Top critic
NDTV
Film review ·
Murder 3, a thriller that vacillates between the taut to the toxic, packs enough punch and panache to keep the audience glued, if not sweep them off their feet.


A derivative thriller that finds its footing only in the twist-heavy second half.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Murder 3 is largely mixed to negative, with most reviewers finding it a passable but flawed thriller. The second half and its suspenseful twist received the most consistent acknowledgment, with several critics noting the film's ability to hold audience attention despite its shortcomings. The most frequent criticisms center on weak female performances and underdeveloped characters, an overlong runtime, and a derivative narrative borrowed from the Colombian film The Hidden Face. One outlier review was strongly positive, praising it as one of the finest thrillers from the production house, but the majority consensus sits well below enthusiastic.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 9 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Murder 3, a thriller that vacillates between the taut to the toxic, packs enough punch and panache to keep the audience glued, if not sweep them off their feet.
Top critic
Film review ·
With a little more imagination, Murder 3 could have been deliciously dark. I'm pinning my hopes on Murder 4.
Top critic
Film review ·
Murder 3 is a more or less faithful copy of the Colombian thriller The Hidden Face, whose remake rights the Bhatts legally acquired. That, you see, is a big improvement from all those years of cheerfully ripping off Hollywood and Asian films without so much as a by your leave.
Top critic
Film review ·
If the Bhatts had given Hooda more able leading ladies to riff off, 'Murder 3' might have been something to look at. What we get instead is two of the most impact-less female lead parts I've seen in a while, packaged in an overlong series of ill-written, ill-acted sequences.
Film review ·
MURDER 3 is one of the finest thrillers to come out of Vishesh Films. An outstanding story narrated with ferocious enthusiasm. Vishesh Bhatt hits a boundary in his very first attempt!
Film review ·
The first half ghost-walks into a comfort zone (with songs, romance et al); while the second half terrifyingly twists, with raging emotions and shuddering shock value.
Film review ·
Murder 3 is an interesting movie where the suspense will keep you hooked. Worth a watch.
Film review ·
Those who're clueless about the Columbian movie might get a kick out of the big reveal. Those looking for more than (badly-acted) thrills, Murder isn't likely to be your choice of franchise anyway.
Film review ·
'Murder 3' is a onetime watch, only if you are a huge fan of Aditi Rao Hydari. This film too, will probably fade into oblivion leaving only its music on people's lips for a long time to come. Two out of five from me for 'murdering love this Valentine'.
From our readers
1 rating · user score 5.0
Murder 3 is an official adaptation of Spanish psycho-thriller La Cara Oculta (2011, The Hidden Face) and is a sequel to Murder (2004) and Murder 2 (2011). A Valentine Day's release, it is a perfect foil for a romantic endeavour albeit with a difference. Usually a person is killed or murdered but here murder is of a different kind. Here feelings and emotions are ruthlessly killed and a game of deceit is set from the word go. And what else can be expected in this fast moving world, where everything is use-and-throw, including lovers. So, wouldn't it be prudent to know your partner/lover with whom you are going to share almost everything, no matter for how short a time and then move on to the next. Emotions are of no use when your partner has no reciprocity except to conveniently use and dispose of you. This is the first time perhaps there is triangle which is a tetrangle and finally ends up into a pentangle. The story begins in Cape Town, South Africa where photographer Vikram (Randeep Hooda) is a struggler. But soon opportunity arises when he is offered a plum posting as a fashion photographer in Mumbai. He is in two minds as his girlfriend Roshni (Aditi Rao Hydari) is already an established interior designer. But she is ready to leave her career and go with him. And together they leave for Mumbai. She gets busy with setting up the palatial home and he with his career and also with his hair stylist Naomi (Tonisha Pawar). And suddenly Roshni disappears in thin air leaving behind a message in-camera that it is the end of their relationship. Cop Kabir (Rajesh Shringarpure) suspects Vikram but cannot nail him. Vikram is heartbroken but soon finds refuge in the arms of a waitress Nisha (Sara Loren/Mona Lizza). Things are beginning to return to normal but then Nisha finds the mansion is actually a bhoot bangla. Sppoky things happen that raise goose pimples. And from then onwards it's a race to finish. A photo FINISH of emotions and feelings. And Kabir too expresses his feelings towards Nisha. In this complex pentangle, where does the buck stop? That's the cat and mouse game where Roshni finds freedom, Nisha needs to be rescued and the serpent must be caught and probably punished/killed too. It is something to be watched to be appreciated. There is a subtle play on day/light (Roshni) and night (Nisha). After Talaash, this movie is simply superb. It is a breath-taking climax that does poetic justice to a tale of deceit and two-timing. Trust and faithfulness shouldn't be compromised upon or the feelings and emotions stand murdered. Arth (1983) challenged the institution of marriage. Murder 3 challenges the feelings and emotions of true love. Times have changed and so have feelings. And how are we human beings going to deal with it? That is left for us to decide. The message is clear: If you want to have a smooth-sailing relationship KNOW thyself to know your partner. Don't go by looks but what goes on inside your partner's mind.
Credits
Randeep HoodaVikram
Aditi Rao HydariRoshni
Sara LorenNisha
Shekhar ShuklaSenior Investigating Officer
Rajesh ShringarpurePolice Officer - Kabir
Shraddha JaiswalSheenaHindi films like Murder 3