Prime Video just dropped a new crime thriller starring Barun Sobti and Nimisha Sajayan. Directed by Ambiecka Pandit and written by Amita Vyas, Babita Singh Reporting looks like a familiar murder mystery on the surface, but there is much more going on underneath. Does the film manage to balance its crime story with everything else it wants to say, or does it end up trying to do too much at once? Read our Babita Singh Reporting review to find out.

Babita Singh Reporting review: Not just another crime thriller

Babita (Nimisha Sajayan), lovingly known as Baby, is an Assistant Sub-Inspector. Over the years, she has perfected the art of being a people-pleaser. At work, she tries to stay in her boss’ good books. At home, she navigates her in-laws, her husband and an endless stream of expectations without much noise. When her sister-in-law’s godh bharai approaches, Babita wants to visit her in-laws for the first time in two years. The problem is she can’t get her leave approved. But desperate to not disappoint anyone, she agrees to admit to a false charge and gets suspended. As soon as she arrives at her in-laws’ town, she meets Bansi (Barun Sobti), her childhood friend, but the reunion is brief. The same night, Bansi dies. The police are quick to accept the obvious explanation, but Baby isn’t convinced. That’s when she decides to investigate the murder on her own.

Babita’s marriage is the real crime scene

Though Babita’s investigation into Bansi’s murder drives the story forward, it is her life outside the investigation that ends up being far more compelling. What really steals the show is the film’s portrayal of Babita’s marriage. It isn’t necessarily toxic; in fact, on the surface, it seems like Babita got really lucky and found herself a great husband and in-laws. But as the movie proceeds, we realise that’s not the case. Babita’s weight, her thyroid, her inability to conceive, and her appearance become casual family conversation. Her mother-in-law’s seemingly thoughtful gestures carry veiled criticism. Even intimacy becomes another reminder of how little space Babita occupies in her own marriage.

What makes these scenes uncomfortable is that nobody behaves like a cartoon villain. It’s difficult to categorise them as ‘bad mother-in-law’ or ‘bad husband ’, but that’s the point. In reality, patriarchy rarely arrives announcing itself as patriarchy. More often, it looks like concern. Someone telling you what is “best” for you.

Babita Singh Reporting has a few bumps along the way

For all its good ideas, the film doesn’t always know what to do with them. The murder mystery is interesting enough to keep you watching, but the actual investigation isn’t as gripping. At times, the film feels stuck between being a police drama, a family drama, a feminist story and a thriller.

This mix of genres works in some places, but feels messy in others. The film raises some interesting questions about Bansi, Babita’s marriage, her past and the secrets hiding behind ordinary family lives, but not all of them are explored properly. The slow pace works for the more emotional parts of the story, but if you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, you might find yourself waiting for things to pick up.

Still, the film’s biggest strength, Nimisha Sajayan, makes up for some of these flaws. She refuses to play Babita as either a victim or a superhero. Instead, she gives us a woman who is messy, insecure, funny, uncomfortable and increasingly furious. Her performance makes the film’s central transformation feel real and believable.

Overall, Babita Singh Reporting is a gripping whodunnit that delivers the nuance it promises.

Can you watch Babita Singh Reporting with your family?: Yes, the film is completely clean and can make for a good family watch.

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