Rautu Ka Raaz Review : Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s murder mystery is lazy yet intriguing

Story: In the sleepy town of Rautu Ki Beli, the mysterious death of the warden at a blind school shakes the community to its core. Initially assumed to be a natural death, suspicions quickly arise that her demise may have been a planned murder. This investigation transforms the tranquil town into a hotbed of intrigue and suspicion.

Review: Welcome to the quiet hamlet in Uttarakhand, where life is uneventful and everyone is content with their daily routines. That is until the suspicious death of Sangeeta (Narayani Shastri), a warden at a blind school, shakes the town. Initially believed to be a natural death, it soon becomes apparent that there might be more to the story. Enter SHO Deepak Negi (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and his team, whose laid-back investigation style adds a unique flavour to the mystery.

Director Anand Surapur, along with co-writer Shariq Patel, crafts a tale that thrives on its simplicity. The tone is deliberately lazy, creating a slow-paced atmosphere that makes the investigation feel prolonged and sometimes scattered. However, this approach also immerses viewers in the small village's everyday life, where everyone seems innocent except for a few obvious suspects. The film's charm lies in its ability to keep viewers engaged until the truth is finally revealed.

The subplot of blind students—Rajat (Pratham Rathod) and Diya (Drishti Gaba)—and their lives, from their struggles to their talents, strike an emotional chord. Both Rathod and Gaba's storylines are interestingly woven into the narrative, adding depth to the setting and context.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui shines as SHO Deepak Negi, a police officer suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. His portrayal is reminiscent of Pankaj Tripathi’s character in ‘Murder Mubarak’, but with a unique twist—Deepak is seen as "ajeeb police wala (weird cop)" due to his peculiar behaviour. Rajesh Kumar, as Sub-inspector Naresh Dimri, complements Siddiqui’s performance well, though their overly casual approach can be frustrating at times. Atul Tiwari as Manoj Kesari, the school's trustee, and Narayani Shastri as the strict warden Sangeeta, deliver convincing performances that add depth to the story.

The small-town setting, with its picturesque mountains and woods, enhances the film's atmosphere. Sayak Bhattacharya’s cinematography stands out, capturing the natural beauty of the region while maintaining a constant sense of unease. This visual appeal, combined with Siddiqui’s stellar performance, is a highlight of the film.

‘Rautu Ka Raaz’ is a slow-moving murder mystery with broad appeal. The film sustains its suspenseful atmosphere, keeping viewers intrigued as the mystery unfolds. While the investigation might not be flawlessly executed, the film succeeds in maintaining the viewers’ curiosity until the end.