Exploring the Dark Intrigues of 'Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders'

The sequel to the acclaimed film 'Raat Akeli Hai' returns with Inspector Jatil Yadav, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, as he investigates the chilling Bansal family murders. Set against the backdrop of a wealthy family entangled with a religious cult, the film explores themes of societal decay and moral ambiguity. With a mix of suspense and drama, this Netflix release promises to engage viewers, though it may not reach the heights of its predecessor. Join Jatil as he navigates through clues and confronts the complexities of justice in a world where righteousness is questioned.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:00 IST

A New Chapter in the 'Raat Akeli Hai' Saga

The sequel to Honey Trehan’s 2020 film, Raat Akeli Hai – The Bansal Murders, brings back the uniquely named Inspector Jatil Yadav, portrayed by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who is tasked with unraveling a new case that reveals societal decay.

This Netflix release centers around a wealthy Lucknow family, the Bansals, who are under the influence of a religious cult leader, Guru Maa (Deepti Naval). While she claims to assist the family in overcoming their grief and addiction issues, her cryptic demeanor raises doubts about her true intentions.

The brutal murder of nearly the entire Bansal family during the night leads to a plethora of evidence pointing towards the alleged perpetrator, Aarav (Delzad Hiwale), while the main survivor, Meera (Chitrangda Singh), becomes a person of interest for Inspector Jatil, who is pressured by his superior, Sameer (Rajat Kapoor), to treat her leniently.

Returning to pen the script is Smita Singh, with familiar faces like Ila Arun as Jatil’s mother Sarita and Radhika Apte as Radha, who previously had a significant role in the first film. Apte’s brief appearance serves as a subplot that, while not pivotal, offers a glimpse into Jatil’s life beyond his professional challenges.

Priyanka Setia plays Nisha, a lawyer who aids Jatil with crucial insights, while Revathi portrays Panicker, a pragmatic forensic expert.

However, the film's challenges faced by Jatil seem contrived, appearing to be mere plot devices to extend the runtime. Unlike its predecessor, this installment lacks the gripping atmosphere and visual storytelling that hinted at sinister activities lurking in the shadows.

The portrayal of righteous crime somewhat diminishes the horror of the Bansal family’s massacre, with the depiction of the aftermath feeling subdued, paralleling Meera’s muted response to the calamity that has befallen her family.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance as the irritable yet astute Jatil remains engaging, as he navigates through clues with relentless energy. The film, spanning 136 minutes, moves swiftly but ultimately feels like a standard police procedural lacking depth.

Revathi and Priyanka Setia shine in their roles, particularly in a memorable scene where Revathi’s Panicker reenacts the Bansal murders, showcasing her expertise in a chilling manner.