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.