Not Aamir Khan but this director to make film on Raja Raghuvanshi murder case: Report

In a recent development, the brutal murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi is set to be recreated for the silver screen. Filmmaker S P Nimbawat has confirmed that he will be helming a movie inspired by the high-profile case, which drew national attention in late 2022. Titled Honeymoon in Shillong, the film is reportedly in its pre-production stage, with the script already locked.

Contrary to earlier speculation suggesting that actor Aamir Khan was planning a cinematic retelling of the case, the actor himself denied involvement. Now, with Nimbawat stepping in, the project has gained momentum: especially since the victim’s family has officially given their nod.

Raghuvanshi’s elder brother, Sachin, shared the family’s motivation behind allowing the film to go ahead. “We gave our consent for the upcoming film on the murder case. We believe that if we do not bring the story of my brother’s murder on the big screen, people will not be able to know who was right and who was wrong,” he said.

We gave our consent for the upcoming film on the murder case. We believe that if we do not bring the story of my brother’s murder on the big screen, people will not be able to know who was right and who was wrong

- Raja Raghuvanshi’s brother

The real-life case shocked many. Raja Raghuvanshi, a well-known businessman from Indore, was found murdered in January 2023 under circumstances that pointed to a sinister betrayal. According to police reports at the time, the crime was allegedly orchestrated by Raja’s wife, Aanchal Raghuvanshi, along with her lover and a few accomplices. The motive, as per investigations, revolved around an extramarital affair and financial greed.

Raja had reportedly gone to Shillong for what he believed was a honeymoon trip to rekindle his relationship with Aanchal. However, the vacation turned tragic when he was allegedly drugged and later killed. His body was discovered in the outskirts of the city, sparking a multi-state investigation that brought the accused to justice.

Nimbawat, who has directed socially conscious projects in the past, spoke about the objective behind taking on this project. “Through our film, we want to give a message to the public that such incidents of betrayal should be stopped,” he stated. Although he refrained from naming any of the actors involved, the filmmaker revealed that casting is currently underway and the film is slated to begin shooting soon.

The production will be split across two main locations. Around 80 percent of the film will be shot in Indore, the hometown of the Raghuvanshi family, while the remaining 20 percent will be filmed in various parts of Meghalaya, including Shillong, to capture the authentic setting of the tragic incident.

In recent years, Indian cinema has seen a surge in projects rooted in real crime stories, particularly those involving betrayal, complex human emotions, and shocking twists. This film seems to follow that trajectory, focusing not just on the events but also the emotional aftermath and societal implications.

Given the gravity of the case and the family’s involvement, the film could offer an intimate and layered portrayal of Raja Raghuvanshi’s life and the events leading up to his murder. With factual references, legal sensitivity, and emotional depth, Honeymoon in Shillong has the potential to be a powerful narrative that explores both personal tragedy and public interest.

While more details about the cast and release timeline are awaited, the confirmation from both the director and Raghuvanshi’s family makes it clear that the story will reach a larger audience soon—one that perhaps needs to confront the uncomfortable truths it reveals.