Streaming on: ZEE5
Cast: Radhika Apte, Divyenndu Sharma, Anurag Kashyap, Anshumaan Pushkar, Sauraseni Maitra, Sharat Saxena
Directed by: Tisca Chopra
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime Drama
Language: Hindi
Stars: 2.5
Tisca Chopra makes a bold entry into filmmaking with Saali Mohabbat, a psychological thriller that explores the dark edges of love, trust, and deception. The film centers around Smita (Radhika Apte), a seemingly ordinary small-town housewife whose world unravels when hidden betrayals come to light. Living in the quiet town of Fursatgarh with her alcoholic, debt-ridden husband Pankaj (Anshumaan Pushkar), Smita’s life is stable but far from happy—until the arrival of her cousin Shalini (Sauraseni Maitra) sets off a chain of events that lead to double murder and a whirlwind of secrets.
Radhika Apte dominates the screen with her understated yet powerful performance. She portrays Smita’s internal conflict, heartbreak, and eventual determination with a restrained intensity that keeps the audience invested. Unlike many thrillers that rely on overt dramatics, Apte’s calm and composed portrayal lends authenticity to the narrative. Her ability to hold tension in silence, especially in key confrontational scenes, is remarkable.
The supporting cast adds depth to the story. Divyenndu Sharma’s police officer, Ratan Pandit, adds a touch of wit and intrigue, though his character sometimes feels underdeveloped and underutilized. Sauraseni Maitra effectively embodies the disruptive cousin, whose presence acts as a catalyst for the film’s central conflict. Anshumaan Pushkar convincingly portrays a man whose selfish desires and betrayals drive the story’s tension. Anurag Kashyap’s brief but lively cameo as a quirky local character adds a touch of unpredictability and energy to the plot.
Chopra’s direction leans on subtlety rather than spectacle. She builds tension slowly, focusing on character motivations and emotional stakes rather than flashy twists. While the narrative occasionally feels predictable, the film successfully sustains a gripping atmosphere, particularly in the second half when the investigation tightens and revelations begin to emerge. The screenplay carefully balances domestic drama with a whodunit structure, keeping viewers engaged without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity.
One of Saali Mohabbat’s strongest points is its realistic depiction of relationships strained by deceit. The film explores how betrayal can manifest in seemingly ordinary lives, and how ordinary people respond to extraordinary circumstances. However, the story occasionally undercuts itself with moments that feel forced, and some subplots, like the flirtation angle with the investigating officer, seem more like filler than essential storytelling.
Technically, the film is solid. The cinematography captures the small-town setting beautifully, highlighting both the idyllic surroundings and the underlying tension of Smita’s life. The background score complements the narrative, enhancing suspense without overpowering the scenes.
Overall, Saali Mohabbat is a well-acted, slow-burning thriller that may not reinvent the genre but provides a satisfying watch for those who appreciate character-driven suspense. It’s Radhika Apte’s performance and the subtle, psychological tension that elevate the film, making it a worthwhile addition to the current wave of OTT thrillers.
Saali Mohabbat delivers a dark, engaging story of love, betrayal, and revenge. While it occasionally falters in predictability and pacing, the film’s performances, especially by Radhika Apte, and its grounded suspense make it worth watching.