In a landscape saturated with serial killer narratives, ‘Bhagwat’ emerges on streaming platforms with a familiar yet intriguing premise: an unassuming man targeting young girls, pursued by a haunted police officer battling his own inner turmoil.
Inspired by a real incident, the film centers on an upright police officer, Bhagwat, on a disciplinary transfer to Robertsganj, Uttar Pradesh. As he investigates a missing girl’s case that threatens to ignite communal unrest, the story cleverly intertwines his relentless pursuit of the culprit with a tender romance between Sameer (Jitendra Kumar), a teacher from a marginalized caste, and Meera (Ayesha Kaduskar).
Directed by Akshay Shere and written by Bhavini Bheda and Sumit Saxena, the narrative thoughtfully explores socio-political dimensions, urging viewers to look beyond the “who” to the “why” of the crimes. When Meera disappears, initial suspicions unfairly target a Muslim boy, hinting at a conversion racket. The film then highlights the devastating character assassination the girl faces from society, and even her own family, suggesting how a misogynistic and polarized environment inadvertently aids a cunning predator. This subtle commentary reveals how such societal behavior allows the killer to operate undetected, adapting and striking at will.
The film excels in its authentic portrayal of a small town, creating an atmosphere of urgency and dread. Bhagwat’s initial promise to find the girl within 15 days soon unravels into a disturbing pattern of missing girls under similar circumstances.
While the territory might feel reminiscent of other recent thrillers, ‘Bhagwat’ struggles with pacing, occasionally becoming overly self-aware in its attempt to satisfy a liberal, progressive audience. Elements like Bhagwat’s own troubled past or the inclusion of a prostitution ring sometimes feel mechanically inserted, detracting from the organic flow of the narrative. The film’s subtext, when pushed too overtly to the forefront, can be a minor distraction.
However, when provided with a solid script, Arshad Warsi proves his magnetic presence, commanding attention with his performance. Though he has physically transformed over the years, the intensity he brought to roles in films like ‘Sehar’ remains undiminished. Jitendra Kumar, cast against his typical innocent persona, utilizes his established image to deliver a chillingly effective portrayal. While some of his mannerisms might feel repetitive in other contexts, here they surprisingly enhance the film’s impact. Yet, like the film’s narrative subtlety, Jitendra’s performance sometimes hints at an eagerness to overdo it, suggesting he’s still honing the sharper edges of such complex characters.
This compelling thriller is currently available for streaming.