Rajat Kapoor Drawn to "Emotional Violence" in New Murder Mystery Film

Actor-director Rajat Kapoor is set to release his new streaming film, 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa', on ZEE5. He was drawn to the project not just as a whodunnit but for its exploration of the "emotional violence" simmering among friends and family. The film centers on the brutal murder of a sharp-tongued bully, Sohrab Handa, during a celebration, shattering civility and exposing hidden resentments. Featuring an ensemble cast including Vinay Pathak and Ranvir Shorey, the story blurs moral lines, focusing on the ambiguity and secrets each character carries.

Key Points: Rajat Kapoor on Directing 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa'

  • Stylish murder mystery
  • Explores emotional violence & unsaid tensions
  • Features an ensemble cast of over 15 actors
  • Set during a celebration that turns deadly
2 min read

Rajat Kapoor reveals what drew him to his new directorial

Rajat Kapoor reveals what drew him to direct the ZEE5 murder mystery 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa', starring Vinay Pathak and Ranvir Shorey.

Rajat Kapoor reveals what drew him to his new directorial
"What interested me was not just the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. - Rajat Kapoor"

Mumbai, April 8

Actor-director Rajat Kapoor, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming streaming film 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa', has shared that he was drawn to the "emotional violence" in the script.

The trailer of the film was unveiled on Wednesday. It promises a stylish murder mystery. The film stars Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waluscha De Sousa, Saurabh Shukla, Neil Bhoopalam, Koel Purie, Chandrachoor Rai, Palomi Ghosh and Rajat Kapoor himself.

Talking about the film, Rajat Kapoor said, "I am very interested in genre cinema, and would like to do them all. This time around, I was drawn to whodunnit. What interested me was not just the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. And in many ways, this one goes beyond a 'whodunnit'. These are people who smile at each other, drink together, celebrate together- friends and family, really. But there's so much that is not said. Ungainly things happen when that silence finally snaps. And then we worked to bring together an excellent ensemble of actors. What a pleasure it is to shoot a film with over 15 amazing actors in every frame".

At the heart of the story is Sohrab Handa (played by Vinay Pathak) a sharp-tongued, foul-mouthed bully whose acidic wit and unapologetic arrogance make him the loudest presence in any room. Tolerated for his honesty and secretly loathed for his snobbishness, Sohrab thrives on pushing buttons, sparing no one in a gathering that prides itself on civility.

Ranvir Shorey said, "This isn't a film where heroes and villains are clearly defined. Every character is carrying something, regret, jealousy, anger. That ambiguity is what makes the story compelling. As actors, it gave us a lot to explore beneath the lines and it was a treat to be directed by my dear friend, Rajat Kapoor".

The film is set during an intimate outstation celebration among friends and family, what begins as effortless banter, free-flowing drinks and games soon curdles into discomfort. When Sohrab is found brutally murdered late at night, the convivial atmosphere collapses, giving way to suspicion, exposed resentments and moral unease.

Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Mithya Talkies, 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa' is set to stream on Hindi ZEE5 on April 10, 2026.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
Finally, a proper whodunnit with an Indian soul! Not just about the murder but the tensions in a friend group. Reminds me of those awkward family gatherings where everything seems fine on the surface 😅. Vinay Pathak as the bully is perfect casting.
R
Rohit P
Interesting premise. But I hope it's not another slow-burn drama that gets lost in its own "ambiguity". Sometimes these arty films forget to entertain. That said, Kapoor and Shorey together usually deliver something special. Will give it a shot.
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Ananya R
The ensemble cast is stellar! Saurabh Shukla, Neil Bhoopalam, Koel Purie... what a mix. This is the kind of content OTT platforms should focus on - story-driven, character-heavy cinema. April 10 is marked on my calendar! 🎬
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David E
As someone who enjoys Indian cinema, this sounds intriguing. The description of Sohrab Handa is very vivid – the loudest person in the room who is tolerated but not liked. That's a universal character. Looking forward to seeing how this mystery unfolds.
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Sneha F
"Ungainly things happen when that silence finally snaps." – This line from the article gave me chills. So true for many relationships. Rajat Kapoor has a knack for picking scripts that explore human darkness. Hope it lives up to the hype!

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