Mumbai:When the trio of Neeraj Pandey, Manoj Bajpayee, and Divya Dutta, known for delivering the memorable film Special 26, reunites after a long time, expectations naturally rise. Audiences hope to witness something equally special. However, Gajab Raat, released on Netflix, fails to live up to those expectations. Based on the events of a single night, the film’s biggest highlight is Manoj Bajpayee’s outstanding performance. Despite a weak storyline and twists that gradually lose their impact, he tries his best to make the film worth watching.
This is the same film that was initially slated for release under the title Ghooskhor Pandat. In February this year, the title sparked considerable controversy. Following directions from the Supreme Court, the makers subsequently changed its name to Gajab Raat.
What Is the Story of ‘Gajab Raat’?
The film revolves around Sub-Inspector Ajay Nirvit (Manoj Bajpayee), a police officer whose primary motivation for wearing the uniform is not to serve the public but to line his own pockets. Deeply involved in corruption, Ajay uses his position for personal gain.
One night, a case comes his way that eventually leads to several major revelations and complications. Ajay is assigned the case of an injured girl who is thrown out of a moving vehicle. The matter also attracts the attention of social worker Neha Prabhu (Shraddha Das), powerful CBI officer Naveen Madhok (Akshay Oberoi), and NIA officer Karan Gill (Saqib Saleem).Ajay sees the case as a lucrative opportunity to make money. He pursues it with his corrupt intentions and even manages to profit from it. However, a turning point arrives when his conscience begins to trouble him. Ajay then finds himself up against influential and powerful people connected to the case. The question is whether a man who has spent his entire life immersed in corruption will finally stand up for the truth. Can he change his image and emerge as a hero, or will his troubled past become the biggest obstacle in his path? The answers unfold as the film progresses.
‘Gajab Raat’ Movie Review: Manoj Bajpayee Is the Film’s Biggest Strength
The film begins on an intriguing note. Writer-director Ritesh Shah, along with producer Neeraj Pandey, has created a layered character in Ajay Nirvit. However, the character’s real strength lies in Manoj Bajpayee’s performance.
With his natural and compelling acting, Manoj Bajpayee brings Ajay Nirvit to life. The corrupt, cunning police officer who has little regard for morality becomes an interesting character largely because of the actor’s performance. Through his expressions, body language, and dialogue delivery, Bajpayee effectively captures the character’s manipulative mindset.
The film’s biggest weakness, however, is its increasingly ineffective screenplay. A story that initially raises expectations gradually loses its impact. Ajay Nirvit’s sudden transformation, in particular, does not feel convincing. His internal moral conflict lacks the depth and intensity needed to make the character’s change believable.
The weaknesses in the writing also affect the supporting characters. Actors such as Akshay Oberoi, Saqib Saleem, and Shraddha Das are initially presented as important to the narrative, but their roles become increasingly limited as the story progresses. These characters could have been developed much better. Nevertheless, Akshay Oberoi manages to make his presence felt. His performance is good, and he makes a sincere effort to bring impact to his character.
How Are Divya Dutta and the Other Actors?
Divya Dutta and Shraddha Das look convincing in their respective roles. Both actresses make an impression through their performances, but the weak writing does not give their characters enough room to develop fully. Rajiv Gupta also leaves an impression as
Ajay Nirvit’s corrupt superior. On the other hand, actors such as Saqib Saleem, Kiku Sharda, and Nushrratt Bharuccha do not get many substantial opportunities to showcase their abilities. Their characters could have been used more effectively to strengthen the narrative.
Should You Watch ‘Gajab Raat’?
Overall, Gajab Raat is a film that starts promisingly and features a central character capable of holding the audience’s attention. However, a weak screenplay, underwhelming twists, and underdeveloped characters prevent it from fully realising its potential.
Manoj Bajpayee’s powerful performance makes a determined effort to hold the film together, but the responsibility of carrying an entire film cannot rest on the shoulders of even the finest actor alone.
If you are a fan of Manoj Bajpayee’s acting, Gajab Raat is worth giving a chance. However, if you expect a tightly written story packed with shocking twists and turns, you may end up disappointed
