Raat Akeli Hai The Bansal Murders review: Nawazuddin Siddiqui-Radhika Apte’s performances in gripping crime thriller wins praise

Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders has started streaming on Netflix from December 19, reopening the world first seen in the 2020 film Raat Akeli Hai. Positioned as a spiritual sequel, the new film once again places Nawazuddin Siddiqui at the centre as Inspector Jatil Yadav, a cop known for his quiet intensity and stubborn honesty. Early reactions on X suggest that viewers were eager to return to this universe, and many feel the sequel raises the stakes with a darker and more layered mystery.

The film is set largely inside the Bansal mansion, where a brutal crime shocks a wealthy and influential family. What begins as a straightforward investigation quickly becomes complex, as every clue seems to deepen the mystery rather than solve it. Each family member appears suspicious at different points, keeping the narrative moving through shifting motives and hidden relationships. According to IMDb, the story follows Inspector Jatil as he uncovers greed, betrayal and long-buried secrets, all of which point towards a larger conspiracy (IMDb).

X reviews praise suspense elements

On X, several viewers described the film as intriguing and intense, noting that the investigation keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Many felt the suspense-driven storytelling works in the film’s favour, especially for those who enjoy slow-burn crime dramas. Some reactions, however, also pointed out that the screenplay loses strength in parts and that the writing could have been tighter. Despite these concerns, most reviews concluded that the film remains a solid watch due to its unpredictable plot and frequent shifts in suspicion.


Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance as Inspector Jatil has once again drawn strong appreciation. Viewers felt he convincingly portrays a cop who cannot rest until his job is done, reinforcing the character’s moral conflict and emotional weight. Radhika Apte also received praise for her role, with audiences calling her consistently impressive. Several X users felt the performances helped balance out the weaker moments in the script and added credibility to the tense investigation.

Cast

The sequel introduces a wide ensemble cast that includes Chitrangada Singh, Radhika Apte, Deepti Naval and Ila Arun Bajpai, alongside Revathy Asha Kelluni, Rajat Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Priyanka Setia, Shridhar Dubey and Akhilendra Mishra. Chitrangada Singh plays Meera, while Radhika Apte appears as Radha. Viewers noted that the cast hints at complicated family dynamics, with brief but effective scenes suggesting interrogations, shifting loyalties and unresolved conflicts. The trailer had already built anticipation, and early reactions suggest the ensemble helps maintain intrigue throughout the film.