Gajab Raat review: Manoj Bajpayee’s performance stands out in a crime thriller that has divided critics over its storytelling. Set across one night in Delhi, the Netflix film follows a corrupt police officer whose latest case forces him to confront his conscience.
Directed by Ritesh Shah and produced by Neeraj Pandey’s Friday Film Works, the film brings together an ensemble cast. Its central conflict is simple: what happens when a man used to putting himself first must decide whether to protect someone else? about.netflix.com
Editorial note: This article brings together published reviews and verified release details. It is a spoiler-light critical reception overview.
Gajab Raat: Film Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Ritesh Shah |
| Lead actor | Manoj Bajpayee |
| Supporting cast | Divya Dutta, Akshay Oberoi, Saqib Saleem, Rajiv Gupta, Shraddha Das, Aditi Sandhya Sharma, Nushrratt Bharuccha and Kiku Sharda |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Crime thriller |
| Streaming platform | Netflix |
| Release date | October 23, 2026 |
| Listed runtime | 2 hours 3 minutes |
Netflix lists the cast and streaming availability, while The Times of India provides the release date and runtime. qr.netflix.com
What Is Gajab Raat About?
Bajpayee plays Sub-Inspector Ajay Nirvit, a Delhi police officer comfortable with bending the rules for personal gain.
His night changes when a severely injured young woman becomes the centre of an investigation. What initially appears to be an opportunity soon exposes a dangerous conspiracy involving powerful people.
The case places Ajay between self-preservation and responsibility. As pressure builds, his choices become as important as the mystery he is investigating. hollywoodreporterindia.com
Gajab Raat Review: 3 Highlights Discussed by Critics
1. Manoj Bajpayee Gives the Film Its Strongest Anchor
Bajpayee receives praise across reviews with otherwise different verdicts.
In Rediff, Sukanya Verma highlights his control over a character whose behaviour shifts between greed, quick thinking and concern for another person. That changing moral position gives the performance its interest.
Rather than beginning as an ideal officer, Ajay has to find a reason to act differently. Bajpayee’s handling of that uncertainty is a recurring strength in the critical response. Rediff.com movies
2. The Single-Night Setting Creates Immediate Pressure
The compressed timeline gives the investigation a clear sense of urgency. Ajay has little time to understand the case or judge the people around him.
Cinema Express offers a relatively favourable assessment, finding the film engaging and its script brisk. Its response suggests that the movement between discoveries and confrontations can sustain interest despite other weaknesses. cinemaexpress.com
3. Corruption Gives the Story a Moral Conflict
The film’s premise goes beyond identifying the people behind a crime. It also asks whether someone who benefits from a corrupt system can challenge it when the consequences become personal.
Netflix’s official announcement describes the story as a series of decisions with lasting consequences. That conflict gives Ajay something more difficult to navigate than a straightforward police assignment. about.netflix.com
Where the Thriller Divides Reviewers
The Twists Do Not Work Equally Well for Everyone
The response to the screenplay is mixed.
The Times of India finds the revelations predictable and some supporting characters underwritten. Its review argues that the promising setup does not consistently deliver the suspense it could.
That differs from Cinema Express, which responds more positively to the script’s pace. The disagreement shows why the film should not be described as a unanimous critical success. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Style and Background Music Draw Criticism
The Hollywood Reporter India questions the repeated slow-motion shots and extended entrances, suggesting they stretch the narrative.
Cinema Express separately criticises the background score, finding that its familiar sound weakens the tension. Both assessments point to a gap between the story’s potential and parts of its presentation. hollywoodreporterindia.com
Gajab Raat Critics’ Ratings
These scores belong to the named publications. They are not a SpotlightersPost rating.
| Publication | Rating | Main assessment |
|---|---|---|
| The Times of India | 2.5/5 | Bajpayee holds together an uneven thriller |
| Cinema Express | 3/5 | An enjoyable film despite weaknesses in execution |
The difference reflects a broader split over how effectively the film maintains suspense. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Should You Watch Gajab Raat?
Our Gajab Raat review overview suggests that the film will appeal most to viewers who enjoy morally complex police characters and Manoj Bajpayee’s performances.
The central performance attracts more consistent praise than the plot. Viewers seeking tightly constructed surprises may find the response less encouraging, while those who enjoy character-led crime stories have a clearer reason to try it. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
You can watch the film on its official Netflix page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Gajab Raat?
Gajab Raat is available to stream on Netflix. qr.netflix.com
Who directed Gajab Raat?
Ritesh Shah directed the film, which is produced by Neeraj Pandey’s Friday Film Works. about.netflix.com
What character does Manoj Bajpayee play?
He plays Sub-Inspector Ajay Nirvit, a corrupt police officer drawn into a dangerous investigation. hollywoodreporterindia.com
Is Gajab Raat worth watching?
Published reviews suggest that Bajpayee’s performance is its clearest attraction. Opinions differ on the screenplay, suspense and execution. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
References
- Netflix. “One Night. One Man. A Series of Choices: Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee Reunite for ‘Gajab Raat’ on Netflix.” About Netflix, October 14, 2026.
- Netflix. “Gajab Raat — Official Film Page.” Accessed October 24, 2026.
- Khurana, Archika. “Gajab Raat Review: Manoj Bajpayee Anchors an Uneven Crime Thriller.” The Times of India, October 23, 2026.
- “Gajab Raat Movie Review.” Cinema Express, October 23, 2026.
- “Gajab Raat Movie Review: Manoj Bajpayee Almost Rescues an Uncanny Delhi Crime Story.” The Hollywood Reporter India, October 24, 2026.
- Verma, Sukanya. “Gajab Raat Review: Manoj Bajpayee Saves the Day.” Rediff, October 24, 2026.
Also Read
