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One Friday Night
One Friday Night
One Friday Night
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One Friday Night
Release poster
Directed byManish Gupta
Written by
  • Manish Gupta
  • Zuhaebb
  • Ramesh Rabindranath.


Produced by
Starring
CinematographyBinendra Menon
Edited byArchit D Rastogi
Music byGoyell Saab
Production
companies
Jio Studios
Click On RM
Distributed byJioCinema
Release date
  • 28 July 2023 (2023-07-28)
Running time
92 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

One Friday Night is a 2023 Hindi-language suspense thriller film directed by Manish Gupta starring Raveena Tandon, Milind Soman and Vidhi Chitalia, produced by Jio Studios. The film had a direct-to-OTT release on JioCinema on 28 July 2023.[1][2][3][4][5]

One Friday Night is the first film in which Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman have been paired opposite each other. Vidhi Chitalia was earlier seen in Manish Gupta’s 420 IPC in a supporting role. Impressed with her acting skills, the director decided to cast her as the leading lady alongside Raveena Tandon.[6][7][8][5] The director describes One Friday Night as "A relationship drama that’s plotted like a Hitchcock-esque suspense thriller…"[7][6][8]

One Friday Night was shot in 25 days in the monsoon months of July and August on an isolated hilltop at the shores of Pawna lake. The director filmed many scenes in natural rain to create a feeling of realism.[6]

Plot

[edit]

Business tycoon Ram Verma (Milind Soman) and his gynaecologist wife Dr Lata Verma (Raveena Tandon) are happily married for 20 years. But they do not have children. Unknown to his wife, Ram has an extramarital affair with a young dancer named Nirosha Patel(Vidhi Chitalia). He takes Nirosha to his farmhouse telling Lata that he's going to Nagpur on business purpose. Before they reach the farmhouse it starts heavily pouring that soon leads to a flood like condition. Upon reaching the farmhouse Nirosha calls her mother and learns from her that she's in dire need for money. Nirosha requests Ram to lend her the money. In reply Ram opens a chest that is full of currency notes and says that all this money now belongs to her.

Lata learns from TV news that Nagpur is heavily flooded and all the offices are closed. She rings up Ram to know the exact situation there. In the meantime Nirosha reveals that she's two months pregnant. Ram feels ecstatic to know that he's going to be a father for the first time and expresses his wish to keep the baby. The farmhouse servant Govind overhears their conversation and his face shows silent disapproval. Ram wants to celebrate this occasion with his favourite pastries. He tells Govind to take his car and go to the market which was 40 km away, to buy pastries. Govind doesn't want to leave the house in this weather but cannot disobey the master's command.

After Govind's departure Nirosha demands that Ram leave Lata and marry her so that she and their child get a normal life. Ram refuses to leave Lata or reveal his secret affair to her. Nirosha threatens to abort her child if Ram doesn't make their relationship public. At that moment Lata calls and Nirosha asks Ram to tell her everything. But Ram doesn't do so and Nirosha breaks plates in anger and frustration. Ram disconnects the call and tries to pacify Nirosha. They go to the terrace and have a playful fight. Accidentally Ram loses his balance, falls down from the terrace and gets seriously injured. A panicky Nirosha first tries to call Govind and then an ambulance but cannot call either due to poor connectivity. Ultimately she rings up Lata and asks help from her. Lata understands that her husband has cheated on her. Despite her anger and disgust she tries to call an ambulance but in vain. She decides to go to the farmhouse to treat her husband herself. In her hurry she leaves her mobile phone behind. She doesn't even inform her maid before going out.

