Strong performances by Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar anchor a compelling yet predictable thriller.
Directed by Akshay Shere, ‘Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas’ features the performances of Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar, who play pivotal roles in this Hindi thriller. The film presents a narrative set in Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh, where a woman goes missing in 2009. Police officer Bhagwat, portrayed by Warsi, assures the woman’s father that he will locate her within 15 days. Meanwhile, in a separate storyline, Samir, played by Kumar, finds himself infatuated with Meera, a character portrayed by Ayesha Kaduskar.
As the plot unfolds, Samir’s charm gradually breaks down Meera’s initial resistance. However, Bhagwat soon realizes that a cunning trickster is at play. The film raises questions about whether this man is also responsible for a series of murders targeting women, and if so, the whereabouts of the bodies remain unknown. As Bhagwat investigates, he employs aggressive tactics, even resorting to violence with suspects, which leads to his superior suggesting he attend anger management sessions. Despite his aggressive methods, Bhagwat struggles to establish a concrete link between Samir and the crimes, relying instead on circumstantial evidence.
‘Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas,’ written by Bhavini Bheda and available on ZEE5, begins on a strong note. Shere effectively utilizes familiar tropes associated with the thriller genre and benefits from the performances of its lead actors. The film runs for 127 minutes but begins to lose its momentum as the story progresses. The narrative draws parallels with a popular web series, as both share the same modus operandi for the actual killer. Ultimately, the film centers on the dynamic between its two main characters, with the tension escalating as they confront each other.
Arshad Warsi delivers a robust portrayal of Bhagwat, embodying the character of a determined officer whose unorthodox methods come under scrutiny. The film takes a somewhat conscientious approach to address societal prejudices related to inter-faith love and the challenges faced by women seeking independence, which complicates the investigation. In contrast, Jitendra Kumar showcases his versatility by seamlessly transitioning from the charming suitor to a man desperately pleading for his innocence when faced with the threat of intense interrogation.
The chemistry between Warsi and Kumar forms the crux of the film, allowing them to carry a narrative that remains engaging until the mystery’s resolution. However, once the central conflict is resolved, the film struggles to maintain its intrigue, ultimately veering towards predictability. While the performances of both actors provide significant entertainment value, the film could have benefitted from a more innovative approach to its storyline.
