Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders is a 2025 Hindi-language crime thriller directed by Honey Trehan. A sequel to the critically acclaimed 2020 film, this installment expands the dark universe of Inspector Jatil Yadav, diving deeper into moral ambiguity, family secrets, and the suffocating power of silence. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies along with MacGuffin Pictures, the film once again brings gripping storytelling to the forefront.
After its gala premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on 21 November 2025, the film was released on Netflix on 19 December 2025, instantly becoming one of the most discussed crime thrillers of the year.
🔍 Plot Summary
The story begins with the shocking murder of industrialist Mahinder Bansal in his ancestral mansion. What appears to be a straightforward homicide soon spirals into a tangled web of deceit, greed, and long-buried family secrets.
Inspector Jatil Yadav (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is assigned the case. Known for his intense investigative methods and moral rigidity, Jatil finds himself navigating a labyrinth of lies within the powerful Bansal family. As he questions each family member, layers of betrayal unravel.
Meera Bansal (Chitrangada Singh) emerges as a central figure in the narrative—calm, composed, yet emotionally guarded. The deeper Jatil probes, the more complex the motives become. Power struggles, inheritance conflicts, emotional manipulation, and hidden relationships all come to light.
Adding to the tension are unexpected revelations involving political pressure, spiritual manipulation through Guru Maa (Deepti Naval), and internal conflicts within the police department led by DGP Sameer Verma (Rajat Kapoor).
The night is long, and truth is elusive. And in true Raat Akeli Hai fashion, the film reminds us: sometimes justice comes at a personal cost.
🎭 Performances
Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Inspector Jatil Yadav
Nawazuddin once again delivers a masterclass in restrained intensity. His portrayal of Jatil is layered—stern yet emotionally vulnerable. The internal battle between duty and personal turmoil is visible in every frame. He carries the film with quiet authority.
Chitrangada Singh as Meera Bansal
Chitrangada shines in a complex role that demands emotional subtlety. She embodies mystery and grace while hinting at suppressed rage and trauma. Her chemistry with Nawazuddin adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Supporting Cast Highlights
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Deepti Naval as Guru Maa brings an eerie calmness to her character.
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Rajat Kapoor lends gravitas as DGP Sameer Verma.
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Revathi, Sanjay Kapoor, and Ila Arun deliver strong performances that enhance the ensemble dynamic.
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Radhika Apte’s special appearance adds a nostalgic and emotional connection to the first film.
Each character feels purposeful, and no role exists merely for decoration.
🎥 Direction & Screenplay
Honey Trehan crafts a slow-burn thriller that thrives on atmosphere rather than jump scares. The screenplay unfolds deliberately, allowing tension to build organically. The narrative structure mirrors the claustrophobic setting of the Bansal mansion—tight, suffocating, and heavy with secrets.
The sequel does not rely on the success of the original. Instead, it expands the thematic depth, exploring corruption, patriarchy, spiritual manipulation, and the moral grey areas of law enforcement.
🎶 Music & Cinematography
The background score intensifies the mood without overpowering scenes. Dark corridors, dimly lit rooms, and lingering camera shots enhance the psychological tension. The cinematography uses shadows effectively, reinforcing the theme that truth hides in darkness.
🔥 What Works
⚠ What Could Be Better
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The slow pacing may not appeal to viewers seeking fast-paced action.
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Some subplots feel slightly stretched in the second half.
🎯 Final Verdict
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders is not just a murder mystery—it is a psychological exploration of guilt, power, and hidden truths. The film respects its audience’s intelligence and avoids simplistic resolutions. It stands as one of the most gripping crime thrillers of 2025.
For fans of intelligent storytelling and character-driven narratives, this sequel is a must-watch.
⭐ Rating: 4/5
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