Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa Movie Review: A Whodunit Where Drama Outshines Suspense
Writer-director Rajat Kapoor's latest cinematic offering, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, presents audiences with a classic whodunit setup that intriguingly prioritizes the exploration of messy human relationships over pure, edge-of-the-seat suspense. Released on April 10, 2026, and streaming on ZEE5, this Hindi mystery-thriller-drama runs for 1 hour and 39 minutes, earning a solid 3.0 rating from both critics and users.
A Classic Setup with Contemporary Twists
The story unfolds at a holiday villa where a group of friends, family members, and business partners have gathered to celebrate a wedding anniversary. The festive atmosphere shatters when Sohrab Handa, a loud, abrasive, and politically incorrect individual, is found dead with his throat slit. Immediately, every guest becomes a potential suspect, setting the stage for a night where long-buried secrets and complex interpersonal issues rise to the surface, each revelation proving as mysterious as the murder itself.
While the premise of a house full of guests and a sudden murder is a timeless trope of the genre, it comes with inherent challenges. Familiarity can breed predictability, and overcrowded narratives often dilute tension. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa navigates this territory with mixed success. It doesn't entirely escape these pitfalls, but it manages to keep viewers invested, primarily through its sharp writing and compelling ensemble performances.
Strengths in Writing and Character Dynamics
At the heart of the film is Vinay Pathak's portrayal of Sohrab Handa, delivered with effortless conviction. His character is an equal-opportunity offender—blunt, unapologetic, and designed to provoke. His death acts as the catalyst that forces the narrative to peel back layers through a non-linear structure, gradually revealing who Sohrab truly was and the deeply complicated nature of his relationships with each guest.
This approach works effectively in segments, particularly when the film allows individual backstories to breathe. However, as with many ensemble-driven mysteries, the film occasionally struggles under the weight of its own ambition. With numerous characters vying for attention, certain story arcs feel rushed, while others border on repetitive. There are moments where the intrigue wanes simply because the plot attempts to juggle too many threads simultaneously.
Despite this, the writing ensures that no character feels entirely redundant. Each is granted sufficient space to make an impression, and as the pieces slowly converge, the larger picture becomes clearer and more engaging. The film's true strength lies in its authentic depiction of an urban, upper-class social circle. It masterfully captures dynamics where conversations are laced with passive aggression, friendships are transactional, and politeness often masks deep-seated resentment. These interactions feel relatable, sometimes uncomfortably so, adding a layer of authenticity to the unfolding drama.
Consistently Solid Performances Across the Board
On the performance front, the film delivers consistently solid work. Koel Purie stands out as Isha, Sohrab's emotionally volatile, pill-dependent wife, bringing a palpable unpredictability to her role. Palomi Ghosh and Waluscha De Sousa provide credible support, perfectly aligning with the tonal requirements of their characters. A nostalgic highlight is the return of Sadiya Siddiqui to the screen, evoking memories for fans of the popular 90s youth drama Banegi Apni Baat.
Among the male cast, Rajat Kapoor, Ranvir Shorey, Sharat Katariya, Danish Hussain, and Chandrachur Rai all slip comfortably into their roles, contributing to the ensemble without overshadowing one another. However, Saurabh Shukla feels somewhat underutilized in his role as sub-inspector Afzal Qureshi.
Visuals and Pacing
Visually, the old hill-station villa serves as an ideal backdrop—eerily atmospheric and slightly claustrophobic, perfectly suiting the story's demands. The pacing emerges as one of the film's stronger aspects; it moves briskly and avoids overstaying its welcome, a crucial factor for a narrative packed with multiple perspectives and shifting timelines.
Final Verdict: Imperfect but Engaging
In conclusion, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa may not redefine the whodunit genre, nor does it consistently maintain edge-of-the-seat suspense. However, it finds its footing in the intricate messiness of human relationships and the powerful performances that bring them to life. The film is less about the shock of discovering "who did it" and more about understanding why it could have been anyone. Imperfect yet engaging, it works best when viewers invest in its characters rather than solely focusing on the central mystery. For those seeking a murder mystery with depth in drama and character exploration, this film offers a worthwhile watch.
