Murderbaad: A Jaipur Whodunit of Love, Crime & Secrets

Overview and Theme

Genre: Romantic Thriller Language: Hindi Release Date: 18 July 2025 Country: India

Set against the regal backdrop of Jaipur, Murderbaad is a gripping romantic thriller that explores the fragile line between affection and obsession. The story follows Jaish Madnani (Nakul Roshan Sahdev), a newly appointed tour guide whose budding romance with NRI tourist Issabelle (Kanikka Kapur) takes a sinister turn when a fellow tourist mysteriously disappears. As suspicion mounts, Jaish himself vanishes, triggering a nationwide manhunt that unravels secrets buried deep within the palatial walls of Rajasthan.

Themes of betrayal, identity, and psychological trauma are interwoven with romance and suspense, making Murderbaad a layered narrative that challenges viewers to question every character’s motive.

Real-Life Inspiration: While not directly based on a specific historical incident, the film draws thematic parallels to real-life cases of missing tourists and the psychological complexities of identity concealment. The setting and tone evoke the eerie charm of true crime stories that have emerged from India’s royal cities.

Special Highlights

Innovative Storytelling: Murderbaad marks the directorial debut of 18-year-old Arnab Chatterjee, who also wrote and produced the film. His bold attempt to blend romance with psychological suspense is a standout in contemporary Indian cinema. The film’s dual narrative—contrasting Jaipur’s vibrant hues with West Bengal’s muted tones—adds symbolic depth to the storytelling.

Musical Score: The soundtrack, composed by Rickie, features haunting vocals from Shaan, Nakash Aziz, and Amit Kumar. Songs like “Mast Mast” and “Ek Muthhi Raakh” have already gained traction for their emotional resonance and lyrical intensity.

Controversial Subplots: A necrophilia subplot introduced in the second half has sparked debate among critics. While disturbing, it adds a macabre layer that intensifies the film’s psychological depth.

Milestones:

• First feature film by a teenage director in mainstream Bollywood

• Premiered with a star-studded red carpet event on Netflix India’s platform

• Trailer crossed 5 million views within 72 hours of release

Cast and Crew

Lead Cast:

• Nakul Roshan Sahdev as Jaish Madnani Known for Gully Boy, Sahdev delivers a nuanced performance that oscillates between innocence and menace.

• Kanikka Kapur as Issabelle Previously seen in Dono, Kapur brings emotional depth and vulnerability to her role.

• Sharib Hashmi A veteran of Filmistaan and The Family Man, Hashmi adds gravitas and tension in his supporting role.

Supporting Cast:

• Saloni Batra

• Manish Chaudhari

• Amole Gupte

• Aanjjan Srivastav

• Vibha Chibber

• Uday Tikekar

• Ravina Sharma

• Masood Akhtar

• Subrat Dutta

• Barun Chanda

Crew Highlights:

• Director/Writer/Producer: Arnab Chatterjee

• Editor: Dev Rao Jadhav

• Cinematographer: Binod Pradhan

• Music Composer: Rickie

• Lyricist: Kuku Prabhash

• Action Director: Sham Kaushal

• Costume Design: Aditi Chawla & Anshu Jaiswal

• Casting Director: Moryaz

Audience Expectations and Early Reviews

Critical Reception: Critics have praised Murderbaad for its ambition and emotional core. Rahul Mehra from Indian Community called it “a bold and heartfelt debut” and awarded it 4 out of 5 stars. The Times of India noted its “wobbly yet watchable” execution, highlighting the strong performances despite narrative flaws3.

Viewer Reactions: Audiences have responded positively to the film’s climax and performances, especially the chemistry between Sahdev and Kapur. However, some viewers found the first half slow and criticized the uneven camerawork.

Ratings:

• IMDb: 7.8/10 (as of release day)

• Rotten Tomatoes: Not yet available

• Indian Community Review: 4/5 stars

• FilmeeKeeda Review: 2/5 stars, citing a strong climax but weak buildup

Where to Watch

Theatrical Release: Murderbaad is currently available in cinemas across India, including major chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis.

Streaming Availability: While the film premiered at a Netflix India event, it is not yet confirmed for digital release. Viewers are advised to check Netflix and Amazon Prime Video for updates post-theatrical run.

Regional Access: The film is released in Hindi and is available in theaters across metropolitan and Tier-2 cities. No dubbed versions have been announced yet.

Restrictions: Rated UA (Parental Guidance), the film contains mature themes including psychological trauma and necrophilia, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.

Release Timing and Cultural Context

Strategic Timing: Released on 18 July 2025, Murderbaad arrives during India’s monsoon season—a time when audiences traditionally flock to cinemas for escapist entertainment. The timing also coincides with a lull between major festival releases, giving the film a clear runway to capture attention.

Cultural Resonance: Set in Jaipur, the film taps into India’s fascination with royal intrigue and hidden secrets. The psychological depth and romantic tension reflect a growing appetite for genre-blending narratives in Indian cinema.

Industry Buzz: As Bollywood embraces younger voices and experimental storytelling, Murderbaad stands as a symbol of this shift. Arnab Chatterjee’s debut is already being hailed as a milestone for Gen Z filmmakers.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Murderbaad is more than just a whodunit—it’s a cinematic exploration of love, identity, and the secrets we bury. With standout performances, a haunting score, and a bold directorial vision, the film offers a fresh take on the romantic thriller genre.

Whether you're a fan of suspense, psychological drama, or emotionally charged storytelling, Murderbaad deserves a spot on your watchlist. Head to your nearest theater and experience the mystery unfold.