Mistry Review: A Gripping Bollywood Mystery Thriller Recap

Welcome to The Movie Time, your premier destination for spoiler-filled recaps and reviews of 2025’s cinematic gems! Today, we’re unraveling Mistry, a Bollywood mystery thriller that stormed theaters on June 27, 2025. Directed by Rohan Sippy and starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Vidya Balan, and Arjun Rampal, this Kolkata-set whodunit weaves deception, drama, and desi flair. Does it crack the case or lose the plot? Catch it in theaters, stream on Netflix soon, and join the buzz on X with #MovieTimePicks!

The Legacy of Bollywood Thrillers

Bollywood thrillers have long captivated audiences with their blend of suspense, emotion, and cultural vibrancy, from classics like Kaun (1999) to modern hits like Andhadhun (2018). Mistry, directed by Rohan Sippy (Bluffmaster), joins this lineage, offering a locked-room mystery set in Kolkata, India’s cultural capital known for its colonial architecture and Durga Puja festival—a vibrant celebration of the goddess Durga with street processions and pandals (temporary shrines). Per Filmibeat, Mistry is a standout in June 2025’s Bollywood slate, with early box office buzz rivaling War 2. Its mix of star power and twisty storytelling promises a desi thriller for the ages. Let’s dive into the mystery.

A Kolkata Whodunit: Plot Recap

Mistry follows Sameer Sharma (Ayushmann Khurrana), a quirky private detective in Kolkata with a knack for solving bizarre cases. The story kicks off when wealthy businessman Vikram Bose is found dead in his locked mansion study, a single gunshot wound to the head. The police, led by feisty Inspector Rhea (Sayani Gupta), rule it a suicide, but Vikram’s widow, Meera (Vidya Balan), hires Sameer, suspecting foul play. Prime suspects include Vikram’s shady lawyer, Arjun (Arjun Rampal), his estranged son, Rohan (Vicky Kaushal), and a loyal servant, Lakshmi (Divya Dutta).

Sameer’s investigation unfolds across Kolkata’s rain-soaked streets, from colonial mansions in Park Street to bustling Howrah Bridge. Early clues—a hidden will, a cryptic note—point to family secrets. Flashbacks reveal Meera’s abusive marriage to Vikram, whose temper and shady deals alienated his son. Sameer, with his sharp wit and love for Bengali sweets like rasgulla (a spongy dessert), charms witnesses, uncovering a staged murder. The first act builds suspense with red herrings: Arjun’s shady offshore accounts, Rohan’s drug-fueled alibi, and Lakshmi’s mysterious phone calls.

The second act deepens the intrigue as Sameer discovers Vikram was blackmailing a politician, tying to a land scam. A tense scene in a Durga Puja pandal, where Sameer dodges an assassin amid festival drums, electrifies. Meera’s vulnerability—revealed in a tearful flashback of her enduring Vikram’s abuse—adds emotional weight. Rhea, initially skeptical, joins Sameer after a break-in at her precinct, hinting at a cover-up. A shocking twist reveals Rohan faked his drug relapse to infiltrate the scam, but he’s not the killer.

The climax, set during a monsoon storm, unfolds on Howrah Bridge. Sameer lures the suspects to a trap, exposing Lakshmi as the mastermind—she killed Vikram to protect Meera, framing it as suicide. A heart-pounding chase through the rain sees Lakshmi nearly escape, but Rhea’s sharpshooting stops her. The 140-minute film ends with Sameer solving the case, Meera finding closure, and a hint of a sequel as Sameer takes a new case. The Kolkata setting, steeped in Durga Puja’s festive chaos, grounds the thriller in cultural richness, per Filmibeat.

The Good: Witty Thrills and Kolkata Charm

Rohan Sippy’s taut direction makes Mistry a gripping ride, blending classic whodunit vibes with Bollywood’s emotional core. Ayushmann Khurrana’s Sameer is a delight—his quirky humor (think sarcastic one-liners over chai) and sleuthing smarts evoke a desi Sherlock. Vidya Balan’s Meera is a standout, her nuanced pain and strength anchoring the drama. The Kolkata setting, shot by Sudhir Palsane, bursts with life—misty rivers, neon-lit bazaars, and Durga Puja pandals create a vivid backdrop. Vishal-Shekhar’s soundtrack, with the suspenseful Raaz Khul Gaya and soulful Monsoon Blues, trends on X for its moody vibe.

