Movie Review: Bihu Attack — Terrorism Seen Through a Cultural Prism
Discover how Bihu Attack uses a festive backdrop to highlight urgent national security concerns in modern India.
Movie: Bihu Attack
Cast: Dev Menaria, Daisy Shah, Arbaaz Khan, Rahul Dev, Raza Murad, Yukti Kapoor, Amie Misobbah, Hiten Tejwani, Mir Sarwar, Amit Lekhwani
Director: Suzad Iqbal Khan
Producer: Prabir Kanta Saha
Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Censor: UA
Release Date: 16 January 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½
Terrorism is a familiar cinematic subject, but Bihu Attack distinguishes itself by placing the narrative within the cultural landscape of Assam. Director Suzad Iqbal Khan opts for a grounded and serious approach, avoiding unnecessary dramatization and allowing the subject matter to take precedence over spectacle.
Story
Raj Kunwar (Dev Menaria), a court-martial officer and a single father, believes that lasting peace cannot be achieved through brute force alone. His ideology is put to the test when intelligence agencies uncover a terror conspiracy aimed at disrupting the Bihu festival, coinciding with the visit of the Defence Minister.
As tensions escalate, Raj teams up with the IB Chief (Arbaaz Khan) and security agencies to foil the threat. The narrative progresses in a steady, procedural manner, with the climax emerging as the film’s strongest and most impactful segment.
Performances
Dev Menaria delivers a restrained and mature performance, effectively portraying the conflict between professional duty and personal emotion. Arbaaz Khan brings gravitas and authority to his role. Daisy Shah has limited screen presence, while the supporting cast performs sincerely, though some characters lack depth and development.
Direction and Technical Aspects
The film adopts a realistic visual treatment that aligns with its serious tone. While pacing slows at certain points, the controlled background score and minimal use of music complement the narrative rather than overpower it.
Final Verdict
Bihu Attack is a sincere and thoughtful effort that prioritizes its message over commercial formulas. Despite a few limitations, the film stands out as a bold and meaningful project—made possible by producer Prabir Kanta Saha’s willingness to back a subject-driven, risk-taking narrative.