. Promoted as India’s first mainstream lesbian crime drama, the film pairs intense romance with an underground heist narrative. Starring Naina Ganguly and Apsara Rani in the lead roles, Khatra (Dangerous) pushes traditional Bollywood boundaries by centering its plot on a same-sex relationship entangled within a dangerous criminal nexus.
The film received largely reviews from professional critics, while audience ratings on platforms like BookMyShow show a polarizing split between very high and very low scores.
: Originally released on April 8, 2022; wide theatrical release on December 9, 2022. Runtime : 92 minutes.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the film with an without demanding major narrative cuts. Despite this legal clearance, the film faced immense backlash from conservative theater exhibitors. Many major multiplex chains initially refused to screen the film due to its explicit depiction of a lesbian relationship, leading RGV to publicly question the industry’s progressive stance. Audience and Critical Response Dangerous (2022) - IMDb Hindi Movie Khatra Dangerous -
The movie boasts a talented cast, with each actor delivering a convincing performance. Sunil Shetty, as Raj, exhibits his signature action hero persona, displaying remarkable courage and determination. Preity Zinta, as Aarti, brings a sense of elegance and poise to her character, convincingly portraying the transformation from a confident businesswoman to a vulnerable individual.
: Seeking solace and emotional safety, the two women form an intense emotional bond that quickly evolves into a passionate romance.
While the film was praised for tackling a taboo subject matter and attempting to blend LGBTQ+ themes with mainstream action, critics noted that the screenplay and execution fell short of RGV's historic peaks. The execution leans heavily into sensationalism, making it more of an edgy exploitation film rather than a grounded, nuanced romance. 🔍 How to Watch and Cultural Impact The film received largely reviews from professional critics,
The success of a film like Khatra Dangerous relies heavily on the chemistry between its leads:
: Major theatre chains initially hesitated to screen the movie because of its taboo subject matter, forcing the makers to rely on independent single screens and a staggered release across regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. 🔍 Critical Reception and Viewer Verdict
The Hindi movie is a 2022 crime thriller directed by Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) that holds a unique spot in Indian cinema as India’s first lesbian crime-action film released after the historic repeal of Section 377 . Starring Naina Ganguly, Apsara Rani, and Rajpal Yadav , the film mixes a bold romantic theme with a gritty underworld heist plot. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared
: The cinematography leans heavily into unconventional camera angles, saturated lighting, and tight framing designed to amplify the tension and intimacy.
Cleared with an "A" (Adults only) certificate by the Censor Board