Neeyat Review – A Promising Murder Mystery Led by Vidya Balan, But the Thrills Fall Short

In anticipation of a cinematic experience featuring powerhouse actors such as Vidya Balan, Ram Kapoor, Neeraj Kabi, Rahul Bose, Nikki Aneja, Dipannita Sharma, Shashank Arora, Shahana Goswami, and Amrita Puri, one couldn’t help but expect greatness from Neeyat.

With Vidya Balan assuming the role of a desi Sherlock Holmes in a murder mystery, the stage was set for an enthralling narrative. However, regrettably, the film falls short of delivering the exceptional experience one might hope for.

Despite the impressive ensemble cast, the movie disappointingly lacks the wow factor. It’s disheartening to witness such talent being underutilized in a narrative that ultimately fails to captivate due to its weak plot twists and weary screenplay. The dialogue lacks the punch required to hold the viewer’s attention, and the acting, at times, feels unconvincing, making it increasingly challenging to remain engaged with the story.

On paper, the premise of the story may have appeared promising, but translating it onto the screen demands careful consideration of various elements. The film attempts to introduce its characters one by one while unveiling their dubious motives (neeyat), a strategy reminiscent of classics like “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile.” However, this tactic alone does not suffice to create a compelling narrative.

The chemistry among the actors appears disjointed, and the director’s efforts to introduce unexpected plot twists at regular intervals fail to sustain the viewer’s interest. Despite these shortcomings, the background song ‘Farebi’ and certain camera angles and transitions are praiseworthy, adding aesthetic value to the film. However, these elements alone are insufficient to fully engage the audience.

Finally, despite the presence of a stellar cast and a pleasant surprise towards the end, the
film falls short of its potential. It remains a one-time watch at best, and those who have not
yet seen it need not fret, as there is little to miss in this lackluster cinematic offering.