She drives the car and reaches the farmhouse. The two women take Ram inside and Lata treats her husband. When he's stable she calls Nirosha outside and the two women have a showdown in the drawing room. Lata terms Nirosha a call girl who's after her husband's money. But Nirosha protests and says that Ram loves her and not Lata. Nirosha's mother calls and Lata threatens to tell her everything. Nirosha doesn't want to involve her mom into this and she decides to leave the house. But before she could leave Ram regains consciousness and tells Lata that Nirosha is pregnant and that he wants to marry her. Lata breaks down after this confession and decides to leave the farmhouse. She feels more devastated when Nirosha says that last month she had gone to Lata's clinic to have an abortion and it was Lata who insisted that she kept the child. Shocked by the revelation Lata flops down on the floor and requests Nirosha to make a cup of coffee for her. When Nirosha leaves for the kitchen, Lata silently enters the bedroom where Ram is sleeping now. With a heavy heart she forces a pillow on his face, suffocating him to death. Then she stuffs Nirosha's bag with the money from the chest. Then she leaves the farmhouse telling Nirosha that she will divorce Ram. She also asks her to come to her clinic for check up and promises to convince Ram into marrying her(Nirosha). Lata drives back home at the wee hours of dawn. She takes off the cctv camera from the front of her house and throws it into the public waste bin. Then she opens the bonnet of her car and disconnects a few wires making the vehicle out of order.

When Ram's body is discovered by the police Nirosha becomes the prime suspect. She tells the police that Dr Lata had been with her all night but cannot prove it. On the contrary Lata's maid and mobile network history tell that Lata never left her house that night. Her car is also out of order due to excessive rain. The servant Govind, who returned to the farmhouse after Lata's departure, denies having seen Lata on that night. Hence Lata is given a clean chit by the police. Govind's witness along with other evidences like Nirosha's pregnancy, her money stashed handbag and the broken plates proves her 'guilt'. It is proven beyond doubt that Ram had refused to marry Nirosha and hence she pushed him off the terrace and then suffocated him to death. Nirosha is convicted for the murder of Ram Verma.

Cast

[edit]

Releases

[edit]

JioCinema had announced the launch of trailer on 24 July 2023[9][10] and the film released on 28 July 2023.[1][2][3][4][5]

Reception

[edit]

Jyotsna Rawat of Punjab Kesari has given the film 3.5/5 stars, stating that it is a well-directed film with a good blend of romance, suspense, and twists.[11]

Abhishek Srivastava of The Times of India stated that the film's potential is evident with its promising premise. Also he praised One Friday Night for its commendable attempt to steer clear of Bollywood clichés and melodrama.[2]  

References

[edit]
[edit]
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One Friday Night

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
One Friday Night is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language directed by Manish Gupta. The story centers on a stormy night in an isolated villa atop a secluded hill, where a young woman named , involved in an affair with a married man Ram Verma, confronts his wife Lata after Ram suffers a severe , unraveling secrets of love, treachery, and betrayal. Starring as Lata Verma, as Ram Verma, and Vidhi Chitalia as , the film explores themes of and moral dilemmas in a tense, dramatic setting. Released directly on the OTT platform on 28 July 2023, One Friday Night marks Gupta's sixth directorial project and was produced by Jio Studios. Filmed during the season at locations like Pawna Lake, the movie blends elements of drama and mystery, with a runtime that emphasizes atmospheric over action. It received mixed reviews from audiences, praised for its intriguing twists and strong performances—particularly Tandon's portrayal of a complex wife and Chitalia's role—but criticized for predictable plotting and uneven pacing. The film highlights contemporary issues in relationships while drawing on classic thriller tropes, contributing to the growing landscape of Indian .

Synopsis

Plot summary

The film opens with Ram Verma, a wealthy businessman married to gynecologist Lata Verma for two decades, secretly conducting an extramarital affair with , a young dancer who becomes pregnant with his child. Ram deceives Lata by claiming a trip to and instead takes to his isolated farmhouse in for a weekend getaway. There, urges Ram to reveal their relationship and impending fatherhood to Lata, but tensions rise when Ram sends the caretaker, , away to fetch desserts, leaving them alone amid a raging that disrupts phone signals and access roads. During a heated exchange on the balcony, playfully pushes Ram, causing him to slip and fall, resulting in severe injuries. With no other options due to the storm's isolation, desperately calls Lata for assistance. Lata arrives promptly at the flooded, cut-off farmhouse, and together the two women carry the unconscious Ram inside. As Ram briefly regains , he confesses the , the , and his plan to divorce Lata, igniting her fury. In a fit of rage, Lata smothers him with a pillow, ensuring his death. To cover her tracks, Lata methodically frames for the murder by retrieving cash from Ram's safe and stuffing it into Nirosha's bag, staging the scene as a gone wrong. She departs the property, deliberately damaging her car en route to bolster her alibi of a perilous drive through the floodwaters, and discards her phone to eliminate any traceable calls. Upon Govind's return from the city, he discovers Ram's body and alerts the authorities. investigation uncovers the planted money and implicating Nirosha, leading to her immediate and for the killing. In the film's climactic twist, Lata's premeditated scheme unravels as a masterstroke of : feigning ignorance and portraying herself as the betrayed spouse back home, she evades all suspicion while is imprisoned for life, her calculated complete amid the storm's lingering chaos.

