Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4/5 stars
After much anticipation, Nikita Roy has finally arrived in theaters today, and it’s quite the family affair. Director Kussh Sinha makes his debut behind the camera while his sister Sonakshi Sinha takes center stage in this supernatural thriller. The result is a film that’s ambitious and atmospheric, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.
The Story
The movie follows Nikita Roy, a sharp-minded author and investigator who makes her living debunking supernatural claims. She’s the kind of person who relies on logic and science to expose frauds and tear down fake beliefs. But when she encounters a case that challenges everything she believes in, her rational worldview gets turned upside down.
Without giving too much away, the story takes Nikita into dark territory where science and logic might not have all the answers. It’s a classic setup for a supernatural thriller, and the film uses it to explore themes of belief, skepticism, and what happens when we face things we can’t explain.
The Cast
Sonakshi Sinha delivers a strong performance as the title character. She brings both intelligence and vulnerability to the role, making Nikita feel like a real person rather than just a plot device. You can see why early reviews praise her work – she carries the film with confidence and makes you care about what happens to her character.
Paresh Rawal provides solid support as someone who helps people dealing with supernatural troubles. His experience shows, and he brings gravitas to every scene he’s in. Arjun Rampal and Suhail Nayyar round out the cast, each bringing their own strengths to the story.
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What Works
The film’s biggest strength is its atmosphere. Shot primarily in the UK, including locations in Watford, the movie has a genuinely eerie feel that keeps you on edge. First-time director Kussh Sinha shows real promise in creating tension and maintaining suspense throughout.
The central premise is intriguing – a skeptic forced to confront the unexplainable. It’s a concept that allows for genuine character development and some truly creepy moments. When the film focuses on this core conflict, it works really well.
What Doesn’t Work
Where the film stumbles is in its execution. Early reviews suggest the movie can feel chaotic at times, and that criticism seems fair. The pacing feels uneven, with some sections dragging while others rush through important plot points.
The film also can’t quite decide what it wants to be. Is it a psychological thriller about a woman’s mental state, or a genuine supernatural horror? This uncertainty affects the overall impact and might leave audiences feeling unsatisfied.
Direction and Technical Aspects
For a debut director, Kussh Sinha shows real potential. You can see his vision for the film, and there are moments where everything comes together beautifully. However, the inexperience also shows in places where the film could have been tighter and more focused.
The UK locations add an authentic international feel to the production, and the cinematography makes good use of these atmospheric settings.
Final Thoughts
Nikita Roy is an ambitious supernatural thriller that succeeds more often than it fails. While it has its flaws, particularly in pacing and tone, it’s still an engaging watch that will keep you guessing.
Sonakshi Sinha’s committed performance and the film’s creepy atmosphere make it worth checking out, especially if you enjoy supernatural thrillers. It’s not perfect, but it shows promise for both the lead actress and debut director.
The film might not be the breakout hit some were hoping for, but it’s a solid entry in the supernatural thriller genre that offers enough scares and mystery to keep you entertained.
Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers and don’t mind a film that’s more atmospheric than action-packed, Nikita Roy is worth your time. It’s a decent debut that showcases talent both in front of and behind the camera.