The action of the film 'Ghajab Raat' unfolds over one night in Delhi, where an incident involving a seriously injured girl occurs, followed by an investigation linked to a corrupt police officer. The film, directed by Niraj Pandey, is available on the streaming service Netflix.
The plot revolves around Sub-Inspector Ajay Nirvi, played by Manoj Bajpayee. He is one of the officers patrolling Delhi at night, but their goal is often to receive a large bribe rather than make an arrest. However, the situation changes drastically when a seriously injured young woman is thrown from a moving car near Connaught Place, turning their 'easy night' into a dangerous game.
The film immerses the viewer in a complex environment where power, politicians, criminals, and bureaucrats fight for their interests. Notably, Ajay is not a typical hero: he accepts bribes, but his conscience is not entirely suppressed.
Manoj Bajpayee once again demonstrates his mastery, showing that when he appears on screen, the scene belongs to him. His character, Ajay, is portrayed as cunning, shameless, humorous, and at times human. In Delhi circles, he is called the 'Chameleon,' and Bajpayee embodies this nickname in every expression. The dialogues, especially his exchanges with higher officials, are among the most striking moments of the film. Although he takes bribes, he does not bow down to anyone, which elevates this role beyond a typical thriller.
The film maintains tension and pace because the story develops over a single night. The dialogues are sharp, and black comedy is appropriately woven into them. Besides Manoj Bajpayee, Nusrat Bharucha, Divya Dutta, and Akshay Oberoi participate in the cast, bringing their characters to life. The depiction of Delhi's nightlife, the games of power, and the corrupt system is very convincing.
Some plot twists seem predictable, especially for those who have frequently watched bureaucratic thrillers. At certain points, the narrative gets tangled in attempts to explain its effect, and the pace slows down slightly. The soundtrack also seems quite conventional, causing some suspense scenes not to reach the desired intensity.
If you enjoy stories about corruption, political intrigue, and a protagonist who is neither saint nor villain, then 'Ghajab Raat' is for you. It is not an epic suspense piece, but thanks to Manoj Bajpayee, it is definitely worth watching the thriller.