Nikita Roy Movie Review: A Chilling Supernatural Mystery Rooted in Reality

Kussh Sinha directorial Nikita Roy is an smart and gripping yet unsettling thriller that taps into supernatural intrigue but with social commentary.

Director: Kussh Sinha
Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, Suhail Nayyar
Duration: 116 Minutes
Rating: 4

Kussh Sinha directorial Nikita Roy is an smart and gripping yet unsettling thriller that taps into supernatural intrigue but with social commentary. For a new filmmaker Sinha tackles the subject with finesse and confidence, blending supernatural horror with investigative mystery in the film, which is rare thing to witness.

The film opens with a quietly chilling note, Arjun Rampal, who is alone in his home, and all of the sudden he is filled with sense of dread, an unknown fear that slowly consumes him. There are no loud bangs or dramatic outbursts, something deeply unsettling creeping its way into the character and audience. The filmmaker smartly taps into the psychological fear of the audience, and let it sink in.

Sonakshi Sinha, is the heart and soul of the movie as Nikita, she delivers her most grounded and mature performance yet. She plays the role of Nikita Roy, an author and a fearless exposer of fraudulent spiritual practices and leaders. When her bother is passed way, she is determined to uncover what killed him, but she get sucked into a world of mysteries, blind faith and cult following, which is nothing but deception, and manipulation.

Nikita Roy seek help of her ex-partner played by Suhail Nayyar, he adds balance to the narrative with a calm and composed performance. Interestingly, the filmmaker doesn’t dwell too much into their chemistry, which could have overshadowed the main narrative, but showcases their shared past as an texture to their joint investigation.

And finally we are introduced to the chilling and menacing Paresh Rawal as Amardev, a charismatic, and disturbingly effective revered spiritual leader hiding deeply sinister intentions. His switch-blade smile holds more intrigue than a bomb going off on-screen, he is epitome of teachery, he creates an atmosphere of unease from the get-go. His performance is a masterclass in restraint and menace.
The screenplay is written by Pavan Kripalani, which is gripping and intelligent, raising thought-provoking questions about the exploitation of faith. The cinematography is brilliant, letting the silence amplify the fear.

Despite being a debutant director, Kussh Sinha shows impressive control and confidence. He opts for layered storytelling instead of generic and formulaic horror, crafting a narrative that grows naturally and unfolds with emotional depth. The film offers a dual-layered narrative, one that investigates a mysterious death, and another that gently but assertively questions blind faith and its dire consequences.

The film is produced under a robust collaboration between Nicky Vicky Bhagnani Films, Nikita Pai Films Ltd., and several other production houses, the film’s high production values and backing reflect its ambitious vision. Every frame feels carefully crafted, and the trust in Sinha’s direction clearly pays off.

With Sonakshi Sinha in top form, a quietly terrifying turn from Paresh Rawal, and a strong debut from Kussh Sinha, this is a film that dares to ask uncomfortable questions—and answers them with style and conviction.