What is it all about?

Filled with snaky twists and turns UVI Film Productions ‘Rahasya’ backed by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures is packed by an absorbing spin. Inspired by the famous Aarushi murder case, ‘Rahasya’ helmed by the talented Manish Gupta lives up to its demand of maintaining a dramatic rhythm and tension powered by terrific performance as the doctors of this genre ordered.

Though the obsession to end the mystery in the cliche methodical nature may disappoint the discerning audience but overall audience in general will find satisfaction.

The Story

Inspired by the famous Aarushi murder case Manish Gupta pens an edge of the seat thriller and as the film progresses make enough changes to avoid further criticism (initially Rajesh and Nupur Talwar had criticized the filmmaker for making a film on Aarushi’s murder).

One morning 18 year old Ayesha Mahajan (Sakshi Sem) is found murdered in her room. Sachin Mahajan (Ashish Vidyarthi) – Ayesha’s father becomes the prime suspect after police investigation.  Aarti Mahajan (Tisca Chopra) – Sachin Mahajan’s wife manages to get the case under CBI eye.

Sunil Paraskar (Kay Kay Menon) is the honest "imaandar jabaaz" CBI officer. The no nonsense Sunil Paraskar is the current serious-walnut-eating version of mid 80’s famous carrot-chewing-television-detective Karamchand (played by Pankaj Kapoor).

Sunil while investigating finds number of evidences. The investigation turns snaky and deadly when suspects and lead get killed creating more tension.

Who murdered Ayesha Mahajan and what was the story behind the murder is answered in the end.

What to look out for?

It’s on target right from the word go. Manish Gupta’s narration is simple, tight and to the point. Though the movie adds nothing exceptional to the genre but it stays loyal in its traditional in satisfying the common audience.

Those who are aware of the Aarushi murder case in Delhi will have a sense of déjà vu initially but as the investigation progresses the movie manages to take a shape of its own.

Manish keeps his script tight and sticks to basics. There’s no song dance here. The narration succeeds in getting the involvement of the audience making them do their guess work. Slowly and surely Manish manages to create the tension and bring the investigation to shocking revelations as the mystery unfolds.

The actors do a terrific job here. Kay Kay Menon as the walnut eating no nonsense Maharashtrian CBI officer is incredible. Ashish Vidyarthi as Ayesha’s father is outstanding. Tisca Chopra as Aarti Mahajan is excellent. Ashwini Khalsekar chips in a brilliant support. Sakshi Sem is Ayesha Mahajan is fine.  Vinit Kakar as the assistance cop has screen presence and shows good promise. Technically sound and supportive, Ranjit Barot music does the right thing for the film. Cinematography by Faroukh Mistry is sleek. Suresh Pai editing is effective is building the tension. Production values are up to mark.

What Not?

Though the suspense is exciting, the winding up of the proceedings is cliché. We have seen, read such windups in the bygone decades movies, novels etc. even after having a few outdoor locations, the movie sometimes gives a television detective series feeling. Some convenience is taken in the scripting.

Conclusion: ‘Rahasya’ helmed by the talented Manish Gupta lives up to its demand of maintaining a dramatic rhythm and tension as ordered by the doctors of this genre powered by terrific performance of Kay Kay, Vidyarthi and Tisca.