Nikita Roy Movie Review: A Thriller That Fails in Building Suspense

By Kushinara M D

Film Review: Nikita Roy
A Promising Thriller Undermined by Its Hasty Execution
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

In Nikita Roy, debutant director Kussh S Sinha ventures into the rarely explored realm of horror-thrillers in mainstream Bollywood. The result is an ambitious yet uneven ride that manages to evoke fear but stumbles in sustaining tension.

The story follows author Nikita Roy (Sonakshi Sinha), who suspects something sinister behind the sudden death of her brother Sanal (Arjun Rampal). Her search for answers leads her to London, where she uncovers a chilling connection between Sanal’s demise and a cult led by the enigmatic Amar Dev (Paresh Rawal). As Nikita races against time, she finds herself facing a malevolent force — but is it supernatural, or something more earthly?

While the film’s premise is ripe with potential, its execution lacks the same depth. The narrative leaps directly into the investigation, offering little time to build character backstories or emotional stakes. Nikita’s relentless pursuit of justice, though spirited, often defies logic — bravery without caution can feel more reckless than heroic.

Sonakshi Sinha delivers a committed performance, portraying Nikita with grit and resolve. However, Paresh Rawal’s limited screen time undercuts what could have been a far more compelling antagonist-protagonist dynamic. Their confrontation, while central to the plot, never fully realizes its potential.

Sinha’s direction shows flashes of promise, particularly in creating an eerie atmosphere. The film also explores thought-provoking themes like science versus superstition and faith versus fanaticism — yet these ideas remain underdeveloped amid the rush of events.

Nikita Roy is a film with the bones of a gripping mystery and the ambition to unsettle. But its hurried pacing and shallow character arcs leave it short of truly impactful storytelling. With more room to breathe — perhaps as a web series — this could have evolved into something far more memorable.