&w=3840&q=100)
Sonakshi Sinha's 'Nikita Roy' movie review: An interesting supernatural idea trapped in forgettable execution
Director: Kussh Sinha
Language: Hindi
Sonakshi Sinha's Nikita Roy can be best described as a hybrid of Creature 3D and The Buckingham Murders. Add PK to it and all these films can have beer at a pub. Creature 3D may run out of cash, The Buckingham Murders will rush to the loo to avoid paying the bill. PK will promise to pay the next time. And Nikita Roy will have to tolerate all the burden. It does definitely face the burden of being an amalgamation of all the names mentioned above. You know that because of some of the most awkward and abrupt shots in a Hindi film in recent times. This film could have existed anywhere in the world but but the makers opt for London for an 'atmospheric' mood. Anurag Kashyap calls it noir. No where!
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Sinha plays an author called Nikita Roy who has written a book about suspicions in modern India. She has lost her brother Arjun Rampal in an accident that creeps the hell out of everyone. The film has an interesting idea trapped in inane execution. It's unable to decide whether it wants to be whodunit, a horror, an emotional thriller, a drama about fake godmen, or everything or absolutely nothing. The leading lady has said this in a couple of her interviews how she used to play subservient characters in the beginning of her career. It's commendable how she is choosing projects where the burden and the spotlight is on her shoulders. But the stories that she is being a part of is not being able to do justice to her intent.
There's Paresh Rawal too. What happened with Sinha is something this veteran battled too. Post the charm and curse of the cult of Hera Pheri, fans want him to do more and more comedy. One barely mentions the likes of Mumbai Meri Jaan or Road To Sangam or Sardar when it comes to his marvelling oeuvre, but Nikita Roy is nowhere close to anything that he will be remembered for. If his character here had a conversation with Kanji Bhai from Oh My God, all hell would break loose.
Nikita Roy reeks of pretence from beginning to end. Any potential in the story is further marred by fake accents and faulty dubbing. Two brutal murders have happened, but all the investigations are being done by Sinha and her BFF Jolly (an over the top Suhail Nayyar). We barely get to see any effort from the police. Debutant director Kussh Sinha gives his sister a delicious opportunity to shine in every frame. The uneven script lets him down. But he definitely knows a thing or two about creating palpable tension. Better luck next time.
Rating: 2 (out of 5 stars)
Nikita Roy is now playing in cinemas
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
Innovation or damage control? Musk unveils 'Baby Grok' for kid-friendly AI content
The decision to create a kid-safe AI app follows backlash over Grok's more mature offerings, making Baby Grok's reveal seem like a timely, if not essential, shift read more Following a stir with three polarising AI companions, Elon Musk is now pivoting to introduce a child-friendly version of Grok, named Baby Grok. Though specifics remain undisclosed, the announcement has sparked curiosity, particularly given the bold personas of Grok's current AI avatars. Grok doing damage control? The decision to create a kid-safe AI app follows backlash over Grok's more mature offerings, making Baby Grok's reveal seem like a timely, if not essential, shift. Crafted for a safer, age-appropriate experience, the upcoming app appears to be Musk's effort at damage control (or possibly diversification) amid the uproar over Grok's provocative characters online. No release date has been shared, and details are limited, but it's evident that Grok is expanding its scope. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who are recently introduced Grok AI companions? Now, let's examine the recently introduced Grok AI companions. Among them is Ani, an anime-style female companion dressed in a gothic corset, noted for flirtatious behaviour and increasingly intimate conversations as users interact more. Users have reported exchanges that venture into suggestive territory, with Ani even appearing in virtual lingerie. Then there's Rudi, a red panda with a dual nature—one part quirky sidekick, the other an aggressively foul-mouthed rant machine. And there's Valentine, a male companion modelled after Christian Grey and Edward Cullen, two fictional heartthrobs often criticised for romanticising emotional manipulation and toxic relationship patterns. Unsurprisingly, the mix of Ani's risqué tone, Rudi's erratic outbursts, and Valentine's questionable inspirations has fueled debate about the messages these AI companions may convey, particularly to younger or impressionable users. Many critics argue that the line between entertainment and ethical AI design is growing alarmingly faint. Whether Baby Grok emerges as a wholesome digital companion or another eccentric addition to the Grokverse remains to be seen. But it's clear that this new app is likely a response to criticism. Grok controversies Grok's AI companions aren't the only source of controversy. Since its debut, Grok AI has made headlines, often unfavorably. Initially, Grok drew attention for its sharp-witted remarks. For instance, Grok responded to an X user with playful banter, incorporating Hindi slang. More recently, however, its responses took a darker turn, amplifying its rogue reputation. Grok AI faced significant backlash after producing replies that endorsed antisemitic stereotypes, conspiracy theories, and even expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The disturbing content, posted on X, included repeated references to Jewish surnames tied to online radicalism. In response to the outcry, the company announced it had revised the model with new guidelines to curb such offensive and bizarre outputs.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar and Kunal Kohli mourn demise of Don director Chandra Barot: ‘He was like a family friend'
Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, best known for directing the iconic 1978 film Don starring Amitabh Bachchan, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. His wife, Deepa Barot, revealed that he had been battling pulmonary fibrosis for the past seven years and was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital, where he breathed his last. Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Kunal Kohli, Sanjay Gupta, and many others have mourned the loss of the director. On his Tumblr blog, Bachchan remembered Barot and wrote, 'Another and another sad moment. Dear dear friend and my director of DON – Chandra Barot passed away this morning … It is difficult to put in words the loss .. we worked together yes, but he was more a family friend than any else .. I can only pray.' Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar, who is currently taking the Don franchise forward by directing the third installment Don 3, shared a heartfelt post. Taking to his Instagram handle, he shared photos of Barot and wrote in the caption, 'Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family.' A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar) ALSO READ | Amitabh Bachchan's Don left producer in massive debut, he died before movie's premiere; Zeenat Aman let go off her fee, his debts were paid off with film's earning Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta also took to his X handle and wrote, 'Rest In Peace Chandra Barot Sir. Many thanks for DON. One of the most entertaining Hindi films ever.' Director Kunal Kohli penned an emotional note on his X account, revealing that the Don director was the only one who he had ever assisted. 'Chandra ji RIP sir. The only director I assisted. Not in Don. For a film with Vinod Khanna called Boss, which never saw the light of day. But what an enriching experience working with him. Heard so many BTS stories of Don. I used to bunk college and assist Chandraji. Remarkably sharp man. Lovely person. Has very enlightening and fun chats with him. Thank you sir for giving us #Don indian cinemas' most stylish films to date. #ChandraBarot,' his post read. Chandra ji RIP sir. The only director I assisted. Not in Don. For a film with Vinod Khanna called Boss that never saw the light of day. But what am enriching experience working with him. Heard so many BTS stories of Don. I sided bunk college and assist Chandraji. Remarkably sharp… — kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) July 20, 2025 Chandra Barot's journey in cinema began under the mentorship of actor-director Manoj Kumar. He started his career as an assistant director on several Hindi classics, including Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), Yaadgar (1970), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974). In addition to Don, Barot directed films, including Bengali film Aashrita (1989) and Pyar Bhara Dil (1991). However, some of his projects, such as Hong Kong Wali Script and Neil Ko Pakadna… Impossible, were shelved and never made it to theatres.
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Alia Bhatt As Sita, Suriya As Lord Ram: Vishnu Manchu Reveals His Dream Ramayana Cast
Last Updated: Kannappa actor Vishnu Manchu spoke about his dream Ramayana cast, featuring Alia Bhatt as Sita and Suriya as Lord Ram. Ranbir Kapoor and Yash-led Ramayana is one of the most anticipated films of 2026. The film, which will be released in two parts, is helmed by Nitesh Tiwari and bankrolled by Namit Malhotra. Amid buzz around the film, Kannappa actor Vishnu Manchu spoke about his unrealised version of Ramayana, which he now wants to make starring Alia Bhatt as Sita and Suriya as Lord Ram. Vishnu Manchu revealed that he has a fully developed script for Ramayana, which chronicles Ravana's journey from birth to death. When asked about his dream cast for the ambitious project, Vishnu told Nayandeep Rakshit on his YouTube channel, 'The only person who immediately appears in my mind for the role of Lord Rama is actor Suriya," while naming Alia Bhatt as his ideal Sita. Vishnu also shared that he first conceptualised the idea back in 2009 and had even approached Suriya at the time. 'But, because the budgets were not working out for me, it didn't work out. The director of the film was supposed to be the legendary filmmaker Raghavendra Rao. My father was supposed to play the role of Ravana. I have the script and dialogues ready for it, but I don't know if I will ever be able to make it," he added. The Kannappa actor also expressed his excitement about playing Lord Hanuman himself, but revealed that Raghavendra Rao disagreed, envisioning Vishnu as Indrajit instead. Vishnu, however, suggested casting Suriya's brother, actor Karthi, in the role of Indrajit. He further proposed Kalyan Ram (brother of Jr NTR) as Lakshman and veteran actor Sathyaraj as Jatayu. Meanwhile, the Hindi version of Ramayana features a stellar cast comprising the best of bests from the world of Hindi cinema and South. It features: ● Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama ● Yash as Ravana ● Sai Pallavi as Sita ● Sunny Deol as Hanuman ● Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Rama's loyal brother Supporting them, is an extraordinary cast and crew. Other actors who are a part of the film, reportedly comprises Arun Govil as King Dasharath, Indira Krishnan as Queen Kaushalya, Lara Dutta as Queen Kaikeyi, Anil Kapoor as King Janak, Amitabh Bachchan as Jatayu, Adinath Kothare as Bharat, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, Bobby Deol as Kumbhkaran, Vijay Sethupathi as Vibhishan, Vikrant Massey as Meghnad, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, Kajal Aggarwal as Queen Mandodari, Mohit Raina as Lord Shiva, Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indra, and Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva. The makers have yet to confirm the supporting cast of the Ramayana. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra's Prime Focus Studios along with the 8-time Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG, in association with Yash's Monster Mind Creations and music by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman, Ramayana is being filmed for IMAX and will be released worldwide: Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027. First Published: July 20, 2025, 16:19 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
