Sanjay Shah
NIKITA ROY, a supernatural thriller, defies Bollywood’s typical loud bangs and senseless screams. Instead, it offers a silent yet haunting narrative, merging Indian artistry with a Hollywood-esque finesse. Directed by Kussh S. Sinha, son of Poonam and Shatrughan Sinha and brother of Sonakshi Sinha, this debut marks a promising entry into filmmaking. Let’s delve into its depths.
The story begins in Mumbai with author and rationalist Nikita Roy (Sonakshi Sinha), who champions reason over superstition through her work with an institution. The narrative swiftly shifts to London, where her brother, Dr. Sanal Roy (Arjun Rampal), dies under mysterious circumstances. The police are set to rule his death an accident, but Nikita’s suspicions drive her to investigate. She is aided by Jolly (Suhail Nayyar). Their probe leads to the influential godman Amar Dev (Paresh Rawal), whose connection to Sanal’s untimely death seems plausible. Confronting Amar Dev proves daunting, especially when he boldly challenges Nikita to expose him, ominously predicting her death within three days, just as he had warned Sanal, who met his fate in the same timeframe. Can Nikita uncover the truth and secure justice for her brother? This question propels the film’s gripping narrative.
NIKITA ROY is distinguished by its unconventional approach for a Hindi supernatural thriller. Unlike the genre’s typical reliance on over-the-top elements—loud music, dark visuals, and flashy gimmicks—this film opts for restraint, allowing even its most intriguing scenes to unfold with quiet intensity, creating a unique impact. The story of Sanal’s death and Amar Dev’s involvement unravels gradually, keeping viewers engaged despite a lack of early suspense. The film culminates in an unexpected twist, rewarding audiences with a satisfying payoff that justifies their investment.
Performance-wise, Sonakshi Sinha delivers one of her finest roles, portraying Nikita with effortless authenticity and natural grace. Paresh Rawal, eschewing stereotypical godman theatrics, crafts a chilling yet captivating Amar Dev, evoking both intrigue and fear. Suhail Nayyar provides solid support, while Arjun Rampal leaves an impression despite his brief role.
Anshul Chobey’s cinematography perfectly suits the film’s mood, balancing subtlety and intensity. Ritesh Soni’s crisp editing keeps the narrative taut. Abhinav Shekhar’s music enhances the film’s engagement without overpowering its essence. With NIKITA ROY, debutant director Kussh S. Sinha proves his potential for a long, impactful career, delivering a film that stands out in its genre. Watch it for a refreshingly different cinematic experience.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, Suhail Nayyar, Kallirroi Tziafeta
Directed by Kussh S Sinha
Written by Pavan Kirpalani
Produced by Nicky Bhagnani, Vicky Bhagnani, Kinjal Ghone, Dinesh Gupta, Ankur Takrani ,Vipin Agnihotri,
Cinematography by Anshul Chobey
Edited by Ritesh Soni
Music by Abhinav Shekhar
