Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is a rare Hindi-language black comedy that dares to be uncomfortable, absurd, and sharply intelligent all at once. Directed by Anshuman Jha, the film steps away from formula-driven storytelling and instead invites the audience into a claustrophobic evening where laughter, shock, and moral unease coexist. Produced by Golden Ratio Films, Vipin Agnihotri & First Ray Films, this film proves that Indian cinema still has space for bold, dialogue-driven experiments.
Premiering globally at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the film arrived with critical curiosity and eventually released theatrically in India on 10 October 2025, carrying an “A” certificate from the CBFC—an indicator that this story does not dilute its themes for comfort.
Story & Premise: One Dinner, Many Secrets
At its core, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli unfolds over what should have been a simple dinner among four people. However, the narrative detonates the moment Rohit announces—almost casually—that he has a body hidden in the trunk of his car. What initially feels like a dark joke slowly mutates into a psychological pressure cooker.
The brilliance of the screenplay lies in how it refuses to rush. The film allows awkward silences, morally ambiguous conversations, and escalating paranoia to do the heavy lifting. Each revelation feels earned, and the audience is never sure whether to laugh, recoil, or reflect. The “haveli” becomes less a physical space and more a metaphor for colonial hangovers, guilt, privilege, and suppressed violence lurking beneath polished exteriors.
Performances: Controlled, Confident, and Cutting
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Arjun Mathur delivers a standout performance as Rohit. His calm, unsettling demeanor anchors the film. Mathur plays ambiguity masterfully—never overplaying the menace, never begging for sympathy.
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Rasika Dugal as Ira is layered and restrained. She conveys emotional depth through minimalism, making her reactions feel authentic rather than performative.
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Zoha Rahman brings sharp energy as Sanya, acting as both an emotional catalyst and a mirror to the audience’s disbelief.
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Paresh Pahuja as Dr. Basukinath adds an unexpected dimension, balancing intellectual arrogance with quiet desperation.
Supporting appearances—from the pizza delivery guy to Garrick Hagon’s mysterious presence—add texture without ever distracting from the central conflict.
Direction, Writing & Tone
Anshuman Jha’s direction is confident and deliberately restrained. He trusts the script and his actors, avoiding unnecessary background scores or visual gimmicks. The black comedy here is not loud or slapstick; it is biting, ironic, and often uncomfortable. The humor sneaks up on you, leaving behind a lingering sense of unease.
The dialogues are sharp and intelligent, often revealing more through what is not said. The film also subtly comments on power dynamics, class privilege, and moral cowardice—without turning preachy.
Cinematography & Setting
The cinematography embraces enclosed spaces, using tight frames and minimal camera movement to heighten tension. The haveli’s interiors feel both intimate and suffocating, reinforcing the idea that there is no easy escape—physically or morally. Lighting choices enhance the film’s darkly comic tone, shifting from warm to cold as the night spirals out of control.
What Works & What Might Divide Audiences
What works:
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Bold premise and fearless storytelling
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Strong ensemble performances
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Intelligent black humor
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Minimalist yet effective direction
What may divide viewers:
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Slow-burn pacing
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Dialogue-heavy structure
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Morally ambiguous characters with no clear heroes
This is not a mass entertainer, nor does it attempt to be. It is a film that demands patience and engagement.
Final Verdict
Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is a refreshing anomaly in contemporary Hindi cinema—dark, daring, and deeply thought-provoking. It may not appeal to everyone, but for viewers who appreciate black comedy, intimate dramas, and morally complex storytelling, this film is a rewarding experience.
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Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