Bhagwat Movie Review: Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar Elevate a Familiar Crime Drama with Subtle Power

Bhagwat Movie Review (2025): Familiar Yet Compelling Crime Drama

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Directed by: Akshay Shere
Starring: Arshad Warsi, Jitendra Kumar, Ayesha Kaduskar, Rashmi Rajput, Sandeep Yadav, Tara Alisha Berry
Streaming on: ZEE5

Introduction

Director Akshay Shere’s Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas dives into the murky world of crime and deceit in Uttar Pradesh. On the surface, it feels like another procedural thriller we’ve seen countless times before — yet, it manages to hold attention through its sincerity, visual depth, and strong performances by Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar.

While the story doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it remains an engaging and grounded crime investigation with moments of quiet introspection.

A Familiar Setup with a Distinct Voice

Arshad Warsi plays Vishwas Bhagwat, a sharp yet emotionally burdened cop investigating the disappearance of a young woman named Poonam Mishra. What starts as a simple missing person case soon unravels into a deeper, darker mystery connected to multiple disappearances.

The film takes cues from the real-life “Cyanide Mohan” serial killings that shook Karnataka in the 2000s. However, instead of diving into heavy political or societal commentary, Bhagwat chooses to stay true to its procedural roots — an approach that feels both safe and sincere.

Themes and Tone: Between Love and Death

One of the film’s more interesting aspects is its parallel love story between Sameer (Jitendra Kumar) and Meera (Ayesha Kaduskar). Their relationship, filled with warmth and quiet longing, unfolds alongside the grim investigation. The contrast between love’s idealism and society’s intolerance becomes a subtle undercurrent throughout the film.

A key scene at the Ganga ghats in Varanasi — where Sameer and Meera face moral policing — stands out as a moment of truth about love in an increasingly divided world. The tenderness of their bond, however, carries an eerie premonition that things are not as they seem.

Performances: Where Bhagwat Finds Its Soul

• Arshad Warsi delivers a measured and intense performance, portraying a cop worn down by both duty and disillusionment.

• Jitendra Kumar surprises with a layered portrayal — charming at first, but gradually unsettling as his true nature unfolds.

• Ayesha Kaduskar lends vulnerability and grace, especially in her quieter moments.

Together, they form the emotional backbone of a story that could’ve easily become just another generic crime drama.

Cinematography & Direction

Cinematographer Amogh Deshpande beautifully captures the contrasting worlds of the film —

• the dreamy pastel hues of love, and

• the gritty, shadowed frames of investigation.

This visual duality enhances the storytelling, offering both aesthetic appeal and emotional rhythm.

Director Akshay Shere keeps the narrative tight, avoiding unnecessary melodrama. While he doesn’t turn Bhagwat into a bold social commentary like Dahaad, his restrained direction keeps it grounded and engaging.

Writing and Screenplay

Written by Bhavini Bheda and Sumit Saxena, the script balances emotional nuance with procedural tension. However, it often feels like it stops short of making a stronger political or social statement. The hints of commentary on moral policing and communal bias never quite reach their full potential.

Still, the dialogues carry weight, and the pacing keeps viewers invested till the end.

Verdict: A Thoughtful Yet Restrained Thriller

Bhagwat may not be revolutionary, but it earns respect through sincerity. It’s a crime drama that refuses to exaggerate violence or overplay emotion. Instead, it finds meaning in the small moments — a glance, a conversation, a truth left unsaid.

If you’re looking for a gritty procedural with emotional undertones and strong performances, Bhagwat is worth your time.

Final Rating

⭐ 3 out of 5 stars
Watch it for: Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar’s stellar performances, crisp direction, and a story that feels real despite familiar beats.
Skip it if: You’re looking for an edge-of-the-seat thriller or hard-hitting social commentary.