namita Dogra Sudan is the entertainment news editor and video news producer of NRIPulse.
