What if the real monsters don’t hide in the dark? What if they live among us, sipping tea, smiling politely? That’s exactly what Akshay Shere’s film, Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas, explores. Starring Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar, the film is inspired by true events and dives into a mysterious crime thriller. Is the film worth watching? Read our review of Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas to find out.

Related: Search: The Naina Murder Case Review: Konkona Sen Sharma And Surya Sharma Elevate This Crime Thriller

Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas movie: The plot

The movie opens with ACP Vishwas Bhagwat (Arshad Warsi), who has recently been transferred to the small town of Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh, to investigate the case of a missing girl. Simultaneously, Bhagwat must work on his temper as he’s still mourning his sister’s disappearance. When he comes across the case of Poonam Mishra, the missing girl, Bhagwat realises that this might not be a solitary tragedy. After an intense investigation, he uncovers a mysterious pattern linked to the disappearance of all other women in the past from Robertsganj.

When Bhagwat nearly gives up on finding the culprit and tying the racket together, he comes across Rajkumar Siritiya (Jitendra Kumar) aka Suraj aka Sameer and his multiple other names. Even though the case becomes clear, Bhagwat fails to find any charge to convict Rajkumar. Everyone who knows Rajkumar only knows the polite, kind and honest college professor he is. And his victims? They have already been murdered. Will Bhagwat succeed in finding the one last clue that can end further killings and Rajkumar’s filthy game?

Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas movie review: A must-watch suspense thriller

What sets this true crime movie apart is that it doesn’t rely on jump scares or a dramatic background score to make it an engaging watch. It does so effortlessly through the plot and terrific acting to keep you on the edge of your seat. There are moments of calm and subtle humour until something shifts, and every intentional pause demands your attention. Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas is a gripping movie where each clue adds to the ongoing tension, sending a chill down your spine. Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas works as a glaring reminder of how criminals thrive in a corrupt system that’s also too weak to protect its innocent citizens. And how patriarchy worsens the situation.

Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas movie: The cast

Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar have done a commendable job in the film. Arshad’s ACP Bhagwat is a no-nonsense police officer who keeps his department on their toes. And then comes Jitendra, the sweet, motivating Jeetu Bhaiya we’ve known all this while. So, seeing him play the villain was definitely not on my 2025 Bingo card. Even in Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas, Jitendra works his quiet charm to portray a lethal criminal. Other actors, including Ayesha Kaduskar and Tara-Alisha Berry, also ace their supporting roles.

Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas is now streaming on ZEE5.

Can you watch Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas with your family?: No, the movie has scenes of intimacy and mature themes that could make it an uncomfortable family watch.

Featured Image Source

Related: Obsessed With True Crime Stories? Watch These Movies And Shows