"Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas," directed by Akshay Shere, is a Hindi-language crime thriller that premiered on ZEE5 on October 17, 2025. Inspired by true events, the film follows a gritty police investigation into the disappearance of several young girls in a small town in Uttar Pradesh. Here are five reasons why thriller lovers should add "Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas" to their watchlist:

1. Compelling performances: The film rests firmly on its leads, Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar. Warsi brings a weary intensity to the role of Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, a cop hardened by experience. Kumar steps away from his usual persona to deliver a layered portrayal of a simple man caught in extraordinary circumstances. The two leads ably shoulder the film, creating a battle of wills between their characters. Ayesha Kaduskar also stars.

2. Intriguing plot: The story begins in Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh, with the disappearance of a young woman named Poonam Mishra. Bhagwat promises Poonam's father that he will find her within 15 days. The investigation reveals a prostitution racket and a series of missing girls with similar circumstances. A local politician attempts to build a "love jihad" narrative around the disappearance, adding a layer of socio-political commentary. Running parallel to the investigation is a love story between Sameer (Jitendra Kumar) and Meera (Ayesha Kaduskar). As Bhagwat investigates, he discovers a phone number from one of the missing women, leading him to other missing girls in different towns. The film explores how societal prejudices about inter-faith love and women seeking independence can hinder investigations.

3. Exploration of social issues: "Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas" effectively calls out the social psychology that feeds the demons within. The film touches upon misogyny and how it is widespread amongst the police, who are meant to be solving the mystery of the disappearances. It suggests how societal behavior helps a sly killer spread his net and how a misogynistic, polarized environment allows the chameleon to hide and attack at will. The film also brings forth the fears of women living in a conservative Indian society and questions whether these women could have been saved if they had the chance to discuss their situations at home.

4. Taut and tense storytelling: The film packs all the thrills into its runtime, creating a tense atmosphere. The credible production design of a small town, coupled with a sense of urgency and dread, contributes to the feeling of suffocation. Viewers find themselves desperately seeking vengeance as 19 women are found missing over several years.

5. Inspired by true events: The film is inspired by true events involving the disappearance of 19 young women in North India. This adds a layer of chilling realism to the story, making it all the more unsettling.

While some reviews mention that the film loses momentum in the later half and becomes predictable, the solid performances and exploration of relevant social issues make "Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas" a worthwhile watch for thriller enthusiasts.