Raat Akeli Hai (2020) is a dark, atmospheric murder mystery starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte. Directed by Honey Trehan, this Netflix film explores secrets buried within a wealthy family. Read our full review!
🎬 Introduction
“Raat Akeli Hai” (transl. The Night is Lonely) is a gripping Hindi-language thriller drama that blends noir aesthetics with classic whodunit intrigue. Released on Netflix on 31 July 2020, the film is directed by Honey Trehan in his debut and written by Smita Singh. With a powerhouse performance from Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte, the film delivers a layered mystery wrapped in themes of power, patriarchy, and suppressed trauma.
🧩 Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Set in a dusty small town in Uttar Pradesh, the film opens with a chilling prologue involving a mysterious car accident on a dark highway. Fast forward five years — the murder of an influential patriarch on the night of his wedding shakes his aristocratic household. Enter Inspector Jatil Yadav (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a morally upright yet socially awkward cop who takes charge of the investigation.
As Jatil probes deeper into the lives of the deceased’s family, he encounters layers of deceit, resentment, and buried secrets. His key suspect is the enigmatic bride Radha (Radhika Apte), a much younger woman with a mysterious past. The film methodically untangles the mystery, all the while exploring the dynamics of a feudal household where everyone has a motive and something to hide.
🧠 Themes and Symbolism
“Raat Akeli Hai” doesn’t just stop at being a murder mystery. It smartly uses the crime narrative to explore:
- Patriarchy and Power Abuse – The film subtly critiques the exploitation of women in elite Indian families, showing how they are controlled and silenced.
- Class Divide – Through Radha’s backstory, it examines the vulnerabilities of lower-class women in the hands of powerful men.
- Loneliness and Morality – The title reflects not just the night of the murder but the psychological loneliness of characters like Jatil, who is haunted by his past and social isolation.
🌟 Performances
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Inspector Jatil Yadav is simply magnetic. He nails the role with a blend of restraint, frustration, and quiet intensity. Jatil’s character — a bachelor living with his nagging mother, battling corruption, and societal expectations — feels authentic and grounded.
- Radhika Apte delivers another stellar performance as Radha. Her portrayal of a victim who refuses to stay silent is both haunting and empowering. She brings out the character’s vulnerability, strength, and suspicion with grace.
- Tigmanshu Dhulia, Shweta Tripathi, Aditya Srivastava, and Ila Arun shine in their supporting roles, adding complexity and suspicion to the narrative.
🎥 Technical Brilliance
- Cinematography by Pankaj Kumar is one of the film’s standout aspects. The lighting, especially in dimly lit interiors and foggy exteriors, creates a noir-like, claustrophobic feel. Shadows dominate every frame, making the environment feel secretive and threatening.
- Editing by A. Sreekar Prasad ensures the pace remains steady. The film slowly simmers, allowing characters to develop while the tension escalates.
- Music & Sound: Sneha Khanwalkar (songs) and Karan Kulkarni (score) infuse the film with a brooding, almost haunting soundscape that complements its dark tone.
🔍 Direction & Writing
Honey Trehan, known for his work as a casting director and assistant to Vishal Bhardwaj, brings his mentor’s flavor into his direction — intricate characters, moral ambiguity, and literary storytelling. Smita Singh’s screenplay is taut and dialogue-rich, full of meaningful silences and subtle commentary on gender and class.
🧩 Strengths
✅ Stellar performances, especially Nawazuddin and Radhika
✅ Atmospheric cinematography and background score
✅ A mystery that respects its audience’s intelligence
✅ Subtext-heavy writing with socio-political commentary
✅ Strong female perspective in a genre usually dominated by male saviors
⚠️ Drawbacks
❌ The slow pacing might not appeal to all viewers
❌ The climax, while satisfying, feels slightly rushed in contrast to the slow build-up
❌ Some characters are underexplored given the large ensemble
🧠 Final Verdict
“Raat Akeli Hai” is not your typical edge-of-the-seat thriller. Instead, it’s a slow-burn, character-driven mystery that rewards patient viewers with a rich narrative, powerful performances, and sharp social commentary. It evokes the spirit of classic noir and mixes it beautifully with Indian sensibilities.
For fans of intelligent mysteries, films like Talaash, Andhadhun, or Knives Out, this is a must-watch.
⭐ BMR Rating: 8.5/10
A slow-burning, gripping thriller elevated by brilliant performances and an immersive atmosphere. “Raat Akeli Hai” proves that the night may be lonely, but it’s never without secrets.