Murderbaad Review

A Running Start in Jaipur

Murderbaad opens with Sharib Hashmi sprinting through the streets of Jaipur. The urgency is there, but the purpose isn’t. The scene throws us into motion without providing any real context, making the opening more disorienting than gripping. The visuals are grounded, but the storytelling hasn’t caught up yet.

A Low-Key Character Setup

It’s unclear why Sharib Hashmi’s character is introduced in such a diminished and confused state. The film doesn’t offer enough backstory or emotional cues to justify his situation, leaving the audience disconnected. Instead of building intrigue, it stalls the momentum set by the opening sequence.

Misplaced Obscenity Breaks Flow

One jarring moment mid-film involves an obscene scene that feels completely misplaced. It doesn’t contribute to the story or characters and instead derails the tone. Rather than enhancing drama or realism, it feels unnecessary and distracts from the plot’s core.

A Dull Take on Murder Mystery

As the film tries to delve into its central murder plot, the mystery feels uninspired. For a genre built on suspense, tension, and clever storytelling, Murderbaad fails to deliver. The murder is depicted with little finesse, lacking the thrill or psychological complexity expected from such narratives.

Necrophilia Subplot Sparks Macabre Interest

In the second half, the film introduces a necrophile element. As disturbing as the theme is, it surprisingly adds a layer of intrigue and depth that the first half sorely lacked. This dark twist offers some narrative weight, and finally gives the audience something to sink their teeth into.

A Well-Executed Climax

Despite its many stumbles, Murderbaad ends on a strong note. The climax, featuring Manish Chaudhary and Kanika Kapor, stands out for its emotional intensity and tight execution. Compared to the overall storytelling, the ending is refreshingly compelling and well-performed, adding a final impression that lingers.

Final Verdict: 2 Stars ★★☆☆☆

Murderbaad is a flawed thriller with moments of promise. While the first half suffers from weak character development, misplaced scenes, and dull mystery-building, the film redeems itself partially with a twisted second-half concept and a surprisingly strong climax.

Considering the film is directed by an 18-year-old filmmaker, his effort deserves genuine appreciation—especially for delivering a truly gripping ending. The performances by Manish Chaudhari and Kanikka Kapur elevate the finale and hint at the director’s potential for more refined storytelling in the future.