Is Nikita Roy worth your time? This Nikita Roy movie review breaks it down.
Sonakshi Sinha delivers a gripping performance in Nikita Roy, a supernatural thriller directed by her brother Kussh S. Sinha. While the film builds eerie tension and explores emotional depth, it occasionally stumbles with predictability. Still, it’s a solid step into the dark for both actor and director- and a bold entry into Bollywood’s evolving horror genre.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Genre: Horror | Thriller
Release Date, Director, and Cast
- Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, Suhail Nayyar
- Director: Kussh S. Sinha
- Release Date: 18 July 2025
- Language: Hindi
- Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes
Quic Verdict:
- Genre: Psychological thriller with subtle horror
- Strengths: Solid performances, symbolic storytelling, atmospheric visuals
- Weaknesses: Slow pacing, niche appeal, underwhelming climax
- Performance: Sonakshi Sinha delivers one of her most restrained, powerful roles
- Direction: Promising debut by Kussh S. Sinha with a bold narrative voice
- Watch it if: You like intelligent thrillers that don’t spoon-feed
- Skip it if: You want fast-paced, massy entertainment
Plot: The heart of Nikita Roy Movie
Nikita Roy (Sonakshi Sinha) is a sharp, no-nonsense writer known for her relentless exposure of fake godmen and spiritual con artists. When her brother Sanal (Arjun Rampal) dies under strange circumstances, her search for truth pulls her into the orbit of Amar Dev (Paresh Rawal), a charismatic spiritual leader operating from London. Initially confident in her skepticism, Nikita is gradually sucked into a world of cryptic symbols, strange rituals, and questions that challenge everything she thought she knew. Her rational worldview begins to unravel, and the line between truth and illusion blurs dangerously.
Nikita Roy is one of several big releases on July 18. See the full list here.
Acting & Character Portrayals
Sonakshi Sinha delivers a focused, nuanced performance as Nikita. She keeps things understated yet compelling, portraying a woman caught between intellect and emotional chaos. Her gradual descent into confusion and fear feels authentic and adds credibility to the film’s atmosphere.
Paresh Rawal is perfectly cast as Amar Dev. With a composed demeanor and unwavering stillness, he exudes a quiet menace that unsettles more effectively than overt dramatics. He plays the part of a revered but ambiguous figure so convincingly that you’re never sure whether to trust him or not.
Arjun Rampal steps into the role of Sanal Roy with a brooding silence that lingers. His performance carries emotional weight despite his limited screen time. The character acts as a spiritual anchor in Nikita’s psychological journey, and Rampal’s restrained portrayal makes it impactful.
Suhail Nayyar’s Jolly brings an eerie calm to the narrative. He’s calm, composed, and radiates a subtle threat that’s deeply unsettling. His presence helps build an atmosphere of unease and suspense.
Direction and Script Analysis
Kussh S. Sinha’s direction avoids the pitfalls of over-explanation. He trusts the audience to engage with the material, asking them to read between the frames. The film touches on deeper ideas, like how trauma, grief, and misplaced faith can distort our grasp on reality.
The screenplay is rich with symbolic moments and layered dialogues. But at times, it gets weighed down by its ambition. A few scenes lean heavily into philosophical musings, which slightly disrupts the rhythm. The climax, while conceptually strong, feels hurried and could’ve benefited from a more fleshed-out resolution.
Narrative Flow & Pacing
This is a slow-burning thriller, make no mistake. The story takes its time building tension, favoring atmosphere over action. The first half draws you into Nikita’s world gradually, while the second half becomes more psychological and abstract. For viewers who enjoy meditative thrillers, the pace will feel just right. But if you’re looking for constant twists or traditional horror scares, it may feel a bit too subdued.
Cinematography, Visuals, and Sound
Anshul Chobey’s cinematography captures the eerie tone of the narrative masterfully. With its shadowy lighting and precise framing, the visuals build a world that feels both intimate and unsettling.
The music, composed by Abhinav Shekhar and Rameez Sohail, stays in the background but works in favor of the film’s tone. It quietly builds tension without ever overwhelming the story or becoming cliché.
Box Office Collection
Nikita Roy was made on an estimated budget of ₹20–25 crore, including production and promotional costs. Despite receiving critical praise in some circles, the film couldn’t generate strong numbers at the box office.
It earned just ₹0.15–0.55 crore on its first day, with a total weekend collection of ₹0.8 crore. By Day 4, the figure rose to around ₹0.96 crore. Limited promotions, stiff competition, and a niche genre were major contributors to its underwhelming commercial performance.
The film struggled to connect with the broader audience and ultimately failed to recover its budget through theatrical collections.
Digital Streaming and OTT Release
Nikita Roy is likely to find a more receptive audience through streaming. Industry chatter hints at a digital release by early September 2025. Both Netflix and Zee5 are in discussions for streaming rights, but no official confirmation has been made yet.
Should You Watch It?
To wrap up this Nikita Roy movie review, it’s safe to say the film is a bold attempt at psychological horror from Bollywood, even if it doesn’t always land perfectly. Sonakshi Sinha’s performance and Kussh S. Sinha’s atmospheric direction make it worth a watch for fans of slow-burn thrillers. While it may not have generated box office buzz, the film leaves an impression with its symbolic storytelling and moody visuals. If you’re looking for something offbeat and thought-provoking, Nikita Roy is worth your time- especially on OTT.
FAQs About Nikita Roy
Q1. What is Nikita Roy movie about?
A psychological thriller exploring blind faith and trauma, set in a shadowy, symbolic version of London.
Q2. Is the movie worth watching?
Yes, especially if you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with deeper themes and minimal jump scares
Q3. Where can I watch Nikita Roy?
The movie released in theatres on July 18, 2025. OTT release is expected soon, though the platform is not officially confirmed.
Q4. Who directed Nikita Roy?
Kussh S. Sinha, making his directorial debut. He’s the brother of lead actor Sonakshi Sinha
Q5. What genre is the movie?
It’s a mix of psychological horror, mystery, and supernatural drama.
Q6. How is Sonakshi Sinha’s performance?
Impressive. She delivers a layered, introspective performance that anchors the entire film.
Read more reviews
Nikita Roy Movie Review
Nikita Roy Movie Review- Story & Screenplay3/5 Neutral
- Performances5/5 Amazing
- Direction4/5 Good
- Cinematography & Atmosphere3/5 Neutral
- Engagement / Pacing1/5 Awfully
