Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
It’s not every day that a filmmaker as young as 19 makes their feature debut with a gripping murder mystery — and that too one developed from a script they began writing at just 14. But Arnab Chatterjee is not your average filmmaker. Murderbaad, shot across hauntingly beautiful locations in Rajasthan, West Bengal, and New Jalpaiguri, is a testament to the young director’s ambition, grit, and deep-rooted cinematic passion.
During a special media screening held at Delhi’s luxurious Delight Diamond Cinema, critics were left stunned by the film’s intense and twisted climax. Arnab, who flew in from Kolkata just to witness the audience’s reaction firsthand, shows promise as one of Bollywood’s emerging talents. 
Set in a palace-turned-hotel in Jaipur, the story follows a group of tourists from different parts of India — including a mysterious traveler from London. When one of them suddenly disappears, what unfolds is a sinister web of secrets, psychological trauma, and a nightmarish descent into horror.
The film doesn’t shy away from disturbing visuals, including post-mortem scenes and ghastly settings like cremation grounds. These unsettling elements, however, are not for shock value — they’re integral to the story. As the investigation deepens, so does the psychological tension, leading to a climax that’s deeply disturbing and brilliantly staged.
Veteran actors like Anjan Srivastava, Amol Gupte, and Manish Chaudhary lend gravitas to the film, while newcomers Nakul Roshan Sahdev and Kanika Kapoor show promise as a screen pair, though there’s room for growth. Arnab Chatterjee shows considerable command in directing both seasoned and emerging actors — a feat commendable for a debutant.
While the first half of the film suffers slightly from a slow narrative grip, the second half tightens dramatically, turning the experience into a gripping rollercoaster of emotion, fear, and mystery.
What sets Murderbaad apart is its commitment to authenticity. Arnab avoided artificial sets, opting instead to shoot in real, atmospheric locations that amplify the story’s suspense. The background score — particularly during the climax which features a haunting Bengali motif — heightens the impact. Camera work and lighting lend the film a gritty, immersive feel.
Murderbaad is not a family-friendly entertainer, but it doesn’t try to be. This film is for those who enjoy psychological thrillers layered with horror, emotion, and raw realism. Arnab Chatterjee may just be getting started, but with this bold debut, he’s certainly one to watch in the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
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