Movie Review: Sagwaan

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Language: Hindi
Release Date: 16 January 2026
Producer: Sanwaliya Entertainment LLP, Udaipur
Story, Dialogues & Direction: Himanshu Singh Rajawat
Cast: Himanshu Singh Rajawat, Shyaji Shinde, Ehsan Khan, Milind Gunaji, Rashmi Mishra

Even in today’s modern society, superstition continues to claim innocent lives. Sagwaan confronts this harsh reality head-on. Inspired by true events, the film tackles blind faith, witchcraft, and social evils with courage and conviction. What makes it truly compelling is that the lead role is played by Udaipur’s own police officer Himanshu Singh Rajawat—known in real life for his fearless service—who makes a powerful and convincing debut as a no-nonsense cop on the big screen.

Released on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Sagwaan beautifully blends the earthy soul of Rajasthan with the grit of the police uniform. Rajawat not only headlines the film but also pens a gripping story, impactful dialogues, and directs the narrative with remarkable control. His vision gives the film emotional depth and social relevance.

The story is based on a shocking 2019 murder case. It opens with the discovery of a young girl’s body in a forest, followed by another murder in the same village. The case is handed to suspended police officer Ajay Pal Singh (Himanshu Singh Rajawat), a man whose honesty has repeatedly cost him his job. His troubled family life adds emotional weight, especially when his wife reminds him, “Do your duty—your children still wait for their father’s love.” Such moments strike a chord.

One of the film’s standout lines—“Every policeman takes an exam every day”—perfectly captures the moral dilemma of law enforcement and stays with the viewer.

As Ajay Pal digs deeper, he encounters a powerful village head (Ehsan Khan) and a community trapped in superstition, believing the murders to be the wrath of Mataji. Disguising himself as a schoolteacher, Ajay Pal infiltrates the village and slowly exposes a chilling conspiracy involving superstition, exploitation, and even illegal kidney trafficking. Set against the backdrop of dense teak (sagwan) forests, the title feels both symbolic and rooted in the story.

Performance-wise, Himanshu Singh Rajawat is the film’s backbone. His intense entry scene—where he single-handedly takes on goons in a club—sets the tone. His raw action, commanding dialogue delivery, and Singham-style swagger earn whistles and applause. Ehsan Khan impresses as the manipulative Mukhiya, while Shyaji Shinde, Milind Gunaji, and Rashmi Mishra lend solid support.

The music complements the narrative well. “Jeet Hai Teri Reet Hai” inspires, while “Meri” is emotionally resonant and works beautifully as a Holi-themed track.

A remarkable achievement of Sagwaan is that the entire creative team—actors, producers, singers, editor, and DOP—hail from Rajasthan. The film stands as proof that regional talent can deliver cinema of national and even global standards.

Overall, Sagwaan is a spine-chilling crime thriller rooted in real police case files from Himanshu Singh Rajawat’s career. It fearlessly exposes superstition and witchcraft still prevalent in parts of Rajasthan, reminding us that social reform is as urgent today as ever—even in the age of AI.

Himanshu Singh Rajawat deserves genuine praise for presenting this true story with honesty, intensity, and purpose. With Sagwaan, he announces the arrival of a real Singham in Bollywood. Watch it not just for the thrills, but for the powerful message it leaves behind.