The film’s pacing, while long at 140 minutes, keeps viewers hooked with twists, like the will’s hidden clause. The cultural texture—Durga Puja’s drums, Kolkata’s tram rides—adds authenticity, explained for global fans as a vibrant festival celebrating good over evil. Per Rotten Tomatoes, Mistry’s “Certified Fresh” status reflects its clever blend of suspense and heart, rivaling 2025’s Thug Life. X fans call it a “Bollywood banger,” with Khurrana’s “sherlock swag” stealing the show.

The Not-So-Good: Slow Burn and Forced Twists

Mistry stumbles with its 140-minute runtime, dragging in the second act with repetitive red herrings, like Rohan’s overplayed drug subplot. Arjun Rampal’s lawyer feels one-dimensional, his menace fading into clichés, per X critiques. The final twist—Lakshmi as the killer—feels forced, lacking enough foreshadowing to land smoothly. Some flashback transitions, especially Meera’s repetitive abuse scenes, disrupt the flow. A tighter 120-minute cut or deeper focus on Rhea’s police work could’ve sharpened the impact. Minor CGI rain effects in the climax look artificial, clashing with Kolkata’s gritty realism.

Performances: A Stellar Ensemble

Ayushmann Khurrana shines as Sameer, his witty charm and sharp deduction carrying the film—his rasgulla-eating sleuthing scene is pure joy. Vidya Balan delivers a powerhouse Meera, her emotional depth in a rooftop confession heart-wrenching. Arjun Rampal’s Arjun adds slick menace but lacks complexity. Sayani Gupta’s Rhea sparkles with grit, her banter with Sameer a highlight. Vicky Kaushal’s Rohan brings intensity, though his arc feels rushed. Divya Dutta’s Lakshmi is quietly commanding, her reveal chilling. Supporting players, like a crooked politician (Pankaj Tripathi), add flair but fade fast.

Technical Aspects: A Moody Masterpiece

Sudhir Palsane’s cinematography captures Kolkata’s soul—rain-soaked Howrah Bridge, bustling Durga Puja pandals—blending grit and vibrancy. Vishal-Shekhar’s score, with eerie sitar riffs in Raaz Khul Gaya, pulses with suspense, trending on Spotify. Editing by Namrata Rao is sharp in chase scenes but jarring in flashbacks. Sound design—festival drums, monsoon thunder—immerses viewers, perfect for Netflix streaming. Production design, from colonial mansions to crowded markets, feels lived-in. Minor CGI flaws in rain scenes draw X nitpicks, but the overall polish shines.

Audience Reaction: A Desi Thriller Hit

X is ablaze with Mistry love, with fans praising Khurrana’s “detective swagger” and Balan’s “emotional depth.” The Howrah Bridge chase and Lakshmi’s reveal trended in India, spawning fan theories. Some note the “slow middle,” but the film topped Netflix India charts, per Filmibeat. Rotten Tomatoes’ 90% score reflects critical acclaim, with India Today calling it “a twisty triumph.” Box office data, per Boxoffice Pro, shows it rivaling War 2 in June 2025.

What’s your favorite twist? Vote below!

• Locked-room murder reveal

• Meera’s abuse flashback

• Howrah Bridge chase

• Lakshmi’s killer reveal

Top 5 Moments in Mistry

For Bollywood fans, here are the film’s most unforgettable scenes:

1. Howrah Bridge Chase: A monsoon-soaked pursuit with Lakshmi is heart-pounding.

2. Lakshmi’s Reveal: The servant’s shocking turn as the killer stuns, trending on X.

3. Durga Puja Ambush: Sameer dodging an assassin amid festival chaos electrifies.

4. Meera’s Confession: Balan’s tearful rooftop flashback breaks hearts.

5. Sameer’s Rasgulla Sleuthing: Khurrana’s quirky deduction over sweets is pure desi fun.

Final Verdict: A Stylish but Slow Mystery

Mistry is a captivating Bollywood thriller with Ayushmann Khurrana’s wit, Vidya Balan’s heart, and Rohan Sippy’s stylish direction. Kolkata’s vibrant setting and Vishal-Shekhar’s score shine, but a slow middle and forced twists temper its thrill. For fans of desi mysteries, it’s a must-watch that blends suspense with cultural flair.

