
‘Accused,’ directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, began streaming on Netflix on 27 February and stars Konkona Sensharma, Pratibha Rannta, Monica Mahendru, and Mashhoor Amrohi.
‘Accused’ takes up the serious issue of sexual harassment. Director Anubhuti Kashyap, who earlier explored the struggles of a lone male doctor in a hospital’s gynaecology department, returns to a similar space in her second film.
Tackling a heavy theme
Once again, a gynaecologist stands at the center, but this time the story unfolds in a London hospital and addresses a heavier theme. The result is a mildly satisfying film that holds back instead of pushing harder. It contains moments that could have been powerful and dramatic, yet they never fully develop. The experience feels somewhat undercooked. Thankfully, strong performances by the lead actors help keep the film afloat.
Accusations and uncertainty
The story centers on Dr. Geetika Sen (Konkona Sensharma), a gynaecologist working at a London hospital. She is married to Meera (Pratibha Rannta), a paediatric doctor employed at another hospital. The couple shares a happy life and plans to adopt a child soon. Things change abruptly when the hospital’s HR department receives an anonymous email accusing Geetika of sexual misconduct, claiming the sender was her victim.
Overnight, Geetika’s life turns upside down, and more complaints begin to surface. The hospital takes the matter seriously and assigns Jaideep Bhargava, an ex-journalist, to investigate. The situation strains Geetika's and Meera’s relationship. Both begin searching for answers independently, and when Meera hires a private investigator, the truth gradually emerges.
A mystery that falls flat
Despite having the structure of a mystery, ‘Accused’ feels lifeless and rarely grips the viewer. The decision to portray the central couple as same-sex seems to add little to the overall narrative, as the story would remain largely unchanged otherwise. The setting feels real and grounded, but the screenplay lacks engagement.
The emotional stakes never rise high enough to create urgency. Several confrontations pass without leaving an impact. The film sparks curiosity at first, yet its restrained tone causes interest to fade. In the latter half, the focus shifts more toward the tension in the marriage, with both partners trying to uncover what really happened.
Lead actors anchor the film
The film remains watchable mainly because of its performances. Konkona Sensharma, as Dr. Geetika Sen, delivers a sincere and believable portrayal. Her expressions and body language convincingly convey the shock and anger of someone facing serious accusations. She brings quiet intensity to many scenes that might otherwise feel flat.
Even in moments of silence, her presence holds attention. Pratibha Rannta, playing Meera, holds her own alongside a seasoned actor and gives a composed performance. As her character slowly learns more about Geetika, her internal conflict becomes interesting to observe. The subtle shift in her trust and doubt is portrayed with care. The narrative largely rests on these two characters, while the supporting cast plays smaller roles.
A promising story, uneven execution
‘Accused’ had the potential to offer a sharp perspective on harassment involving women, but it chooses a safer path. In the second half, it leans more into the whodunit angle and loses some of its impact. The shift in tone feels uneven and slightly forced.
What begins as a sensitive drama turns into a routine mystery. The final reveal feels underwhelming, especially in the way the culprit’s identity is presented. Though the film gets many elements right, including performances, setting, and mood, it falters in its closing moments.
Rating: 3/5
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