Cantt Road: The Beginning (2023) is a gripping Hindi thriller that walks the line between reality and suspense, weaving a dark tale born from the murky lanes of history. Directed by Vishal Saxena, this independent film takes a bold approach to storytelling, pulling viewers into a world haunted by secrets, silence, and shadows.

If you’re a fan of crime dramas with emotional depth, unpredictable twists, and a strong social message, Cantt Road deserves a place on your must-watch list.

Storyline – What Is Cantt Road: The Beginning About?

Set in a military cantonment town in North India, the movie centers around a mysterious incident that took place on Cantt Road, a long-forgotten alley that once witnessed an unsolved tragedy. When investigative journalist Raghav Verma returns to his hometown after years, he’s drawn into a dark secret surrounding his childhood friend’s disappearance.

As Raghav digs deeper, he uncovers a sinister chain of events involving corrupt officials, military secrecy, and a ghostly presence that still lingers on Cantt Road. The movie explores trauma, justice, and moral ambiguity as Raghav is forced to confront not only the truth but also his own past.

Cast and Performances

Cantt Road: The Beginning (2023) features a mix of known faces and rising talent from the indie film circuit.

• Aditya Jaiswal as Raghav Verma – A determined journalist haunted by personal loss.
• Priyanka Bassi as Inspector Nandita – A fierce yet ethical officer torn between duty and truth.
• Rakesh Bedi as Retired Major Bakshi – A complex character whose silence hides many secrets.
• Jatin Goswami as Sanjay – Raghav’s missing childhood friend.
• Zarina Wahab as Raghav’s mother – A fragile but deeply spiritual woman who senses the supernatural.

The performances are grounded and raw, with Aditya Jaiswal standing out for his intense portrayal of a man trapped between past guilt and present responsibility.

Direction, Cinematography & Music

🎬 Direction

Vishal Saxena brings a unique touch to this psychological thriller. His direction feels intimate yet disturbing, as he paints the cantonment area with both nostalgia and dread.

🎥 Cinematography

Shot on location in Lucknow and Meerut, the visuals balance dusty daylight realism with eerie nighttime sequences. The dimly lit streets and fog-shrouded corners of Cantt Road become characters in themselves.

🎵 Music

The haunting background score by Amit Trivedi (guest collaboration) and the folk-inspired songs enhance the emotional pull of the film. The title track, “Raaz Ke Peeche”, is both poetic and unsettling.

Themes and Symbolism

Cantt Road: The Beginning is not your typical thriller. It dives deep into:

• Post-traumatic memory and how the past refuses to stay buried.
• Institutional silence—how authority sometimes suppresses truth.
• The cost of truth-seeking, particularly in places tied to national pride or history.

There are subtle metaphors woven throughout: a cracked photo frame, recurring dream sequences, and military orders etched in fading ink.

Real-Life Inspiration?

Although not officially confirmed, many viewers speculate that the story is loosely inspired by real incidents of disappearances in cantonment zones during the early 2000s. The film handles such sensitive speculation with care and subtlety, never making direct accusations but encouraging reflection.

Public Reception and Critical Review

Audience Response:
Cantt Road quickly earned a cult following among fans of neo-noir thrillers. Viewers appreciated its layered storytelling and atmospheric tension.

Critics’ Verdict:

• The Hindu praised it as “an indie gem that dares to look beneath the surface.”
• Times of India rated it 3.5/5, noting its “strong performances and disturbing realism.”
• Film Companion highlighted the film’s bold take on moral decay and urban ghost stories.

Why Watch Cantt Road: The Beginning?

If you’re still unsure, here’s why Cantt Road: The Beginning is worth your time:

✅ Fresh Narrative – Moves away from Bollywood clichés.
✅ Psychological Depth – Not just thrills, but emotional and moral tension.
✅ Real Locations – Authenticity adds to the immersion.
✅ Indie Grit – It’s bold, it’s raw, and it’s not polished by studio gloss.
✅ Perfect for Fans of Andhadhun, Tumbbad, or Talvar.

Where to Watch Cantt Road (2023)?

As of now, Cantt Road: The Beginning is available on:

• Amazon Prime Video – Included with subscription.
• Zee5 – Premium users only.
• YouTube Movies – Rent or Buy option.

The film had a limited theatrical release in early 2023, mostly in festival circuits and select indie cinemas.

Quick Info Box

Feature	Details
Title	Cantt Road: The Beginning
Language	Hindi
Release Year	2023
Genre	Psychological Thriller / Mystery
Director	Vishal Saxena
Lead Cast	Aditya Jaiswal, Priyanka Bassi, Rakesh Bedi
Runtime	2 hours 8 minutes
Available On	Amazon Prime, Zee5, YouTube

FAQs

Is Cantt Road based on a true story?

Not officially, but it draws inspiration from real themes of secrecy and unresolved cases in military towns.

Is the film scary?

It’s more psychologically haunting than outright horror. The tension builds slowly.

Who should watch this movie?

Anyone who enjoys serious storytelling, urban legends, or social thrillers with emotional weight.

Final Verdict

Cantt Road: The Beginning isn’t just a movie. It’s a dark journey into memory, loss, and buried truth. With its quiet pacing, unpredictable turns, and psychological weight, it lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

If you’re looking for thought-provoking cinema rather than fast-paced action, this film delivers in full.