Nayyi Navelli asks a fun question: what if the bride who brought peace and happiness into a chaotic family is really a daayan? Directed by Balaji Mohan, the film mixes Indian folklore, family drama, comedy and supernatural horror. Yami Gautam Dhar leads as Mohini, and Anurag Thakur steals scenes as her suspicious brother-in-law. Here is our full review of the story, performances, music and more.
Nayyi Navelli is a quirky horror-comedy built on a clever premise. A new bahu who seems too good to be true may be a witch, and the family has to work out what is really going on. The first half is full of laughs, odd rituals and mystery, and it sets the tone well. Yami Gautam gives a committed, charming performance, and Anurag Thakur’s comic timing is a major highlight. The second half moves into mythology involving Raavan and Mandodari, which adds scale and spectacle. GV Prakash Kumar’s music suits the film’s colourful world, and Phata Patakha stands out. It is a fun festive watch for families who enjoy comedy with a supernatural twist.
Nayyi Navelli Cast and Crew
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | Nayyi Navelli |
| Release Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Genre | Horror-Comedy / Fantasy Family Entertainer |
| Director | Balaji Mohan |
| Writers | Himanshu Sharma, Divy Nidhi Sharma |
| Producers | Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma |
| Production / Distribution | Colour Yellow, Amazon MGM Studios |
| Music | GV Prakash Kumar |
| Lead Cast | Yami Gautam Dhar (Mohini), Anurag Thakur (Bantu), Addinath M Kothare (Raja) |
| Supporting Cast | Sunita Rajwar, Mita Vashist, Prateek Pachauri, Kullu |
Nayyi Navelli Plot Summary
The story begins at a wedding in Meerut. Raja (Addinath M Kothare) is worried about the disappearance of his wife, Mohini (Yami Gautam). Her brother-in-law Bantu (Anurag Thakur) follows her into a forest and finds her performing a mysterious ritual. With a priest’s help, he brings her back and locks her in a room.
Bantu then calls a family meeting and announces that Bhabhi is a daayan. He lists his evidence: a grandmother’s knee pain vanished after Mohini touched her feet, he became a lawyer after struggling with his exams, and Mohini rides a bike at night with no light and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
As the family tries to make sense of it all, the film introduces the Kaal Sheel, a stone linked to Raavan and Mandodari. It also reveals the old mansion’s mythological connection and the larger threat surrounding Raja, who was born under the same nakshatra as Raavan.
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Nayyi Navelli Performances
Yami Gautam as Mohini: Yami gives a committed, magnetic performance. She is convincing as the warm, reassuring bahu and equally strong in the fiercer moments. Her presence has an intriguing quality that keeps you watching, and she makes Mohini the heart of the film.
Anurag Thakur as Bantu: Anurag Thakur leaves the strongest impression. His comic timing is a major asset, his retorts land beautifully, and he makes even the silliest arguments hilarious. The Lakshman Rekha sequence is one of the funniest moments in the film.
Addinath M Kothare as Raja: Addinath is effective in the emotional scenes and puts real energy into Raja’s intense transformation. He brings commitment to a physically demanding role.
Sunita Rajwar: Sunita Rajwar does well in her role and adds warmth and colour to the eccentric family.
Mita Vashist: Mita Vashist is a reliable presence who adds to the family’s chaotic charm.
Prateek Pachauri: Prateek Pachauri performs well and fits smoothly into the film’s quirky world.
Kullu: Kullu adds to the family dynamic with an entertaining turn that helps make the household feel lived-in.
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Technical Analysis
Direction
Balaji Mohan blends folklore, family drama, comedy and horror in his Hindi directorial debut. He sets the tone well in the first half, with an eccentric family, strange incidents and just enough mystery to keep you curious. He also gives space to a thoughtful idea beneath the comedy: the unseen women of the family finding their confidence and worth.
Cinematography
The film has a colourful, slightly eccentric look. It moves from lively family spaces in Meerut to a forest ritual and an old mansion, and the supernatural spectacle gives the big screen plenty to show.
Music and Score
GV Prakash Kumar makes his Bollywood debut as a composer. The soundtrack and background score mix desi sounds with contemporary beats and suit the film’s world. Phata Patakha is the standout song.
Editing
The first half moves briskly, with jokes, mysteries and reveals arriving at a good pace. The film builds curiosity well before it moves into its supernatural battle.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- A fresh, entertaining premise mixing folklore, comedy, family drama and horror
- A strong, funny first half with plenty of laughs
- Yami Gautam’s charismatic and committed performance
- Anurag Thakur’s excellent comic timing as Bantu
- A thoughtful subtext about women being seen and valued
- Colourful music from GV Prakash Kumar, with Phata Patakha as a highlight
- Good support from the entire ensemble
Weaknesses
- The second half leans heavily on mythology and feels stretched
- The shift from family comedy to supernatural battle is not always smooth
- Some horror elements and the demon transformation look exaggerated
- Beyond Phata Patakha, the songs are less memorable
- Mohini’s supernatural powers are left largely unexplained
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5 Stars
Nayyi Navelli is an entertaining festive film with an appealing idea at its heart. Yami Gautam is excellent as Mohini, Anurag Thakur is a laugh riot, and the first half keeps you hooked. The mythology-heavy second half is bigger and louder, but the film’s charm, humour and performances carry it through. It is a fun family outing this Dussehra.
Is Nayyi Navelli suitable for children and families?
The makers present it as a fantasy family entertainer, so families can enjoy it together. Younger children may find the demon transformation and supernatural scenes a little intense.
Is Nayyi Navelli based on a true story?
No. It is a fictional story inspired by Indian folklore and mythology, including Raavan and Mandodari.
