Bhagwat Chapter 1 – Raakshas, streaming on Zee5 digital platform ventures into the dark corners of human cruelty, questioning how someone can commit heinous acts and yet feel pride in them. Directed with the intent to shed light on society’s indifference toward justice, the film attempts to merge realism with commercial storytelling. While the premise is gripping and rooted in true incidents, its execution falls short, leaving viewers with mixed feelings.
Story
Set in Robertsganj, a small Uttar Pradesh town, the narrative begins with the mysterious disappearance of a young woman named Poonam Mishra. Her parents approach the local police, leading to the entry of Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat (Arshad Warsi), a tough yet impulsive officer transferred from Lucknow due to his temper. As Bhagwat digs deeper, he discovers a chilling pattern—over the past four years, nineteen women have vanished under suspicious circumstances.
His investigation eventually connects these cases to a sinister prostitution racket. The probe leads him to Professor Sameer (Jitendra Kumar), an intellectual with a serene personality hiding a disturbing secret. As the mystery unfolds, Bhagwat must confront his own inner turmoil while seeking justice for the victims. The suspense builds effectively in the first half, but the plot’s predictability in the final act weakens its emotional impact.
Performances
Arshad Warsi delivers a solid performance as Inspector Bhagwat, embodying a stern cop who refuses to compromise with injustice. However, his character arc remains one-dimensional throughout the film, lacking emotional layers that could have made him more compelling.
Jitendra Kumar, on the other hand, steals the spotlight as Professor Sameer. His portrayal of a man with dual personalities is hauntingly convincing. He moves effortlessly between calm composure and chilling menace, making his role the highlight of the film. Ayesha Kaduskar, portraying Meera, performs decently, with her character twist adding a surprising edge toward the end. Supporting actors including Tara Alisha Berry, Devas Dixit, and Hemant Saini deliver noteworthy performances that complement the leads.
Behind the Scenes
From a technical standpoint, Bhagwat Chapter 1 – Raakshas scores well. Amogh Deshpande’s cinematography captures the essence of small-town India, reflecting its claustrophobic yet vibrant atmosphere. The visuals feel authentic and immersive. Editor Hemal Kothari ensures a crisp narrative pace, although the film occasionally drags in the second half. The background score by Mangesh Dhadke adds intensity to key sequences but could have been more impactful.
Final Verdict
Bhagwat Chapter 1 – Raakshas presents an engaging setup inspired by real-life events but struggles to maintain its momentum. While Arshad Warsi’s restrained act and Jitendra Kumar’s striking transformation elevate the storyline, the film’s predictable script and lack of emotional depth limit its potential.
For crime thriller enthusiasts, it offers moments of intrigue and solid performances but not enough novelty to stand out from similar films in the genre. It’s a watchable yet forgettable attempt—one that reminds us why we continue to admire fictional heroes who deliver justice instantly, even when reality feels far less satisfying.