Rating: 3.7/5 Stars

A moody, clever whodunit that’s big on drama but light on pace, perfect for a suspenseful Netflix night.

Why Watch (or Skip) Mistry

Watch if: You love Bollywood thrillers, Khurrana’s charm, or Kolkata’s cultural vibe. Ideal for fans of Andhadhun or Badla.
Skip if: You dislike slow-burn mysteries or predictable twists.

Stream Mistry on Netflix, catch it in theaters, and share your take on X with #MovieTimePicks! Explore more Bollywood reviews at The Movie Time.

Tags: Mistry, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vidya Balan, Arjun Rampal, Bollywood movie, 2025 movies, Rohan Sippy, Netflix, movie review, movie recap, mystery thriller, Kolkata

 

Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs Web Series Recap and Review: A Royal Conspiracy Unraveled

Welcome to The Movie Time, your premier destination for immersive, spoiler-filled recaps and reviews of the latest cinematic and streaming releases! Today, we’re delving into Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs, a gripping Hindi-language web series that premiered on JioHotstar on May 2, 2025. Directed by Aniruddha Rajderkar, this crime-drama stars Vikrant Massey, Radhika Apte, and Pankaj Tripathi in a tale of royal intrigue, betrayal, and buried secrets. Set against the majestic backdrop of Bikaner’s palaces, let’s explore whether this series lives up to its regal promise!

A Palace of Secrets: The Plot

Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs unfolds in the opulent yet eerie Raisinggh Palace in Bikaner, where the aristocratic Raisinggh family’s legacy is steeped in tradition and turmoil. The story begins with the shocking murder of patriarch Chandrapratap Raisinggh (Pankaj Tripathi) on his 60th birthday, stabbed during a lavish celebration attended by family, allies, and enemies. The crime sends shockwaves through the clan, igniting a web of suspicion and long-buried secrets.

At the heart of the narrative is Arjun Raisinggh (Vikrant Massey), the estranged grandson who returns after years abroad, only to be thrust into the family’s power struggles. Arjun, a sharp but reluctant heir, teams up with Inspector Meera Rathore (Radhika Apte), a no-nonsense cop tasked with solving the murder. As they dig deeper, they uncover a tangled history of feuds, illicit affairs, and a mysterious curse tied to the family’s ancestral sword, Kull. The series follows their investigation through eight episodes, each peeling back layers of deception.

The ensemble includes Chandrapratap’s ambitious daughter-in-law, Shalini (Neena Gupta), who eyes the family’s political influence; his troubled son, Vikram (Saurabh Shukla), hiding a gambling addiction; and a loyal but secretive butler, Raghu (Manish Wadhwa). A parallel storyline explores the palace’s past through flashbacks, revealing Chandrapratap’s ruthless rise to power and a tragic love story involving his late wife. The climax, set during a stormy night in the palace, delivers a shocking reveal about the killer, tying the modern mystery to the family’s cursed legacy.

The Good: Stellar Cast and Atmospheric Drama

Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, blending crime, family drama, and supernatural undertones. Vikrant Massey shines as Arjun, his brooding intensity and sharp wit making him a compelling lead. His journey from outsider to reluctant hero is nuanced, with moments of vulnerability—like a heartfelt scene confronting his family’s legacy—that resonate deeply. Radhika Apte is equally captivating as Meera, her steely resolve and subtle humor grounding the investigation. Their chemistry, marked by witty banter and mutual respect, is a highlight.

Pankaj Tripathi steals scenes as Chandrapratap, his commanding presence dominating flashbacks. Neena Gupta’s Shalini is a standout, her icy ambition masking a complex mix of grief and greed. The ensemble, including Saurabh Shukla, Manish Wadhwa, and supporting players like Amrita Puri as a scheming cousin, adds depth to the palace’s claustrophobic dynamics.

The production values are top-notch, with Bikaner’s forts and deserts captured in hauntingly beautiful cinematography. The muted color palette, punctuated by crimson and gold, enhances the eerie atmosphere, while the production design—from ornate chandeliers to dusty ancestral vaults—immerses viewers in the Raisingghs’ world. The background score, blending Rajasthani folk with tense orchestral notes, amplifies the suspense. The writing, led by Aniruddha Rajderkar, balances plot twists with character-driven drama, making each episode a binge-worthy blend of mystery and emotion.

