His scenes in the second half are particularly memorable
ZEE5 Global’s latest original film, Bhagwat – Chapter One: Raakshas, is a gripping crime thriller inspired by true events.
Produced by Jio Studios in collaboration with Baweja Studios and Dog ‘n’ Bone Pictures, the film is a high-stakes exploration of truth, deception and the human psyche.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh, the narrative immediately hooks viewers with its gritty tone and real-world issues, including harm towards women, elopement, and societal reactions to love outside tradition.
At the centre is Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat (Arshad Warsi), a flawed yet grounded protagonist whose personal demons and layered character make him more relatable than the invincible heroes often seen in mainstream Indian cinema.
Balancing suspense, romance, and human drama, the film gradually escalates into a tense thriller that keeps the audience invested from start to finish.
Gritty Realism & Strong Performances
The film opens with a tone that is both raw and unsettling, immediately highlighting pressing societal issues.
Arshad Warsi’s portrayal of Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat is nuanced, capturing a man dedicated to justice while wrestling with anger and heartbreak.
His personal demons are revealed in a flashback, grounding the character in realism and providing a strong emotional core.
Jitendra Kumar delivers a compelling performance as Sameer, a college professor whose calm exterior masks a complex identity.
His scenes in the second half are particularly memorable, with one pivotal face-off delivered in an eerily calm tone that leaves both Bhagwat and the police team shaken.
The music in these sequences amplifies the tension, making the psychological duel between the two men as chilling as it is riveting.
Even the quieter moments, including the budding romance between Sameer and Meera (Ayesha Kaduskar), are enhanced by subtle musical cues that deepen the emotional resonance.
Director Akshay Shere uses the small-town setting of Robertsganj to full effect.
The cinematography captures stark landscapes, crowded streets, and local colour, lending authenticity to the story.
The setting amplifies the narrative’s tension while grounding the characters’ choices in a believable social and cultural context.
Kaveri Das, Business Head of Hindi at ZEE5, said the film reflects the platform’s vision of curating stories that remain impactful long after the credits roll.
She explained: “Bhagwat is a powerful reflection of our mission.
“It is suspenseful yet deeply layered, with performances from Arshad and Jitendra that will undoubtedly resonate with audiences globally.”
Narrative Pacing, Themes & Psychological Tension
Bhagwat benefits from a steadily building pace that snowballs into a larger conspiracy.
What begins as a routine missing person investigation soon reveals a disturbing network of deceit and suspected trafficking.
The romantic subplot between Meera and Sameer adds an initial tenderness and underscores the cultural challenges of love and morality in contemporary India.
While the romance occasionally leans on conventional tropes, it intensifies the stakes when Sameer’s path intersects with Bhagwat’s investigation.
The tension between Bhagwat and Sameer drives much of the narrative in the second half of the film, creating a psychological chess match that engages the viewer without relying on overt action sequences.
The final courtroom showdown is particularly tense, where one side appears to hold the advantage before an unexpected revelation flips the narrative, reinforcing the film’s message that courage and perseverance can triumph over evil.
The cinematography and score heighten this suspense, ensuring that every scene, whether a confrontation or a quiet emotional moment, feels immersive.
Room for Improvement
While the central performances shine, secondary characters receive less development. They primarily advance Bhagwat’s story rather than exist as fully fleshed-out individuals.
Nevertheless, their presence reinforces the narrative’s realism, reflecting societal reactions and cultural constraints that shape the choices of the main characters.
Even brief scenes with supporting cast members benefit from the authentic locations and measured score, which maintain the film’s tense and grounded atmosphere.
Priyanka Chaudhary, COO and CFO of Jio Studios, emphasised the company’s mission to bring rooted Indian stories to international viewers.
She described Bhagwat as “a taut, heartland thriller that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.”
Baweja added: “It’s not just a thriller.
“It is a bold and emotionally compelling story that examines the grey areas of human choices while delivering a cinematic punch.”
Bhagwat – Chapter One: Raakshas is a taut, heartland thriller that combines suspense, moral complexity, and strong performances from Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar.
The film’s gripping narrative, layered characters, authentic setting, and carefully applied soundtrack make it a compelling watch for fans of crime thrillers and character-driven stories.
While some secondary characters lack depth, the central performances, psychological tension, and immersive environment carry the story effectively.
Ultimately, Bhagwat succeeds in balancing a gritty crime investigation with human drama, offering a story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.
Its exploration of morality, courage, and resilience ensures it lingers with the viewer long after the credits roll.
For those looking for a thriller that challenges traditional hero tropes and presents grounded, believable characters, this film is well worth watching.
Bhagwat – Chapter One: Raakshas is available to stream on ZEE5 Global now.
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