Themes

The film One Friday Night delves into the central theme of betrayal and , examining the repercussions of marital through a lens of and moral ambiguity. At its core, the narrative portrays the destructive cycle of deceit within a , where acts of lead to calculated responses that blur the lines between victimhood and culpability. This exploration highlights how personal betrayals can escalate into vengeful actions, often involving the manipulation of to achieve a form of , underscoring the ethical dilemmas faced by characters entangled in extramarital affairs. Symbolism plays a pivotal role, particularly through the depiction of the , which represents emotional turmoil, isolation, and uncontrollable chaos that mirrors the unraveling of interpersonal relationships. The incessant rain and during the story's key events amplify the sense of entrapment and impending doom, transforming the natural environment into a for the characters' internal conflicts and the overwhelming forces disrupting their lives. Filmed amid actual conditions near Pawna Lake, this element intensifies the atmospheric tension, symbolizing how external chaos parallels the breakdown of trust and stability in personal bonds. Gender dynamics are portrayed through the lens of female agency in a thriller framework, with the character of Lata Verma evolving from a perceived victim to a strategic manipulator, offering commentary on power imbalances inherent in adulterous relationships. This transformation critiques societal expectations around women's roles in and , emphasizing resilience and amid betrayal. The film contrasts this with the male protagonist's vulnerabilities, highlighting disparities in how affects genders differently within modern Indian contexts. The narrative's moral ambiguity and twists further challenge viewer , emphasizing themes of versus in stories. By presenting characters with layered motivations, the film questions absolute notions of right and wrong, particularly in scenarios involving and , where the ending forces audiences to reevaluate initial sympathies and confront the subjectivity of truth. This approach draws from thriller conventions to probe deeper ethical questions about justice and forgiveness in the wake of personal .

Production

Development

The development of One Friday Night began in , with the film receiving certification from the on June 10 of that year. Produced by and Manish Trehan under Studios and Click On RM, director Manish Gupta conceived the story's core concept after watching an interview in which lead actor discussed his marriage to a woman 26 years his junior, which inspired the dynamic between Soman's character and his on-screen romantic interest. Gupta, known for his interest in suspense thrillers drawn from real-life elements, co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ramesh Rabindranath and Kamal Chopra, focusing on revisions to amplify tension within a compact 92-minute runtime. Key creative decisions included confining the narrative to limited locations, such as an isolated villa during a stormy night, to foster a sense of and integrate authentic flood-like elements for heightened realism and . This approach aligned with Gupta's vision for realistic cinema, though it initially led to minor creative differences with lead actress , who was attached early due to her interest in the role's psychological depth.

Casting

Raveena Tandon was cast in the lead role of Lata Verma, the vengeful wife and a Pune-based gynaecologist, due to her long-standing friendship with director Manish Gupta spanning over two decades; she agreed to the project immediately after he narrated the story to her. Milind Soman was selected for the role of Ram Verma, the unfaithful husband, after Gupta viewed a video of Soman discussing his real-life wife, which aligned perfectly with the character's age, persona, and emotional depth; Gupta conducted workshops to encourage Soman to portray the role authentically, resulting in what the director described as Soman's best performance to date. Vidhi Chitalia, a relative newcomer to Hindi cinema, was chosen as Nirosha Patel, the husband's much younger extra-marital interest, for her ability to convey the required vulnerability and intensity in the thriller's confined narrative. The casting process faced initial challenges with Tandon, stemming from creative differences between her experience in mainstream commercial films and Gupta's preference for gritty, realistic thrillers; however, these were resolved through discussions, allowing the production to proceed smoothly. Supporting roles, including the played by Ambrish Saxena and a by Hemant K. Gaur, were filled by lesser-known actors without major stars, emphasizing the film's focus on the principal trio's chemistry in a character-driven story. The full cast was publicly announced in April 2023 through media outlets, highlighting the fresh pairing of and in a Studios production, which was part of the studio's broader 2023 content slate unveiling.

