Bhagwat Chapter 1: Raakshas (2025) [Movie Review] — A Dark Case

Inspired by real events, Bhagwat Chapter 1: Raakshas follows cop Vishwas Bhagwat (Arshad Warsi) as he probes the disappearance of young girls in a sleepy Uttar Pradesh town. The film mines familiar true-crime territory—exploitation, secrecy, and institutional failure—and often asks the right ethical questions. Its strongest impulse is to interrogate how power and poverty distort justice, but the film struggles to translate urgency into coherent momentum.

Story & Screenplay

Ambitious structure that sometimes betrays clarity

Writers Bhavini Bheda and Sumit Saxena opt for a non-linear approach that aims to reveal character and motive slowly. The idea is sound, but the patchwork structure frequently undercuts tension. Important reveals arrive amid narrative friction rather than frictionless escalation, leaving some scenes feeling repetitive and others strangely abrupt. The core mystery is compelling, yet treatment often dilutes the immediacy a crime thriller requires.

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Performances

Strong, grounded turns keep the film anchored

Arshad Warsi carries the story with a sturdy, weathered performance—his Bhagwat is brusque, fatigued, and convincingly haunted. Jitendra Kumar surprises as Sameer, a man of few theatrics whose quietness reads as depth rather than understatement. Ayesha Kaduskar (Meera) and the supporting cast add texture, giving the investigation human stakes. The actors do more with limited material than the script sometimes allows.

Direction & Tone

Akshay Shere’s intent is clear; execution is uneven

Akshay Shere creates a tonal palette that suits the material—bleak, dusty, and unromantic—but the film wavers between tense procedural and contemplative drama. When Shere leans into mood and atmosphere, the result is gripping; when the plot needs propulsion, the film falters. There are flashes of directorial confidence, yet the overall rhythm could have used tighter control.

Technicals: Look, Sound & Music

Authentic locations, but the score struggles to elevate

Cinematography captures Robertsganj’s rough textures with gritty authenticity, and production design reinforces the story’s oppressive mood. However, the score by Mangesh Dhakde and Raghu-Arjun rarely amplifies suspense, and editing choices sometimes sap momentum rather than build it.

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Verdict

Worth a watch for performances and premise, but expect gaps (Rating: 3.5/5)

Bhagwat Chapter 1: Raakshas is a film of worthwhile intentions and notable performances, especially from Warsi and Kumar. Yet its narrative fragmentation and uneven pacing keep it from being the taut, unsettling thriller it aspires to be. Fans of dark, character-driven crime dramas will find value here; viewers seeking a lean, pulse-pounding mystery may feel frustrated. With sharper structure in subsequent chapters, this series could yet deepen into a gripping saga.