Bhagwat Chapter One: Rakshas Review: When I sat down to watch Bhagwat Chapter One: Rakshas (2025), directed by Akshay Shere and written by Bhavini Bheda and Sumit Saxena on Zee5, I wasn’t expecting to be pulled so completely into a crime story. The film refracts the Cyanide Mohan case through tight visuals and subtle performances, and honestly, it left me thinking about how human nature contains both angel and demon.
Real-Life Context That Haunted Me
Before diving into the movie, I looked up Cyanide Mohan. His real name was Mohan Kumar, and he preyed on women in Karnataka between 2003 and 2009, killing over 20 victims using cyanide. Reading about his methods, the calculated way he gained trust and exploited vulnerabilities, made me watch the movie with a tighter stomach. And Bhagwat manages to translate that horror into cinematic tension without over-explaining.
My Rating: 3.5/5
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Bhagwat Chapter One: Rakshas |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Director | Akshay Shere |
| Platform | Zee5 |
| Genre | Crime Thriller / Psychological Drama |
| Language | Hindi |
| Runtime | 2h 7m |
| Cast | Arshad Warsi, Jitendra Kumar, Ayesha Kaduskar |
| Based On | The real-life Cyanide Mohan case (2003–2009) |
Dahaad vs. Bhagwat: A Quick Reflection
I had seen Dahaad before, the web series based on the same case. Both tell the story of manipulation and investigation, but the approaches differ. In Dahaad, every victim’s story is explored slowly, almost documentary-like. With Bhagwat, the filmmakers condensed the narrative, focusing on key investigative beats and building suspense visually. I could feel it in the palette, Dahaad felt cooler, more clinical; Bhagwat was warmer, oppressive, almost suffocating at times.
Moments That Stuck With Me
- 00:12:47 – When Arshad Warsi’s character reads a diary, the camera zooms in, compressing the frame. I could almost feel his panic and obsession.
- 00:27:15 – Walking shots of Jeetu Bhaiya in his classroom, footsteps echoing in the mix, made me tense in a way dialogue never could.
- 00:45:03 – A jump cut from a happy domestic scene to the cold investigation room jolted me; it flipped my expectations perfectly.
- 01:08:32 – Jeetu Bhaiya’s pause before responding to a clue. His stillness said more than any line of dialogue.
- 01:34:21 – Ambient street noise swells during a confrontation, each beat of silence amplifying dread.
I kept thinking about how every visual and sound choice guides the audience through fear and empathy.
Why the Cinematography Worked for Me
The warm, muted color palette gave the story a heavy, oppressive feel. In certain sequences, like when the inspector walks through the empty crime scenes, the shallow depth of field trapped him and me in the frame, making the suspense almost tangible. Editing was slow and deliberate when it needed to be and sharp during revelations. Sound design used footsteps, shuffling papers, and distant city noises, subtle yet completely gripping.
Performances That Made a Difference
- Arshad Warsi: That small pause before explaining procedural rules, believe me, said everything about his frustration and dedication.
- Jeetu Bhaiya: Minimal lines, but that lingering gaze at a photograph of a victim gave me chills.
- Supporting Cast: Honestly, some characters, like the inspector’s wife, felt flat. In that porch scene (00:52:10), two lines of dialogue barely conveyed any stakes.
Despite weak writing in parts, the actors’ choices made key moments work. Their control over pauses, eye contact, and physical stillness added tension where the script was sparse.
Craft Choices That Caught My Eye
There were scenes that felt forced, like the propaganda-style framing of one victim’s identity at a teaching party (00:38:44). Visually, it clashed with the warm tones and disrupted the flow for me. On the other hand, sequences showing Jeetu Bhaiya piecing together clues visually (without narration) really sold the investigative tension.
Verdict Of Bhagwat Chapter One
Watching this film, I felt pulled between fascination and discomfort. The leads delivered powerful performances, the cinematography and sound design elevated the dread, and the pacing mostly kept me on edge. Weak supporting roles and occasional narrative shortcuts were noticeable, but the film succeeds as a tightly wound thriller. If you’re into dark crime stories and psychological tension, it’s worth your two hours. Family viewing? Not so much, this one is heavy.
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Good & Bad In Bhagwat Chapter One
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| Arshad Warsi’s controlled, tension-driven performance | Underdeveloped supporting characters |
| Jeetu Bhaiya’s impactful nonverbal cues | Condensed depiction of multiple murders |
| Cinematography heightens suspense | Distracting propaganda-style insertions |
| Sound design amplifies tension | Limited backstory for key characters |
| Strategic editing builds rhythm | Predictable early plot beats |
Final Verdict
Bhagwat Chapter One: Rakshas is a tightly wound crime thriller for audiences willing to engage with discomfort and moral complexity. Its strengths lie in cinematography, sound design, and precise lead performances. Weaknesses include shallow supporting roles and occasional narrative gaps. True crime enthusiasts and thriller fans will value its tense rhythm and character-driven horror, though those expecting exhaustive procedural detail may feel shortchanged.
Bhagwat Chapter One: Rakshas is not perfect, but it’s engaging enough to hold your attention. Performances and cinematography save the film from its weak writing, making it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.
FAQs
Q1: Is this movie historically accurate?
It stays true to Mohan Kumar’s criminal pattern but condenses events for cinematic storytelling.
Q2: Where can I watch it?
Streaming on Zee5.
Q3: Can it be safely watched with family?
No, it’s intense and psychologically heavy.
Q4: How strong are the performances?
Arshad Warsi and Jeetu Bhaiya carry the movie through nuanced, scene-specific choices.
Q5: How does it compare to Dahaad?
Dahaad is slower, more detailed per victim; Bhagwat is tighter, visually warmer, and suspense-focused.