Filming

Principal photography for One Friday Night was completed in 25 days during the monsoon months of and August 2022, in a single continuous schedule. The production primarily took place at a remote location on the banks of Pawna Lake near , , leveraging the natural downpours to authentically depict the film's stormy night sequences involving and isolation. Cinematographer Binendra Menon employed natural lighting from the environment to capture the raw tension of the scenes, supplemented by techniques for dynamic, intimate shots during the resort sequences. The production relied on natural downpours for the stormy sequences, which provided authentic but led to challenges from unpredictable weather. Editor Archit D. Rastogi maintained a tight 92-minute runtime, focusing on a brisk pace that heightened the suspense without unnecessary extensions. Goyell Saab crafted the score with suspenseful string arrangements and ambient recordings of rain sounds to underscore the film's themes of isolation and impending danger. The production faced significant challenges from the unpredictable real monsoons, which caused delays in scheduling but ultimately enhanced the realism of the flood scenes by providing genuine environmental immersion. Additionally, the limited crew size was essential for maintaining the intimate feel of the resort-based action, allowing for agile in the isolated hillside setting despite logistical hurdles like encounters.

Release

Premiere

One Friday Night had its world on 28 July 2023, exclusively on the streaming platform JioCinema as a direct-to-OTT release that skipped theatrical distribution. This approach was influenced by post-pandemic shifts in the Indian film industry, where digital platforms gained prominence for broader and reduced risks associated with cinema exhibition. Promotions leading up to the premiere included a virtual trailer launch on 24 July 2023, shared across JioCinema's official YouTube channel and social media, highlighting interviews and teasers with the cast including Raveena Tandon and Milind Soman. Lacking a traditional red-carpet event, the rollout featured director-led Q&A sessions and behind-the-scenes content on platforms like Instagram, fostering online engagement with fans. The film's final runtime was set at 92 minutes, tailored for optimal streaming consumption without extended pacing.

Distribution platforms

One Friday Night became available for streaming exclusively on in starting July 28, 2023, offered for free with advertisements or accessible via subscription plans. Following the 2025 merger of and into JioHotstar, the film transitioned to this unified platform, maintaining its ad-supported model for broader accessibility. Jio Studios, the production company, managed the distribution rights, ensuring the film featured audio tracks accompanied by English subtitles to enhance reach among diverse audiences. Internationally, availability remains limited, with listings on JustWatch indicating access in select regions but no major global over-the-top (OTT) partnerships reported; it is streamable on VI Movies and TV in certain markets. The film lacks physical media releases or theatrical reruns, and digital purchase or download options are not available, emphasizing an ad-supported streaming approach centered on JioHotstar.

Reception

Critical response

One Friday Night received mixed reviews from critics, who praised certain performances and atmospheric elements while critiquing the script and pacing. On , the film holds an average rating of 5.1/10 based on 5,578 user votes (as of November 2025), reflecting a generally lukewarm response. awarded it 2.5 out of 5 stars, faulting the uninspired plot and sluggish pacing that made the 92-minute runtime feel interminable. In contrast, gave it 3 out of 5 stars, commending its avoidance of clichés through engaging twists that blend romance and suspense effectively. Critics highlighted several strengths in the film's execution. Raveena Tandon's portrayal of the lead character Lata was frequently lauded for its emotional range and commanding presence, with noting her "brilliant acting" that recaptures her classic charm. Director Manish Gupta earned praise for building suspense within the confined villa setting, as per 's appreciation of his strong direction in maintaining tension. The atmosphere also contributed positively, enhancing the thriller's moody tone during the stormy night sequences, as observed in reviews emphasizing the film's immersive environmental setup. Additionally, smaller outlets like Flickonclick commended Milind Soman's intense depiction of the husband, adding layers to the central conflict. However, the script drew significant criticism for its predictable elements, undermining the twists' impact; Popcorn Reviewss described it as a "predictable drama that falls flat at the end." The short runtime was seen as a double-edged sword, leading to rushed character development that left arcs underdeveloped, according to The Times of India. Supporting roles, including Vidhi Chitalia's, lacked depth, with Pinkvilla noting overall underwhelming performances that failed to elevate the narrative. Notable quotes underscore the divided opinions. dubbed it a "Friday night dud" lacking zest, capturing the boredom induced by its formulaic storytelling. On a brighter note, highlighted how Gupta "tried his best to keep the audience hooked," particularly through the twists.

