Bhagwat Chapter One: Jitendra Kumar's Unconvincing Villain, Arshad Warsi's Unshocking Performance - A Raakshas Review.

Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas: A Crime Thriller That Loses Its Way

"Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas," directed by Akshay Shere and inspired by true events, attempts to weave a dark and complex narrative around the disappearance of young women in a small Uttar Pradesh town. Premiering on ZEE5 on October 17, 2025, the film stars Arshad Warsi as Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, a cop with a troubled past, and Jitendra Kumar as Sameer, a seemingly ordinary college professor. While the premise holds promise, the execution ultimately falls short, leaving viewers wanting more depth and impact.

The film draws inspiration from the crimes of Cyanide Mohan, aiming to deliver a haunting true-crime thriller. The story begins with the disappearance of a young woman named Poonam, drawing Inspector Bhagwat into the investigation. His path crosses with Sameer, Poonam's boyfriend, and a complex web of secrets begins to unravel. The narrative explores the underbelly of small-town India, where love, crime, and moral corruption collide.

Arshad Warsi, known for his comedic roles, takes on a serious persona as Inspector Bhagwat. He portrays a weary and hardened cop, visibly affected by the grim realities he encounters. Warsi's performance showcases a departure from his usual light-hearted characters, embodying the intensity required for a psychological crime thriller. However, some critics suggest that Warsi's efforts to dial down his inherent charm ultimately lead to a less impactful performance.

Jitendra Kumar, recognized for his roles in "Panchayat" and "Kota Factory," attempts to break away from his established image with his portrayal of Sameer. Kumar's character is a college professor with hidden depths, and the actor embraces the challenge of portraying a character with potentially sinister shades. While Kumar's stillness and calm demeanor are initially unnerving, some reviews suggest that his villainous turn ultimately falls flat, failing to deliver the chilling impact needed to elevate the film. Despite the anticipation surrounding Kumar's transformation, his performance doesn't fully capitalize on the potential of the character.

One of the main criticisms of "Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas" is its non-linear narrative. The film's disjointed storytelling often sacrifices emotional connection and momentum, resulting in a fragmented viewing experience. What could have been a taut and unsettling thriller is instead bogged down by unnecessary complexity. The film also suffers from comparisons to similar crime thrillers, such as "Dahaad," which offered more depth and scope in dissecting the killer's psyche.

Despite its flaws, "Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas" does have some redeeming qualities. The film effectively captures the oppressive atmosphere of a society where women are marginalized and fear is weaponized. The narrative also touches upon relevant social issues, such as the manipulation of "love jihad" narratives and the corruption that allows predators to thrive. The moody and atmospheric visuals contribute to a gripping tone, and the performances, particularly by Warsi and Kumar, carry some emotional weight.

Ultimately, "Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas" presents a compelling premise but fails to deliver a fully satisfying execution. While Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar attempt to step outside their comfort zones, their performances are not enough to overcome the film's narrative shortcomings. The film's non-linear structure and lack of depth prevent it from leaving a lasting impact, making it a somewhat underwhelming addition to the crime thriller genre. The film may find an audience on OTT platforms due to its dark narrative and strong lead roles, but it is unlikely to achieve significant box office success.


Written By
Curious and detail-oriented, Sanya is drawn to investigative reporting, uncovering hidden truths, and has a strong passion for sports. She diligently learns fact-checking, source verification, and navigating public records to illuminate important local issues. Sanya, also an avid sports enthusiast, is committed to upholding journalistic integrity, providing her community with accurate, unbiased information, even when challenging established narratives.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360