Director: Pratik Moitro
Cast: Rucha Inamdar, Shivankit Singh Parihar, Raghubir Yadav
 
In the eerie backdrop of Nagpur during the COVID-19 lockdown, director Pratik Moitro presents an intense crime drama, Minus 31: The Nagpur Files. The film unfolds the investigation led by a determined police officer, Preksha Sharma (Rucha Inamdar), into a high-profile murder case, involving a missing girl and a politician determined to bury the truth.
 
Set against the dire circumstances of the pandemic, the film takes us through the complexities of a murder case, entwined with family strife, political interference, and the search for a missing hip-hop aspiring star, Preksha Meshram (Nisha Dhar). The narrative is not a typical edge-of-the-seat whodunnit but delves into the layers of lower-middle-class struggles and strained family dynamics, exploring the clash between generations and ambitions.
 
Moitro, along with writers Charulata Maitra and Ankit Bhuptani, crafts a narrative that is both gripping and thought-provoking. The film weaves together the personal lives of its characters, the corruption amidst the pandemic, and the backdrop of the murder, all set against the raw expression of angst through hip-hop culture.
 
Rucha Inamdar delivers a compelling performance as Preksha Sharma, portraying a strong-headed cop, a dutiful daughter, and a young woman striving for more. The parallel drawn between her character and the missing rapper adds depth to the storytelling. Shivankit Singh Parihar and Rajesh Sharma contribute strong performances, but Raghubir Yadav steals the spotlight with his portrayal of the bitter and maimed ex-policeman. The dynamics between Yadav and Inamdar, especially in confrontational scenes, leave a lasting impact.
 
The film's atmospheric intensity is sustained from start to finish, capturing the dark alleys of slums, dingy settings, and the characters' tumultuous personal lives. The soundtrack, composed by Hip Hop Bhaiya, Yash Sahai, and Udayan Dharmadhikari (who also scores the background), complements the film's look and feel.
 
Minus 31: The Nagpur Files may not offer a thrilling pace, and its slow burn might not be for everyone. However, if you appreciate dark and edgy crime dramas that delve into societal complexities, this film is worth checking out. Moitro successfully creates an atmosphere that lingers, leaving audiences with much to ponder.