Veteran actress Chitrangada Singh, making her appearance in the Raat Akeli Hai sequel, has said she felt “destined” to be part of the production after missing out on a cameo in the original 2020 movie. Her expanded role in the sequel, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, represents not just a chance to work in a gripping crime story but also a creatively rewarding turn she found emotionally compelling. Singh explained that she chooses roles that leave a lingering impact and that the layered, grey-area character in this thriller drew her to the project.
The sequel reunites the original cast, including Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte, and is directed by Honey Trehan with a cast that also features Revathy, Deepti Naval, Rajat Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor. The story follows Jatil Yadav, the inspector, who is investigating the brutal massacre of members of the affluent Bansal family, uncovering hidden motives that also reveal some dark secrets.
Critical and Audience Response: A Mixed but Engaging Response
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders premiered on Netflix on December 19, 2025, and has since started a conversation among critics and viewers. Early reviews paint the film as a slow-burning crime thriller with high points and notable flaws:
Positive Highlights
- Multiple outlets note that the film builds a tense, eerie atmosphere with a layered investigation that keeps audiences guessing. Several reviewers and viewer reactions on X praised the suspenseful storytelling and unpredictable twists, especially appealing to fans of slow-burn mysteries. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance as Inspector Jatil was widely applauded for bringing depth and moral conflict to the role, while Radhika Apte’s return was described as a welcome emotional anchor despite limited screen time.
- Some critics pointed out how the film doesn’t just focus on the whodunit plot but also touches on class disparities, power dynamics, and moral differences within India’s elite, further enriching the narrative.
Criticisms and Limitations
- Several reviews pointed out that the pacing was uneven, especially in the middle of the movie, where there is a subplot involving a mysterious “godwoman” character.
- While The Bansal Murders stands on its own as an investigation story, some critics judged it as less gripping than the original Raat Akeli Hai film. One review believes the movie feels assembled rather than masterfully executed.
Industry Buzz and Audience Engagement
Social media reactions show enthusiastic discussion from viewers, with many appreciating the return of Inspector Jatil and the film’s dense mystery. Some fans even labelled the sequel darker and sharper than its predecessor, while others debated the execution of its ending and narrative choices.
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders is proving to be a compelling watch for fans of atmospheric, character-driven crime thrillers. Its strengths lie in strong performances, a brooding tone, and thought-provoking themes, even if its execution and pacing draw mixed responses from critics. The film is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.