The Not-So-Good: Overloaded Subplots and Pacing

While Kull excels in ambition, it occasionally buckles under its own complexity. The series juggles multiple subplots—Arjun’s past trauma, Meera’s career struggles, and the family’s political machinations—which can feel overwhelming. The flashbacks, while rich, disrupt the pacing, particularly in episodes three and four, where the murder investigation takes a backseat. The supernatural “curse” angle, involving eerie visions and Kull’s supposed power, feels underdeveloped, leaving some threads unresolved.

The eight-episode format, while concise, cramps the resolution of certain character arcs. Shalini’s motivations, for instance, deserve more exploration, and some supporting characters, like Vikram’s mistress (played by Tillotama Shome), are introduced but underutilized. A few plot twists, like a predictable red herring involving a family friend, lean on familiar mystery tropes, slightly diluting the finale’s impact. The Hindi dialogue is sharp, but occasional English lines feel forced, breaking immersion.

Performances: A Royal Ensemble

Vikrant Massey anchors Kull with a layered performance, his expressive eyes conveying Arjun’s pain and determination. Radhika Apte matches him with a fierce yet relatable Meera, her scenes cracking cases with forensic precision being particularly gripping. Pankaj Tripathi, even in limited screen time, commands attention, his Chandrapratap exuding charisma and menace. Neena Gupta’s nuanced portrayal of Shalini blends ruthlessness with vulnerability, making her a standout. Saurabh Shukla and Manish Wadhwa deliver solid support, though some minor characters, like Amrita Puri’s scheming cousin, feel one-dimensional due to limited development.

Music and Technical Aspects: A Regal Experience

The soundtrack, composed by Sachin-Jigar, is a highlight, with the haunting Rajasthan Ki Raat setting the tone for the series’ mystery. The instrumental score weaves traditional Rajasthani instruments like the sarangi with modern synths, creating an atmospheric backdrop. A romantic track, Dil Ke Kile, adds emotional depth to Arjun and Meera’s bond but feels slightly out of place in the thriller-heavy narrative.

Technically, Kull is a visual feast. The cinematography captures Bikaner’s grandeur and desolation, with drone shots of the desert and intimate close-ups in the palace’s shadowy corridors. The editing is crisp in suspenseful scenes but falters during flashback-heavy episodes, where transitions feel abrupt. The production design, from intricately carved furniture to dusty family portraits, immerses viewers in the Raisingghs’ decaying legacy. Sound design, with creaking doors and howling winds, enhances the eerie vibe, though some CGI in supernatural sequences looks slightly unpolished.

Audience Reaction

Social media is abuzz with praise for Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs, with fans lauding Vikrant Massey’s “intense performance” and the series’ “addictive mystery.” Viewers have called it a “perfect blend of suspense and drama,” with Radhika Apte’s Meera earning raves for her “badass cop vibes.” Some, however, note the “slow middle episodes” and “underbaked supernatural elements,” suggesting a tighter narrative could’ve elevated the series. The show’s release alongside other May OTT titles like Knock Knock Kaun Hai? has sparked comparisons, with Kull standing out for its regal setting.

Final Verdict: A Thrilling Royal Riddle

Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs is a captivating crime-drama that blends royal intrigue with gritty suspense. Vikrant Massey and Radhika Apte lead a stellar cast, supported by Pankaj Tripathi’s commanding presence and a richly crafted setting. While overloaded subplots and uneven pacing hold it back from perfection, the series’ atmospheric tension, sharp performances, and twisty narrative make it a binge-worthy treat. It’s a must-watch for fans of mystery thrillers craving a desi Succession with a murderous edge.

Rating: 3.7/5 Stars
A regal, suspenseful ride that keeps you guessing, perfect for viewers who love complex characters and palace conspiracies.

Why You Should Watch (or Skip) Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs

Watch it if: You enjoy crime thrillers, family dramas, or stories with rich Indian settings and strong performances.
Skip it if: You prefer fast-paced mysteries or dislike supernatural elements that aren’t fully explored.

Visit The Movie Time for more recaps and reviews of the latest Bollywood, Hollywood, and Tollywood releases. Have you binged Kull? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s unravel the Raisingghs’ secrets together

Tags: Kull The Legacy of the Raisingghs, Vikrant Massey, Radhika Apte, Pankaj Tripathi, Neena Gupta, Bollywood web series, crime drama, mystery thriller, JioHotstar, Bikaner, royal family drama, 2025 web series, murder mystery, web series review, web series recap