
Abhimanyu Sood. Good surgeon. Bad father. Questionable human being. He is having the worst day of his life.
Crazxy, a brand new thriller film that debuted the 28th of February, 2025. It is a 90-minute adrenaline rush that will keep audiences on their seats. Written by a debutante Girish Kohli The film stars Sohum Shah, who is best recognized for his work in Tumbbad. The film revolves around surgeons who race against time to save his kidnapped daughter, while confronting his own personal and professional situation. The uniqueness of this film is the way that Shah is featured in nearly every frame, while the other actors make a contribution only. The film blends suspenseful vehicle chases, emotional family drama, and unexpected twists to create a refreshing movie that fits in with Bollywood’s genre of thrillers which has been praised for its clear direction and a strong performance despite some weak plot points.
The story is about Abhimanyu Sood the surgeon, played in the film by Sohum Shah. He starts the film in a car to settle with an elderly family whose son was killed during surgery because of his alleged carelessness1. Abhimanyu has a bag with five crore rupees worth of black cash to settle the family and avoid going to jail3. The plans of his are abruptly thwarted when he receives a phone call telling him that his 16-year old daughter Vedica was abducted1. The kidnapper wants the five crore rupees was his plan to use to settle his claim3. This puts Abhimanyu in a quandary – the choice is between keeping himself out of prison or protecting his daughter.
The story gets even more heartbreaking when we discover that Vedica is suffering from Down Syndrome and was left to fend for herself by Abhimanyu several years ago1. She is living with his ex- wife, adding an even more emotional weight to his situation3. At first, Abhimanyu believes that the call is a trick however once he watches the video of his numb and bound-up daughter, he is convinced that it’s genuine. Then, he sees a countdown while Abhimanyu struggles to free his daughter as he drives his car. Most of the film is set in the car and gives the viewer the feeling of being sucked in to the main character.
The story is some unexpected twists and twists that keep the viewers wondering what’s to come next. The director Girish Kohli has created a story that is unpredictable, which is essential for a good thriller1. The film is paced throughout its entire length even though some viewers might be bored when the identity of the kidnapper as well as his motives are revealed1. However, the thrilling car chases, and Sohum’s impressive acting keep viewers entertained throughout the film.
Sohum Shah is a masterful role as Abhimanyu Sood, who carries the entire film by himself. He is in every scene, and he convincingly portrays the complex character of “a good surgeon, a terrible father and a questionable human being”. His performance evokes a variety of emotions as he changes into a cold, distant father an individual who is confronting his mistakes and trying to correct them. Shah’s ability to engage his audience for the entire 90 minutes shows how skilled the actor is.
The thing that is distinctive in what is unique about Crazxy film is the supporting actors do not be seen onscreen, but instead make their voices alone. Shilpa Shukla plays Abhimanyu’s girlfriend, Tinnu Anand is the abductor, Nimisha Sajayan is his ex-girlfriend and Piyush Mishra, his boss. While we don’t get to see them, they play a significant role in the plot. This creative casting method distinguishes the film from the rest.
A most memorable scenes demonstrates the versatility of Shah as an actor. Abhimanyu performs a surgical procedure via video conference as he talks with the kidnapper and has an unflat tire replaced at once3. The scene is a perfect illustration of the character’s changing emotions, from despair to confidence in only a few seconds3. These scenes are a testament to Shah’s dedication to acting. They create a film that is more than just a normal thriller.
Director debut Girish Kohli exhibits a tremendous ability to keep the story moving without unnecessary distractions. The 90-minute time frame of the film is used effectively to build and keep tension throughout. Kohli deserves praise for embracing an innovative storytelling technique, and offering something different in Bollywood where the use of formula storytelling and remakes have been a common sight. The dedication to innovation has be applauded, particularly for a filmmaker who is a relative newcomer.
The technical aspects of Crazxy help to serve its story very well. The sharp editing done by Sanyukta Kaza, and Rythem Lath offers simple, precise control that keeps the story running at a fast pace. Cinematography is acceptable for a budget film that reveals the cramped inside of the car, but not rendering it dull visually. The background music adds to the tension that the movie is aiming for, but it gets too loud in certain scenes.
