Now streaming on Netflix, Gajab Raat unfolds over one chaotic and eventful night in Delhi. The story follows Ajay Dixit, a corrupt yet highly efficient sub-inspector who finds himself caught in a major case after a badly injured young woman is thrown out of a moving vehicle in Connaught Place.
What begins as a routine night patrol and an opportunity to make easy money through extortion soon snowballs into a dangerous case involving national security, an international conspiracy, and the intervention of agencies such as the CBI and NIA, along with social activists.
Living up to its title, Gajab Raat takes viewers through a night of confusion, panic and power struggles triggered by a single shocking incident. The film presents a world where corrupt policemen, intelligence officials, politicians and influential people are all trying to bury a scandal. While they appear to be working towards the same goal, each has a hidden agenda and is willing to switch loyalties for personal gain.
The most interesting aspect of the film is its central character. Ajay Dixit is perhaps the most corrupt person in the entire setup. He is the first to spot an opportunity to profit from the situation and is quick to strike deals with those in power. Yet, as events unfold, his conscience slowly begins to surface. This inner conflict forms the emotional core of the film and helps elevate it beyond a routine thriller.
The film also paints a grim picture of officialdom. Politicians, intelligence agencies, police officers and media power brokers are shown as being driven almost entirely by self-interest, often willing to sacrifice ordinary citizens without a second thought. It is a disturbing but thought-provoking commentary on the abuse of power.
Manoj Bajpayee Holds the Centre in Gajab Raat
In the acting department, Manoj Bajpayee once again proves why he remains one of the most dependable performers in the industry. As Ajay Dixit, he convincingly portrays a man torn between greed and guilt. His gradual transition from a self-serving officer to someone driven by conscience gives credibility to an otherwise far-fetched character.
Divya Dutta, Saqib Saleem and Akshay Oberoi have extended special appearances that help move the narrative forward. Their characters enter at crucial junctures and add momentum to the proceedings.
Nushrratt Bharuccha, playing a streetwalker, and Kiku Sharda, cast as a pimp, are not given enough material to make a meaningful impact. Their presence feels underutilised and does little to influence the larger narrative. Shraddha Das, as the head of the Women’s Commission, adds glamour and screen presence to the film.
A Familiar Yet Engaging Thriller
A songless thriller set over a single night, Gajab Raat manages to hold attention despite its familiar premise. Similar stories of corruption, conspiracies and power games have been explored in several films before, and the plot occasionally stretches believability. However, the screenplay delivers enough suspense and intrigue to keep viewers invested through most of its runtime.
Director Ritesh Shah maintains a brisk pace, ensuring that the multiple players involved in the conspiracy remain interesting even when the narrative becomes convoluted. The film works best when it focuses on the moral dilemma faced by its protagonist rather than the larger national security angle.
While not an exceptional thriller, Gajab Raat offers enough twists, tension and strong performances to make it a worthwhile watch. The story may be improbable, but its commentary on power, corruption and conscience gives it an edge.
Gajab Raat is not groundbreaking, but it is reasonably entertaining and benefits greatly from Manoj Bajpayee’s committed performance. For viewers looking for a fast-paced conspiracy thriller with a moral conflict at its core, it makes for a decent weekend watch with a runtime of 123 minutes.
– Review by PAWAN GUPTA
Cast of Gajab Raat:
Manoj Bajpayee as SI Ajay Dixit
Nushrratt Bharuccha – Rosie
Saqib Saleem – Karan Gill (NIA operative)
Akshay Oberoi – Naveen Madhok (CBI officer)
Divya Dutta – Suneeta Chaudhary
Shraddha Das – Neha Prabhu (Social activist)
Aditi Sandhya Sharma – Arya Sahni
Kiku Sharda – Lovely
Rajiv Gupta – SHO Praveen Rana
Sandeep Mahajan – ACP Jaiswal
Namit Khanna – Shiv Shankar Upadhyay
Vikas Shrivastava – Damodar
Priyanka Bajaj Sibal – Dr Ajaita Trehan
Credits of Gajab Raat:
Production Banner: Friday Storytellers / Friday Film Works
Producer: Neeraj Pandey
Director: Ritesh Shah
Writers: Neeraj Pandey, Ritesh Shah
Story: Deepak Venkateshan
Associate Producer: Sandeep Shandilya
Director of Photography (Cinematography): Arvind Singh
Editor: Kathikuloth Praveen (Praveen Kathikuloth)
Music Composer / Background Score: Sanjoy Chowdhury
Production Designer: Rajesh Choudhary
Sound Designer: Debasish Mishra
Costume Designer: Falguni Thakore
Action Director / Stunt Coordinator: Abbas Ali Moghul
Make-up Designer: Avinash Pawar
Casting Directors: Trishaan, Shubham Gaur
25 Years of PM Narendra Modi’s Leadership Captured Through Stamps and Coins
