Saali Mohabbat Review: Radhika Apte Shines in Small-Town Crime Drama on ZEE5

Smita is a modest woman trapped in a difficult marriage with her debt-laden husband, Pankaj. She finds peace in gardening, enjoying the quiet companionship of her plants. Her sister, Shalini, arrives in the same town for work and stays with her. Soon, Shalini draws attention from two men—her brother-in-law Pankaj and a corrupt local police officer, Ratan. One night, both Shalini and Pankaj are discovered dead. Who is responsible?

Performances

Radhika Apte delivers a strong portrayal of a determined woman taking extreme steps to protect herself, although the casting choices feel predictable. Having previously appeared in films such as Lust Stories, Raat Akeli Hai, and Sister Midnight, Apte meets expectations, performing convincingly.

Divyendu Sharma impresses as the calculating, morally compromised officer, reflecting his cold edge despite a middle-class upbringing. Anurag Kashyap’s portrayal of gangster Gajendra Bhaiya is underdeveloped, but he lands a few memorable lines. Anshumaan Pushkar and Sauraseni Maitra give adequate performances but do not particularly stand out.

Analysis

Tisca Chopra, known for her work in Taare Zameen Par, has previously explored writing and directing acclaimed short films such as Chutney, Chhuri, and Rubaru. She now makes her feature-length directorial debut with Saali Mohabbat, a crime drama released directly on ZEE5, featuring Radhika Apte, Divyendu Sharma, and Anurag Kashyap.

Though presented as a small-town mystery, Saali Mohabbat is better seen as a study of a failing marriage, told from a female perspective. The narrative is largely third-person, as Malini recounts the life of Smita (who is actually Malini herself) and her marital struggles. The film highlights the pain of a rural woman whose identity is entirely defined by her role as a wife.

The film establishes early signs of a troubled marriage. Pankaj embodies the archetype of a toxic spouse—he treats Smita like a possession, squanders her late father’s dowry, and pressures the family to sell ancestral property while he struggles with debt. Smita’s existence revolves entirely around meeting his domestic and sexual demands.

The arrival of Shalini, Smita’s sister, introduces a new layer of tension. Romantic entanglements with both Pankaj and the local officer Ratan emerge. As Smita’s marital turmoil intensifies and Pankaj grows more desperate to sell the house, two sudden deaths dramatically alter her life, while Ratan attempts to exploit the situation.

The film carefully develops Smita’s internal storm through her quiet, reflective moments in the garden, where she finds solace in everyday tasks. Those around her—Shalini, Pankaj, and Ratan—live duplicitous lives, ultimately compelling Smita to take control of her fate, beyond conventional notions of right and wrong.

Nature is cleverly used as a metaphor for Smita’s calculated revenge. Though her actions are relatively straightforward, they reflect her personality and inner strength. The film’s small-town backdrop, the protagonist’s measured response, quirky supporting characters, and gradual mystery unraveling work in parts, but the pieces never fully coalesce.

While Chopra excels at capturing overlooked details in Smita’s life, the transition from a marital drama to a murder mystery and the story’s conclusion are somewhat underwhelming. The ending, which hints at a potential sequel, fails to deliver the impact intended. Saali Mohabbat contains many compelling moments but could benefit from sharper writing.

Music and Technical Aspects

The film’s technical execution is a notable strength. Simran Hora’s background score and the songs by multiple composers add texture to the gritty narrative. Cinematography is precise, offering intimate glimpses into Smita’s emotional state, complemented by well-chosen production design and costumes.

Highlights

• Strong performances by Radhika Apte and Divyendu Sharma
• Detailed character work and engaging setup
• Solid technical craftsmanship

Drawbacks

• Predictable storyline with limited surprises
• Abrupt ending
• Inconsistent cohesion