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Gajab Raat

Gajab Raat (Netflix, Oct 23, 2026) is a gripping one-night Delhi crime thriller. Manoj Bajpayee delivers a layered performance as a conflicted cop pulled into a web of corruption and conspiracy. Ritesh Shah’s brisk debut and a strong ensemble make it a worthwhile watch. Rating: 3.5/5.

• Released: 23 October 2026
• Runtime: 2h 3m
• Language: Hindi
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
• Director: Neeraj Pandey
• Cast: Meghna Agarwal, Manoj Bajpayee, Nushrratt Bharuccha
• Where to watch: Netflix
• Our rating: 7/10

Our review

One night, one injured woman and one compromised cop: Gajab Raat (earlier titled Ghooskhor Pandat) puts Manoj Bajpayee back in the crime-thriller space he owns. Streaming on Netflix from October 23, 2026, the Hindi thriller is Ritesh Shah’s directorial debut and a reunion of Bajpayee with producer Neeraj Pandey after Special 26 and Aiyaary. Here is our full review, covering the plot, performances, technical aspects, strengths, weaknesses and final verdict.

Gajab Raat is a tightly timed, single-night crime thriller that follows a morally conflicted Delhi cop pulled into a web of murder, political corruption and conspiracy. Manoj Bajpayee carries the film with a layered, compelling performance, and the race-against-time structure keeps the investigation moving at a brisk pace. The film is strongest in Ajay’s moral transformation and in its relevant themes of corruption and conscience. Backed by a lively ensemble, it makes for an engaging weekend watch on Netflix. 

Movie Details, Cast and Crew

Plot Summary

Set over one intense night in Delhi, the story begins when Sub-Inspector Ajay Nirvit, on a routine round of patrols and petty bribes, sees an injured young woman thrown from a moving vehicle in Connaught Place. What looks like a simple case soon pulls him into a web of crime, political corruption and deceit. As the hours tick by, Ajay must choose between personal gain and professional responsibility, and the choice tests his conscience.

Performances

Manoj Bajpayee as Ajay Nirvit: Bajpayee is the heart and soul of Gajab Raat. He plays a self-serving cop whose instinct for self-preservation slowly gives way to a sense of justice, and he brings real nuance to every shift. His compelling performance makes Ajay as engaging as the investigation itself and holds the narrative together from start to finish.

Saqib Saleem: Saleem brings energy and a strong screen presence to his role, adding freshness to the ensemble. He is a pleasure to watch and fits comfortably alongside the film’s seasoned lead.

Divya Dutta: Dutta is a dependable performer, and her natural, grounded presence lends credibility to every scene she appears in. She elevates her material with effortless ease.

Akshay Oberoi: Oberoi makes his presence felt with controlled intensity. He adds an interesting edge to the film’s web of characters and holds his own opposite Bajpayee.

Kiku Sharda: Sharda steps into a thriller setting with confidence, and his performance adds a distinct flavour to the film’s world. It is a welcome change of pace that shows his range.

Shraddha Das: Das brings poise and sincerity to her part, and she makes the most of her screen time. Her performance adds to the film’s ensemble feel.

Nushrratt Bharuccha as Rosie: Bharuccha takes on a bold, de-glamourised role and commits to it fully. Her willingness to step outside her usual space is commendable, and she brings vulnerability to Rosie.

Technical Aspects

Direction

Ritesh Shah, a respected screenwriter, makes a confident directorial debut. He uses the single-night setting well to build urgency and keep the stakes rising as the investigation unfolds, and the film moves at a brisk pace throughout.

Cinematography

The night-time Delhi backdrop, from Connaught Place onwards, gives the film a gritty, atmospheric setting that suits the thriller genre.

Music/Score

The soundtrack supports the tension of the night-long investigation and keeps the focus on the drama and performances.

Editing

With a runtime of 2 hrs 3 mins and a race-against-time structure, the film keeps its investigation moving without losing momentum.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Manoj Bajpayee’s layered, powerful performance
• Ajay’s compelling moral transformation from self-serving cop to conscience-driven officer
• Gripping single-night setting with a strong sense of urgency
• Relevant themes of corruption, conscience and the consequences of small choices
• Brisk pace and a promising premise
• Strong ensemble cast with Saqib Saleem, Divya Dutta, Akshay Oberoi, Kiku Sharda, Shraddha Das and Nushrratt Bharuccha
• Ritesh Shah’s promising debut as director

Weaknesses

• Some twists are predictable and ease the tension
• A few subplots and supporting characters could have been developed further
• The link between the individual case and a larger national crisis feels heavy-handed at times
• The realistic climax may not deliver the dramatic punch some viewers expect

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐ 3.5/5

Gajab Raat is an engaging crime thriller held together by a standout Manoj Bajpayee. The single-night format, the themes of corruption and conscience, and a capable ensemble make it an entertaining watch, even if a few twists are easy to predict. Keep your expectations in check and it delivers a satisfying night in. Fans of Bajpayee and of the Neeraj Pandey-backed thriller space should not miss it on Netflix.

FAQs

What is the certificate rating of Gajab Raat?
Gajab Raat is rated UA.

Is Gajab Raat suitable for children or family viewing?
It is a crime thriller with mature themes such as murder, corruption and violence, so it is best suited to teens and adults. Parental guidance is advised for younger viewers.

Is Gajab Raat based on a true story?
No. It is presented as a fictional crime thriller, and no official source describes it as based on real events.