Cast
View AllAlia Bhatt
as Sehmat
Vicky Kaushal
as Iqbal Syed
Rajit Kapoor
as Hidayat Khan
Shishir Sharma
as Brigadier Syed
Ashwath Bhatt
as Mehboob Syed
Jaideep Ahlawat
as Khalid Mir
Soni Razdan
as Teji
Arif Zakaria
as Abdul
Amruta Khanvilkar
as Munira
Kanwaljit Singh
as Nikhil Bakshi - Older
Aman Vasishth
as Nikhil Bakshi - Younger
Veer Samra
as Nafisa
Saloni
as Nurse at Military Hospital
Deepak Saini
as Tailor in Lahore
Sima Pari
as Shyama
Crew
Director
- Meghna Gulzar
Producer
- Apoorva Mehta
- Karan Johar
- Vineet Jain
- Hiroo Johar
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Raazi examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Meghna Gulzar brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Raazi took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 138 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 183 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1294 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Raazi shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Metropolis, which focuses more on action than character development, Raazi offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Apocalypse Now and War of the Worlds explore similar territory, Raazi stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 10, 2018
- Runtime: 2h 18m
- Budget: $4,500,000
- Revenue: $23,800,000
Where to Watch

