Language: Hindi
Age Rating: UA
Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance
In this Murderbaad movie review, we explore how debutant teen filmmaker Arnab Chatterjee attempts to redefine the crime drama genre through an emotionally charged story set in the regal landscapes of Jaipur. While not without its stumbles, Murderbaad impresses with its ambition, heart, and a stellar ensemble cast that makes this whodunit worth a watch.
Plot Overview: Secrets Beneath the Surface
The film follows Jaish Madnani (Nakul Roshan Sahdev), a newcomer to Jaipur who begins work as a tour guide. His blossoming romance with an NRI tourist, Issabelle (Kanikka Kapur), takes a dark turn when a member of their tour group goes missing. As suspicion turns toward Jaish, he vanishes—triggering a nationwide manhunt that unravels secrets far deeper than anyone expected. The plot unfolds as a suspense-filled jigsaw puzzle, stitched together with themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
Performances: A Stellar Cast That Elevates the Film
One of Murderbaad’s strongest assets is its cast.
- Nakul Roshan Sahdev is in top form as Jaish. His layered portrayal swings from innocence to intensity, keeping viewers guessing about his true motives.
- Kanikka Kapur delivers charm and emotional depth as Issabelle, creating a believable romantic arc while never overshadowing the thriller element.
- Sharib Hashmi brings an understated brilliance to his role. His grounded presence injects tension and warmth in equal measure, leaving a lasting impression even with limited screen time.
- Saloni Batra and Manish Chaudhari bring finesse to their roles, despite the script offering them fewer opportunities. Their performances hint at richer subplots that deserved more screen time.
Every actor contributes meaningfully, and even within a script that sometimes leans on convention, the ensemble breathes life into their characters.
Technical Aspects: Visually Mixed, Narratively Engaging
Visually, Murderbaad contrasts the vibrant colors of Jaipur’s palaces with the softer tones of West Bengal, creating a dual narrative aesthetic that is both beautiful and symbolic. However, the cinematography at times feels uneven—particularly in high-intensity moments where shaky frames distract from the emotion.
The background score complements the tension, and the pacing improves noticeably in the second half, aided by unexpected twists and revelations. Still, a tighter screenplay and stronger editing could have elevated the experience to another level.
Direction & Writing: A Courageous Debut
Director Arnab Chatterjee, in his very first film—and as a teenager no less—brings admirable courage and creativity to the table. His vision for Murderbaad is clear: to blend genres, challenge tropes, and keep the audience engaged. Though the film has loose ends and a few predictable beats, it’s clear that Arnab is a storyteller with promise.
With more experience and a sharper narrative structure, he could well become a strong voice in India’s evolving new wave cinema.
What Works
- Strong, well-cast lead performances
- Fresh setting and premise
- Surprising plot twists in the second half
- Balanced mix of romance and suspense
- Direction that shows promise
What Could Be Better
- Uneven camerawork in key scenes
- Some predictable moments
- Supporting characters needed deeper arcs
- Slight narrative slack in the middle
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 Stars)
Murderbaad is a bold and heartfelt debut that, while imperfect, is driven by passion and honest storytelling. It’s a film that surprises with its emotional core and commitment to character, supported by a talented cast that turns even the quietest moments into compelling drama. Director Arnab Chatterjee may have just begun his journey, but Murderbaad is a sign of exciting things to come.
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