ZEE5’s latest crime thriller Bhagwat Chapter 1 Raakshas, directed by Akshay Shere, brings together Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar in a tense investigation drama based on true incidents that shook Uttar Pradesh between 2005 and 2009. While the premise promises suspense and intrigue, the execution leaves you wanting more.
The Plot
The story follows Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, played by Arshad Warsi, who gets transferred from Lucknow to a small town called Robertsganj after a disciplinary issue. Soon after his arrival, a young woman named Poonam Mishra goes missing. As Bhagwat begins investigating, he uncovers a series of similar disappearances of nineteen girls who vanished over the last four years.
His trail leads to Professor Sameer, portrayed by Jitendra Kumar, a seemingly calm academic hiding disturbing secrets. As Bhagwat connects the dots, the film evolves into a battle of wits between a determined cop and a cunning criminal, a setup ripe for suspense but one that falters due to uneven storytelling.
Direction, Story, and Screenplay
Director Akshay Shere crafts an atmospheric setting with promising tension in the opening act. However, the narrative loses pace midway and starts echoing familiar plots, most notably resembling Dahaad. The story by Bhavini Bheda feels uninspired in parts, and while the intention to create a gritty procedural is evident, the film’s tone never fully captures the urgency or emotional weight of its premise.
Some courtroom sequences, in particular, come off as unrealistic. Questions about continuity such as Bhagwat attending court without his uniform disrupt immersion. The writing also lacks sharpness, with dialogues by Sumit Saxena failing to leave a memorable impact.
Performances
Arshad Warsi’s portrayal of Vishwas Bhagwat is firm yet monotonous. While he delivers conviction, his character’s emotional range feels limited. Jitendra Kumar, on the other hand, stands out as Professor Sameer. His transformation from calm intellect to menacing manipulator is handled with subtlety and depth, making him the true highlight of the film.
Ayesha Kaduskar adds intrigue as Meera, whose arc brings a late twist to the story. The supporting cast including Tara Alisha Berry, Devas Dikshit, and Hemant Saini perform well but are limited by underwritten roles.
Technical Merits
The technical aspects of Bhagwat Chapter 1 Raakshas are commendable. Cinematographer Amogh Deshpande captures the grim aesthetic of small-town Uttar Pradesh beautifully, blending raw realism with moody frames. Hemal Kothari’s editing keeps the runtime tight, though the pacing dips occasionally. The background score by Mangesh Dhadke adds energy but doesn’t elevate the film’s emotional beats.
Final Verdict
Bhagwat Chapter 1 Raakshas has the potential to be a gripping crime saga but ends up as an average thriller that leans too heavily on genre clichés. Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar deliver noteworthy performances, but the film’s predictable plot and inconsistent execution keep it from reaching its full potential.
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