Bhagwat Chapter One Review: Familiar Crime Thriller Elevated by Jitendra Kumar and Arshad Warsi’s Performances

In an era when Indian cinema continues to experiment with new-age storytelling and gripping crime narratives, filmmaker Akshay Shere takes a conventional route with his latest release, “Bhagwat Chapter 1 – Raakshas.” The film opens with promise — a quiet professor harboring dark secrets, a short-tempered police officer, and a series of unexplained disappearances in a small Uttar Pradesh town. However, as the story progresses, the film loses its grip, turning what could have been a gripping psychological thriller into an ordinary crime drama.

The first half of “Bhagwat Chapter 1” manages to hold attention with its intriguing setup and eerie atmosphere. But soon, the sense of déjà vu kicks in, as the storyline begins to mirror Sonakshi Sinha and Vijay Varma’s acclaimed web series “Dahaad.” Both share a similar premise — a man with a hidden dark side and a trail of missing women — but unfortunately, Shere’s film adds little innovation or freshness in terms of narrative or presentation.

Predictable Screenplay and Missed Opportunities

While Bhavini Bheda’s story and screenplay are serviceable, they lack creative spark. The second half, especially the courtroom sequences, feels rushed and unrealistic. Instead of building tension and intrigue, certain moments come across as unintentionally confusing or even illogical.

For example, one scene shows Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat (played by Arshad Warsi) walking into court without his police uniform — an odd detail that breaks the film’s realism. In another instance, Professor Sameer (Jitendra Kumar) casually defends himself in court against grave criminal accusations, lacking the emotional weight the moment demands. Even more puzzling is a scene where a laborer is caught by the police carrying an old FIR report — despite it being filed months earlier. These inconsistencies reduce the film’s believability and weaken its dramatic core.

Unfulfilled Potential in a Promising Plot

The premise of “Bhagwat Chapter 1 – Raakshas” — centered on the disappearance of Poonam Mishra and a disturbing prostitution racket involving 19 missing girls — had all the makings of an intense thriller. Unfortunately, poor pacing and a lack of emotional depth turn it into what can best be described as a “soft crime drama.” Instead of digging deeper into the psychology of its characters or delivering nail-biting suspense, the film plays it safe, sticking to overused tropes and predictable reveals.

Performances That Outshine the Story

Even though the writing falters, the performances by Jitendra Kumar and Arshad Warsi stand out. Jitendra’s portrayal of the mysterious professor adds depth to an otherwise underwritten role, while Warsi’s portrayal of Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat provides a blend of intensity and emotional restraint. Their on-screen presence is what keeps the audience engaged despite the film’s narrative flaws.

The supporting cast performs adequately, but none of them are given enough screen time or substance to leave a strong impact. The cinematography captures the small-town tension effectively, while the background score attempts to add suspense, though it occasionally feels misplaced.

Final Verdict: Watch for Performances, Skip for Thrills

“Bhagwat Chapter 1 – Raakshas” had all the ingredients of a gripping crime thriller — mystery, emotion, and suspense — but it ultimately settles for mediocrity. The movie’s biggest drawback lies in its predictability and lack of innovation. Despite a promising setup, the film misses the mark in storytelling and direction, leaving the audience unsatisfied.

Verdict: Watch it for Jitendra Kumar and Arshad Warsi’s performances. Skip it if you’re expecting a tense, edge-of-the-seat crime thriller. The film is currently streaming on ZEE5.