Netflix India is bringing back one of its most critically acclaimed crime thrillers with Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, the much-awaited sequel to the 2020 hit film Raat Akeli Hai. The original movie earned massive appreciation for its layered storytelling, realistic characters, and gripping whodunit mystery. Now, Inspector Jatil Yadav is back—this time facing an even darker and more complex case.
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Directed once again by Honey Trehan and headlined by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this sequel promises a deeper dive into human psychology, power dynamics, family secrets, and moral ambiguity. From its intriguing plot to an ensemble cast packed with powerhouse performers, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders is already being touted as one of Netflix India’s most important releases.
In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know—story, cast, runtime, themes, audio options, and why this film is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers.
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders – Quick Overview
- Title: Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders
- Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
- Language: Hindi (Original)
- Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes
- Rating: TV-MA (US)
- Director: Honey Trehan
- Writer: Smita Singh
- Producers: Ronnie Screwvala (RSVP Movies), Honey Trehan & Abhishek Chaubey (Macguffin Pictures)
Why Raat Akeli Hai Became a Cult Netflix Original
Released in 2020, Raat Akeli Hai quickly emerged as one of Netflix India’s best original films. Unlike glossy commercial thrillers, it presented a grounded, slow-burn murder mystery rooted in small-town India. The film followed the murder of a wealthy patriarch on his wedding night, unraveling layers of caste, patriarchy, and social hypocrisy.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s portrayal of Inspector Jatil Yadav—a flawed, socially awkward, yet razor-sharp investigator—was widely praised. His performance earned him the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actor, while the film won Best Web Original Film, cementing its legacy.
With such a strong foundation, expectations from the sequel are naturally sky-high.
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders – Plot Explained
According to Netflix’s official synopsis, the sequel is set in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and revolves around the shocking murder of multiple members of the influential Bansal family.
Story Summary (Spoiler-Free)
The narrative begins when the affluent and socially powerful Bansal family is found brutally murdered inside their sprawling mansion. What initially appears to be a straightforward crime soon turns into a labyrinth of lies, rituals, superstition, greed, and hidden agendas.
Inspector Jatil Yadav is assigned the case and quickly realizes that every family member, relative, and insider has something to hide. As the investigation progresses, he uncovers disturbing truths involving:
- Blind faith and religious manipulation
- Abuse of power by wealthy elites
- Long-buried family secrets
- Psychological trauma masked by respectability
Each revelation only deepens the mystery, making it increasingly difficult to separate victims from perpetrators.
Just like the first film, The Bansal Murders is not merely about solving a crime—it’s about exposing the darkness beneath societal norms.
Returning Characters: Familiar Faces Are Back
Netflix has retained the core characters that made the original film memorable, ensuring continuity in storytelling and emotional depth.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Inspector Jatil Yadav
The soul of the franchise, Jatil Yadav returns as a more experienced yet emotionally scarred investigator. His quiet intensity, moral struggles, and outsider perspective once again anchor the film.
Radhika Apte as Radha
Radhika Apte reprises her role as Radha, whose character adds emotional nuance and complexity to Yadav’s personal journey.
Shreedhar Dubey as Nandu
As Yadav’s trusted subordinate, Nandu brings subtle humor and grounded realism to the investigation.
Ila Arun as Sarita Yadav
Ila Arun returns as Yadav’s mother, adding warmth and social commentary through her interactions and beliefs.
New Cast Members in Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders
The sequel introduces an impressive lineup of seasoned actors, each playing a crucial role in the unfolding mystery.
- Chitrangda Singh (Khakee: The Bengal Chapter)
- Rajat Kapoor (Rana Naidu)
- Revathi (Tooth Pari)
- Sanjay Kapoor (Murder Mubarak)
- Deepti Naval (Lion)
This ensemble cast ensures multiple perspectives, complex character arcs, and strong performances—key ingredients for a compelling whodunit.
Direction, Writing & Production Quality
Once again, Honey Trehan’s direction focuses on realism over spectacle. The film avoids unnecessary background scores and dramatic tropes, instead relying on atmosphere, silence, and nuanced performances.
Smita Singh’s screenplay stands out for its layered writing—every dialogue carries weight, and no character feels disposable. The production houses RSVP Movies and Macguffin Pictures ensure top-notch cinematic quality without compromising authenticity.
The film also held a special screening at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in November, signaling its artistic credibility.
Runtime, Rating & Netflix Viewing Options
- Total Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes
- Content Rating: TV-MA (mature themes, violence, language)
Available Audio Languages
- Hindi (Original)
- English
- Hindi – Audio Description
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Spanish (Latin American & European)
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Indonesian, Polish, Thai
Subtitles
Available in English and 33+ languages, including Hindi Closed Captioning, making it accessible to a global audience.
Themes That Make the Film Stand Out
Unlike conventional crime thrillers, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders explores deeper societal issues:
- Class divide and elite privilege
- Blind faith vs rational thinking
- Patriarchy and suppressed voices
- Moral ambiguity in law enforcement
These themes make the film highly relevant and Discover-friendly, as audiences increasingly prefer content with substance.
Why Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders Is a Must-Watch
- Strong continuation of a critically acclaimed franchise
- Award-winning lead performance by Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- Intense, layered murder mystery
- Realistic portrayal of small-town India
- High production value with meaningful storytelling
For fans of Sacred Games, Talvar, and Delhi Crime, this film is a perfect addition to your watchlist.
Final Verdict
Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders is not just another Netflix sequel—it’s a thoughtfully crafted crime thriller that expands the universe of Inspector Jatil Yadav while retaining the soul of the original film. With its gripping narrative, stellar cast, and socially relevant themes, it has all the elements to become one of Netflix India’s most talked-about releases.
Are you excited to watch Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders on Netflix?
Share your thoughts and theories in the comments and stay tuned for more Netflix India updates, reviews, and release news.
