The new Netflix release, Raat Akeli Hai is a crime thriller that took the masses by surprise with its intricate details. While this film is definitely not one of its kind, the tiniest details in it are appreciable.
Other than the evident dark story about a mafia family, murder and plethora of crimes, the tiny yet pretty sharp jabs at societal norms are evidently what sets apart this movie. Directed by Honey Trehan, this movie was released in Netflix on 31st July and immediately amassed a large audience.
The story begins with a wedding in a gorgeous bungalow of the Singh’s in Kanpur, UP. Raghubeer Singh is supposed to get married but his dead body found on his bed. The case is transferred over to Jatil Yadav, a policeman from a middle-class family, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Netflix The prime suspect in the case is the to be bride Radha, played by Radhika Apte. The entire family is under the suspect radar and Jatil is bent on unveiling every secret in the affluent family.
Sexism – The sexist comments sprinkled all across the movie is the clear proof of reality in our society. While Raghubeer is the one who deals with female trafficking, engages in sexual relations underage girls and was even on the verge of marrying a way younger girl, the society shows their disgust towards the female victim. After his murder, the society first and foremost questions the young bride’s motives, disregarding the fact that she was at the receiving end of torture for a long time.
Even the good characters like Jatil engage in commenting on girls for their clothing and personal relations. Netflix it is sad that in our society, girls are
The atrocities against females- The movie also highlights several atrocities against females. From ‘buying’ young women and owning them to using them for any need is a major family secret of Sigh family. The sons and sons-in-law of the affluent family engage in domestic violence. The oppression propagating patriarchy is clearly prevalent in rich households like Singh’s to middle-class families like Jatil’s.
Racism- Jatil Yadav using a fairness cream to fit into the society is a pretty big jab on our beauty standards. The obsession with fairness, despite what levels of success one has reached is still a sad reality.
Toxic Masculinity- While we often relate our standards of beauty with females and bank balance with males, that is not always the case. Male too often are burdened with standards like fairness, height and being muscular. The saddest part is they cannot easily express it because of the toxic masculinity engrained into their upbringing. Jatil hiding the fairness cream behind the mirror is a big example of men hiding their insecurity and flaws under the veil of toxic masculinity.
Societal flaws- some major societal flaws like dowry are shown in the movie. Although, what is even worse is the stigma of being deemed flawed for not partaking in social evils. Jatil is vocal about his repulsion towards dowry and that is a surprise since the particular social and economic background that he belongs to often engage in such rituals. But immediately the audience is reminded why the flaw still exists. For the fear of judgment. Jatil’s mother frankly tells her son that not asking for dowry will lead to the decline of the other proposals as he may be termed as ‘flawed’ for not asking for dowry
All in all, the movie interesting and grasping. As usual, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte have blown away the audience by their brilliant performance. If you are a murder, crime thriller junkie, this could be your latest obsession!
Mohona Bhattacharya
Banaras Hindu University
2nd Year, English Hons.
Varanasi, UP. Mohona is an avid reader and equality seeker. She takes a keen interest in painting and finds solace among books, coffee, nature and dogs.