The music of the film is a welcome break from the tension created continuously. The songs like “Goli Maar Bheje Mein” and “Abhimanyu” are memorable and memorable. Kishore Kumar’s “Abhimanyu Chakravuyh Mein Phas Gaya Hai” is a great choice to convey the dilemma of the main character. Vishal Bhardwaj’s music provides some respite from the emotional tone of the film without disrupting the overall flow. These selections of music demonstrate the integration of soundtrack elements in the genre of thriller.
Crazxy is a success largely because of Sohum Shah’s impressive screen presence and his excellent performance. The flimsy plot, while not perfect, is able to keep the audience engaged throughout the duration. The distinctive way of telling a story sets it from typical Bollywood thrillers. It’s an appealing alternative to those who are bored of the same strategies and remakes from South Indian movies1. The decision to make the majority of the action happen inside a vehicle creates the feeling of being in a confined space which amplifies the tension of the plot.
The film deserves to be praised for bringing awareness to Down Syndrome as well, which is a condition that does not usually make it into the forefront on the screen in popular Indian films. Although the portrayal is not a major focus, adds an emotional depth to the content of the story and increases awareness with sensitivity. The makers took a bold step in defending this unconventional film, which demonstrates the desire to explore other stories, rather than go to the tried-and-true commercial paths.
The film is technically excellent and shows effectiveness in its presentation. The 90-minute length doesn’t make the story seem sluggish or boring, retaining interest throughout. The camera is able to work efficiently using the smallest settings, and the background soundtrack and music help contribute to the overall experience, but do not distract from the story. They all come together to create an unifying thriller that accomplishes much of what it aims to accomplish.
While it’s a great film, Crazxy is not perfect and has some flaws that can affect the overall viewing experience. The film could slow down after the motive of the kidnapper and its the revelation of his identity, which could dampen the interest of viewers in subsequent scenes. Although the ending has similar “crazy” idea as the other parts of the film however, it may not be enough for certain viewers, leaving certain people feeling that the ending is not able to meet the expectations from the earlier scenes. The lack of tension in the narrative could be a missed opportunity for an otherwise captivating thriller.
The social commentary incorporated into the film, though well-intentioned it can be seen as if it was added being organically integrated into the story. It’s a disconnected experience in which thematic aspects don’t always blend with the tension-building elements1. There are those who wonder if original stories that are out of the box are always enjoyable, particularly when the novelty factor is emphasized over the narrative.
One minor, but important issue could be Sohum Shah’s dialogue. Some dialog is unclear, which can affect the understanding of important plot elements. The technical issue, while not ruining the film can detract from the experience for certain viewers3. These details are essential in a film that relies heavily on dialogue to convey its story and establish character motivations.
Crazxy is a bold debut in the Hindi thriller genre, in the same lines as Hollywood films such as “Buried,” “All Is Lost,” “Locke,” and “127 Hours” that deal with a single person in an unusual situation. Crazxy is a hit due to Sohum Shah’s dazzling acting skills and the director Girish Kohli’s precise control of the plot. For fans of Shah or those looking for something unlike the typical Bollywood movie, Crazxy provides an engaging 90-minute film that doesn’t waste time.
The film demonstrates how a strong script and an impressive central performance can transcend the limitations of budgets and conventional storytelling expectations. The two actors Sohum Shah as well as Girish Kohli deserve to be praised for trying something completely new in Hindi cinema and for taking risks that some veteran filmmakers might shy away from. Although not perfect, Crazxy deserves praise for its determination and accomplishment in proving that innovative ideas can have a place in contemporary Indian cinema.
Cinemagoers who are weighing whether they want to watch Crazxy at the theater or wait until its streaming release, the decision is entirely up to personal preferences1. The film’s intimate tension and Shah’s impressive performance, however, provide an argument compelling to see Crazxy in the cinemas. With its compelling story, emotional scenes that are undiluted and suspenseful pace, Crazxy deserves a respectable three-out-of-five stars for its successful attempt in introducing something fresh to the thriller genre.