Unveiling ‘The Mystery of Rautu’: A Film Review – Nawazuddin Siddiqui Returns in a Calm and Captivating Narrative

KOCHI: The title ‘Rautu Ka Raaz’ might mislead you. The term ‘Raaz’ typically hints at a dark secret, conjuring images of sinister forces lurking in the hills, reminiscent of Vikram Bhatt’s 2002 horror film. However, ‘Rautu’ is quite the opposite. It unfolds in a serene hamlet nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, offering a comforting mystery. The narrative unfolds like a soothing bedtime tale, steering clear of the usual thrills of a fast-paced mountain thriller. There are no eerie fires burning in the woods or shadows of menacing creatures. Instead, the film paints a tranquil picture of a quiet village and the unhurried lives of its inhabitants.

SHO Deepak Negi (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) finds himself unable to rest as a murder case unfolds. The local blind school’s hostel warden is discovered dead in her bed, initially presumed to be a routine heart attack. Murders are a rarity in Rautu, as Negi’s deputy Dimri (portrayed excellently by Rajesh Kumar) emphasizes, “We haven’t had a murder case in 15 years.” Negi isn’t naturally inclined towards sleuthing, expressing a mundane reaction to the autopsy report revealing unnatural causes of death, saying, “More work.” As the investigation progresses, it unveils a complex web surrounding the warden, Sangeeta (played by Narayani Shastri), involving an affair, a harassment incident, and land disputes, weaving together multiple threads in this contemplative mystery.

Director Anand Surapur (The Fakir of

Rajesh Kumar nails it as the perfect sidekick in the movie. His character Dimri isn’t just a background figure; Rajesh brings out his clumsiness with a touch of humor effortlessly. I found it amusing how he dishes out sarcasm to his juniors, mirroring how Negi treats him. It’s like another cog in the wheel of authority, adding a quirky dynamic to their interactions.

In “Rautu…”, the film doesn’t aim to be a gripping thriller. Take, for instance, a scene where Negi’s team has to nab a suspect on the run. I half-expected a dramatic chase through narrow hillside alleys or bustling marketplaces. Instead, the suspect gets a knock on the head and is swiftly bundled into a police car trying to sneak away. It’s these unexpected moments that shine in the film, much like the gentle rays of the morning sun on a tranquil lake.

The movie has a unique charm, like a soothing melody that weaves through every scene. Whether it’s Negi closing his eyes to navigate stairs after witnessing a visually impaired child rush up them or engaging in a profound discussion about a painting with a blind school student, there’s a poetic quality that lingers throughout “Rautu…”. It flows like a soulful ghazal by the fireside on a quiet night. “Rautu Ka Saaz” indeed!

Film: Rautu Ka Raaz

Director: Anand Surapur

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rajesh Kumar, Atul Tiwari, Narayani Shastri

Available on: ZEE5

Rating: 3.5/5