Audience reception

Audience reception for One Friday Night has been mixed among viewers, with an average user rating of 5.1 out of 10 on based on 5,578 votes (as of November 2025). Many users appreciated the film's suspenseful elements and the unexpected twist at the end, with one reviewer noting that it "truly sets this film apart" and makes the watch worthwhile despite its short runtime. On , feedback similarly highlights the thrilling and entertaining aspects, though some found the narrative predictable, contributing to an overall average rating of 3.5 out of 5 from 25 ratings. Viewers praised its concise 92-minute length for quick weekend viewing, though no official viewership figures were released by . The resonated with urban audiences through its exploration of relatable and relationship dynamics in a modern setting, aligning with some critical praises for its thematic depth. However, it faced criticism from other viewer groups for perceived , particularly in emotional confrontations that felt over-the-top to some.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17425020/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/one_friday_night
  3. https://fugitives.com/one-friday-night-summary-ending-explained-2023-indian-thriller-film/
  4. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/one-friday-night/ottmoviereview/102190238.cms
  5. https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/one-friday-night-review-raveena-tandon-milind-soman-vidhi-chitalias-thriller-disengages-and-underwhelms-1232521
  6. https://otakukart.com/134403/one-friday-night-ending-explained-the-indian-thriller-film/
  7. https://www.odisha.plus/2023/08/one-friday-night-a-crime-thriller-that-is-two-decades-too-late/
  8. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/manish-gupta-on-one-friday-night-raveena-tandon-101690036300585.html
  9. https://www.cbfcindia.gov.in/cbfcAdmin/assets/pdf/CC_Issued_2022.pdf
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17425020/fullcredits/
  11. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/raveena-tandon-and-milind-soman-come-together-for-thriller-one-friday-night/articleshow/99444973.cms
  12. https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/news/jio-studios-movies-and-tv-series-slate-2023-dunki-shah-rukh-khan-bloody-daddy-shahid-kapoor-bhediya-stree-2-inspector-avinash-randeep-hooda-3945108
  13. https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2023/Jul/21/it-took-me-and-raveena-some-time-to-come-on-the-same-page-on-the-sets-manish-gupta-51227.html
  14. https://www.filmfestivals.com/blog/siraj_syed/one_friday_night_review_cheat_on_wife_pay_with_life
  15. https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/raveena-tandon-rescues-crab-snake-scorpion-during-one-friday-night-shoot
  16. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/one-friday-night-trailer-raveena-tandon-milind-soman-pair-up-riveting-drama-watch-101690372775748.html
  17. https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/one-friday-night-trailer-raveena-tandon-milind-soman-starrer-premiere-jiocinema-july-28/
  18. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/when-a-film-skips-theatrical-release-how-it-affects-the-entire-value-chain/articleshow/121053612.cms
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUhH4CZr5Iw
  20. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvHXVTLuPZl/?hl=en
  21. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvE2TFyNsd2/
  22. https://www.justwatch.com/in/movie/one-friday-night
  23. https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/13/hotstar-and-jiocinema-merge-into-jiohotstar-as-reliance-tightens-grip-on-streaming-in-india/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17425020/companycredits/
  25. https://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/movies/one-friday-night.html
  26. https://reelgood.com/movie/one-friday-night-2023
  27. https://www.punjabkesari.in/entertainment/news/raveena-tondon-and-milind-soman-starrer-one-friday-night-1858721
  28. https://www.flickonclick.com/one-friday-night-movie-review-raveena-tandon-delivers-a-stellar-performance-in-this-gripping-thriller/
  29. https://popcornreviewss.com/one-friday-night-2023-movie-review/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17425020/ratings/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17425020/reviews/
  32. https://letterboxd.com/film/one-friday-night/ratings/
  33. https://letterboxd.com/film/one-friday-night/reviews/
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