New Delhi: In a remarkable feat for a debut director, 19-year-old Arnab Chatterjee has delivered a suspense-packed thriller, Murderbaad, which has taken audiences by surprise—particularly for its unexpected and chilling climax.
Released in theatres this week, the film has already started garnering attention not just for its content, but for the story behind its creation.
Arnab, who hails from Kolkata, began working on the script when he was just 14. By the time he turned 18, he had commenced shooting the film across multiple real-life locations in Rajasthan and West Bengal.
With Murderbaad, he not only wears the hat of a director but also serves as the writer and producer, showcasing a rare all-round effort in mainstream cinema, especially for someone so young.
Filming Across Cultures and Landscapes
Shot in authentic settings rather than studio environments, Murderbaad brings the audience visually rich backdrops—from the palatial hotels and desert streets of Jaipur to quieter, shadowy corners of New Jalpaiguri. Arnab consciously chose outdoor locations to lend realism and depth to the eerie atmosphere of his narrative.
The film features a mixed cast of newcomers and seasoned actors, including Manish Chaudhary, Amol Gupte, and Anjan Srivastava, who have lent gravitas to the complex plot.
Working with veterans at such a young age is no small achievement, and Arnab has managed to draw notable performances, particularly in the second half of the film.
The Story: Mystery at a Heritage Hotel
Murderbaad is a murder mystery set against the backdrop of a luxurious heritage hotel in Jaipur. The plot kicks off with a group of tourists who arrive from different cities, including one visitor from London.
The group is accompanied by a local guide and their bus driver, who are also staying at the same hotel. The tranquility of their holiday is shattered when one of the tourists suddenly disappears.
From this point, the story dives into deeper, darker territories. As suspicions mount, the viewer is taken through a labyrinth of secrets hidden within the hotel’s serene walls.
The script doesn’t shy away from showing disturbing visuals, especially in sequences involving a mortuary and cremation grounds—scenes that have been termed “essential to the plot” despite their grisly nature.
Though the first half of the film meanders slightly, the narrative sharpens significantly post-interval. As the mystery unravels, viewers are kept guessing until the final moments.
The last act, which shifts to a Bengali setting, adds a fresh twist that connects the emotional and psychological underpinnings of the central character.
Debut Direction with Promise
What stands out most about Murderbaad is Arnab Chatterjee’s sheer commitment. At a media screening held at Delhi’s Delight Diamond Cinema, he flew in from Kolkata to personally gather feedback from critics.
Speaking to the press, Arnab shared how his fascination with filmmaking began at the age of eight when he started shooting short films. That early passion clearly fuels this full-length feature.
While the film does show signs of inexperience—particularly in the pacing of the first half and occasional looseness in character development—Arnab redeems it with a gripping second half and a climax that leaves the audience stunned.
His directorial control improves steadily as the story unfolds, suggesting immense potential for future projects.
Performances and Pairings
Among the younger cast, Nakul Roshan Sahdev and Kanika Kapoor manage to form a likable pair. Though their chemistry isn’t extraordinary, they show promise and are likely to grow with more experience.
Performances by veteran actors like Amol Gupte and Manish Chaudhary help anchor the film during emotionally intense scenes.
Shakir Hashmi and Saloni Batra also deliver noteworthy supporting performances. Each character is part of a puzzle, and as the mystery deepens, their roles become crucial to the film’s layered narrative.
A Film for Thriller Enthusiasts
Murderbaad is not a film aimed at family audiences due to its intense and at times disturbing content. However, those seeking a fresh, atmospheric thriller with a strong visual language will find plenty to appreciate.
The movie avoids predictable storytelling and instead builds toward a haunting climax that lingers.
Though not without its flaws, Murderbaad is a commendable debut for Arnab Chatterjee. With tighter editing and more refined character arcs, future ventures from this young filmmaker could well place him among the industry’s top emerging talents.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Certificate: UA | Duration: 143 minutes
Cast: Shakir Hashmi, Nakul Roshan Sahdev, Kanika Kapoor, Manish Chaudhary, Amol Gupte, Masood Akhtar, Saloni Batra
Producer/Writer/Director: Arnab Chatterjee
For fans of crime thrillers and atmospheric storytelling, Murderbaad is a bold new voice in Indian cinema. Just be prepared—this isn’t your average whodunnit.
