OTT Movie Review: Raat Akeli Hai – A snail-paced whodunnit.!

Starring two talented artists Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte in prominent roles, Raat Akheli Hai built up good expectations with an intriguing trailer. The film is now available for streaming on Netflix. Read on to see if the suspense drama is worth watching.

Story:

Jatil Yadav(Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is a sincere police officer investigating the mysterious death of a powerful landlord Raghubeer Singh. He suspects Raghubeer’s family members and the latter’s newlywed wife, Radha(Radhika Apte). Just as Jatil starts digging deep, he lands in big trouble as a gang of goons attack him. He now has to crack the case and in the process, has to come up against local MLA. The rest of the story unveils the real reason behind Raghubeer’s murder and the way in which Jatil traces the culprit.

How about on-screen performances?

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a proven actor and playing a sincere cop is certainly not the biggest of challenges for him. He suites the role well and delivers an effortless performance.

Radhika Apte is seen as a young and strong natured lady who craves for true love but is forcefully married to a man much older than her. She emotes well. The film is almost entirely based on these 2 characters. The rest of the cast deliver what is expected of them.

How about off-screen talents?

Honey Trehan, who previously worked as a casting director made his directorial debut with this film. He picks an investigative thriller subject that has decent premise. However, his screenplay is not up to the mark. The opening sequences related to two murders evoke interest, but the narration falls flat almost immediately after the 10-minute mark. The film goes on and on and on with nothing much happening.

Cinematography is neat and the atmospheric mood has been carried well. Background score is apt and the songs are situational. Editing could have been better as many scenes which do not take the story forward have been dragged.

What’s hot?

Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte’s performance

Pre-climax twist

What’s not?

Extremely slow narration

Poor editing

Lack of thrilling elements

Lackluster screenplay

Verdict:

Raat Akheli Hai is a snail-paced whodunnit which leaves the viewer craving for more action. The film deals with women and child abuse but neither of these two aspects have been presented well. The twist in the climax is good, but that doesn’t make up for the painfully slow preceding sequences. A better screenplay, pacy narration, and thrilling elements would have saved the film.

Watch or not: Those who like suspense dramas that run at their own pace might give it a try. The film does not appeal to all sections of audience.

TeluguBulletin.com Rating: 1.5/5