Murderbaad (2025) Hindi Movie

Synopsis

Murderbaad is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language romantic thriller film written and directed by Arnab Chatterjee. This movie marks his debut as a filmmaker in Hindi cinema, blending romance, mystery, and psychological tension into a single gripping narrative. Produced under the ACJEE Entertainment banner, the film stars Nakul Roshan Sahdev and Kanikka Kapur in lead roles, with strong performances from Sharib Hashmi, Manish Chaudhari, Saloni Batra, and Amole Gupte.

The movie released in July 2025 and quickly gained attention for its intriguing storyline, unexpected twists, and haunting visuals set in the heart of Rajasthan.

Storyline

Set against the vibrant yet mysterious backdrop of Jaipur, Murderbaad follows the story of Jayesh Madnani, also known as Jogesh Mallick, a charming local tour guide who leads groups of foreign visitors through the city’s historic landmarks. During one of his tours, he meets Isabelle Sharma, a young NRI woman visiting India to reconnect with her roots.

Their casual encounters soon turn into a warm, passionate romance. But what begins as a dreamy love story takes a dark and chilling turn when one of the tourists in their group suddenly goes missing under suspicious circumstances.

The disappearance sets off a chain of events that drags both Jayesh and Isabelle into a spiral of secrets, lies, and fear. As police investigations begin, Jayesh himself becomes the prime suspect. Before anyone can reach a conclusion, he too vanishes — leaving Isabelle torn between love and doubt.

From that point, the movie transforms into a layered mystery filled with shocking revelations, betrayals, and emotional turmoil. Every clue leads to another twist, and every character hides something deeper than what meets the eye.

Cast and Performances

• Nakul Roshan Sahdev delivers a powerful performance as Jayesh/Jogesh. His transformation from a romantic lead to a morally grey and unpredictable character forms the emotional backbone of the film.

• Kanikka Kapur shines as Isabelle Sharma, portraying innocence, confusion, and strength with depth. Her chemistry with Nakul is natural and believable.

• Sharib Hashmi stands out as an investigator determined to uncover the truth.

• Manish Chaudhari, Saloni Batra, and Amole Gupte add strength to the supporting cast, each contributing important layers to the story’s suspense and complexity.

The performances collectively elevate the film, grounding its psychological tension with genuine emotional realism.

Direction and Cinematography

Arnab Chatterjee’s direction is confident and ambitious for a debut project. He explores themes of trust, obsession, and identity while keeping the audience guessing until the final act. The movie avoids traditional Bollywood melodrama, focusing instead on subtle expressions and quiet tension.

Cinematographer Binod Pradhan captures Jaipur like never before — both beautiful and eerie at the same time. The pink city’s monuments, palaces, and narrow alleys become silent witnesses to the unfolding mystery. His lens balances romance and suspense in equal measure, using color and light to mirror the emotions of the characters.

The editing by Dev Rao Jadhav keeps the pace tight, especially in the second half, where every scene feels loaded with significance. The film’s background score by Rickie adds atmosphere — romantic at first, then gradually unsettling as the story darkens.

Themes and Symbolism

Murderbaad explores several psychological and emotional themes:

• Love and Deception – The movie explores the question of how well one can truly know someone they love. When affection turns into suspicion, the line between truth and illusion fades.

• Identity and Masks – Jayesh’s dual identity reflects the film’s central idea: everyone hides a part of themselves.

• Obsession and Morality – What begins as a romantic pursuit slowly descends into obsession, forcing the audience to confront uncomfortable questions about desire and control.

• Beauty and Darkness – The film’s setting contrasts Jaipur’s dazzling colors with the hidden shadows of its streets, showing that even the most beautiful places can hide secrets.

Strengths

• Fresh Concept – Unlike formulaic Bollywood thrillers, Murderbaad blends genres in a way that feels new and engaging.

• Atmospheric Visuals – The cinematography makes every frame feel like a painting, filled with both beauty and tension.

• Strong Performances – Nakul and Kanikka’s chemistry drives the emotional weight, while Sharib Hashmi and others add credibility and intensity.

• Intriguing Mystery – The screenplay keeps viewers guessing until the very end, with multiple twists and turns.

Weaknesses

• Pacing Issues – The first half moves slowly, focusing heavily on the romance before shifting gears into a thriller.

• Exposition in Dialogue – Some scenes rely too heavily on explanations rather than allowing the mystery to unfold naturally.

• Overambitious Plotting – The film occasionally attempts to juggle too many subplots simultaneously, which may confuse some viewers.

Despite these flaws, Murderbaad remains an impressive debut effort that showcases the director’s potential for crafting layered, atmospheric cinema.

Critical Reception

Upon release, Murderbaad received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many praised the lead performances, the film’s visual beauty, and its experimental storytelling approach. Some reviewers noted that while the movie isn’t flawless, it succeeds in holding the audience’s attention with unpredictable twists and emotional complexity.

Audiences who enjoy slow-burn thrillers, emotional mysteries, and character-driven dramas found Murderbaad particularly engaging.

Box Office and Impact

The movie opened to a modest box office performance but gradually built word-of-mouth recognition among urban audiences. Its unique mix of romance and psychological suspense helped it stand out amid the usual commercial releases of 2025.

Streaming platforms are expected to give the film a second life, allowing niche audiences who appreciate mystery dramas to discover it anew.

Final Verdict

Murderbaad (2025) is a bold, atmospheric thriller that dares to break away from typical Bollywood storytelling. With stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and an emotionally complex script, it offers something fresh for audiences who love mystery, drama, and a touch of romance.

Although it has minor flaws, it’s an engaging and memorable debut from Arnab Chatterjee — a filmmaker to watch in the years to come.