Lord Curzon Ki Haveli Review: Ending Explained & Must-Know Details (2025)

Have you ever wondered what happens when four strangers meet for dinner and someone jokes about a dead body in the trunk? Lord Curzon Ki Haveli takes this dark premise and turns it into a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

This Anshuman Jha directorial debut is not your typical Bollywood film—it’s a chamber drama that explores identity, racism, and what it means to belong in a foreign land.

Quick Movie Information

What’s Good

✅ Outstanding performance by Rasika Dugal ✅ Clever Hitchcockian suspense elements ✅ Strong social commentary on immigration ✅ Tight screenplay with unexpected twists ✅ Beautiful cinematography of English countryside

What’s Bad

❌ Limited mass appeal ❌ Uneven pacing in first half ❌ Confusing character motivations at times ❌ Not suitable for casual moviegoers

Should You Watch?

Yes, if you enjoy psychological thrillers, appreciate independent cinema, and like films with deeper meaning about identity and belonging.

No, if you’re looking for light entertainment, prefer mainstream Bollywood, or want an easy-to-digest popcorn movie.

What is Lord Curzon Ki Haveli About? (No Spoilers)

Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is a black comedy thriller that brings together four South Asian immigrants in England for what should be a simple dinner party. But this is no ordinary get-together.

The story unfolds in a beautiful countryside mansion in Yorkshire, far from the hustle of London. Rohit (played by Arjun Mathur) and his girlfriend Sanya (Zoha Rahman) invite Ira (Rasika Dugal) and her husband Dr. Basukinath (Paresh Pahuja) for an evening meal. Ira and Sanya know each other from the bar where Sanya works in the city.

From the moment the guests arrive after a difficult journey through limited bus services and long forest walks, tension fills the air. Dr. Basuki, as he’s called, is an uptight NRI (Non-Resident Indian) who has secured British citizenship. He’s controlling, angry, and treats his newly-married wife Ira like property rather than a partner.

The evening takes a dark turn when Dr. Basuki notices a huge wooden trunk in the living room. When he asks about it, Rohit casually jokes that it contains the dead body of Lord Curzon—the infamous British Viceroy who ruled India with an iron fist during colonial times. Everyone laughs it off as a dark joke, but Dr. Basuki becomes obsessed with the trunk.

As the night progresses, the four characters play games, share drinks (though alcohol is secretly added to Ira’s juice), and slowly reveal their true selves.

A pizza delivery boy also gets caught up in the strange events. What starts as awkward small talk spirals into revelations, confrontations, and shocking truths that will change all their lives forever.

The film is a homage to Alfred Hitchcock, with its single-location setting, building suspense, and psychological depth. It explores serious themes like immigrant identity, cultural integration, racism in Western countries, and the toxic desire to be “more British than the British.”

Meet the Characters: Who’s Who in Lord Curzon Ki Havel

Ira (Rasika Dugal)

Ira is the emotional heart of this film. She’s a traditional Indian woman who wears a mangalsutra (marriage necklace) and recently moved to London after marrying Dr. Basuki.

She appears timid and submissive at first, always seeking her husband’s approval. But as the night unfolds, Ira reveals surprising layers of strength, cunning, and desperation.

Rasika Dugal delivers a masterclass performance, using subtle expressions and body language to show Ira’s transformation from meek housewife to something much more complex.

Dr. Basukinath / Dr. Basuki (Paresh Pahuja)

Dr. Basuki is the antagonist you love to hate. He’s an Indian-born doctor who has completely rejected his cultural roots in pursuit of becoming a “proper Brit.”

He speaks with an affected accent, looks down on other Indians, and displays shocking anger issues beneath his calm exterior. He’s the embodiment of colonial mentality—an Indian man who has internalized racism so deeply that he’s become a caricature. Paresh Pahuja brilliantly portrays this complex character who is both villain and victim.

Rohit (Arjun Mathur)

Rohit is the mysterious host who sets the entire plot in motion with his joke about the dead body. He’s charming, wealthy, and appears carefree. He lives in this massive English manor and seems comfortable in his skin.

Arjun Mathur brings sophistication to this role, keeping viewers guessing about Rohit’s true intentions throughout the film. Is he genuinely hospitable, or is there something darker beneath his friendly surface?

Sanya (Zoha Rahman)

Sanya is Rohit’s girlfriend who works at a bar in London. She’s the one who invited Ira to dinner, wanting to reunite with her customer-turned-friend.

Sanya is more free-spirited than Ira, representing a different type of immigrant experience. While her role has less depth than others, Zoha Rahman makes Sanya memorable with her natural performance and quiet strength.

Pizza Delivery Boy (Tanmay Dhanania)

The delivery boy is an outsider who gets accidentally involved in the night’s chaos. He’s another Indian immigrant trying to make a living in England.

Though his screen time is limited, Tanmay Dhanania uses his eyes and expressions effectively to convey his character’s confusion and fear as he witnesses the escalating madness.

Lord Curzon Ki Haveli ENDING EXPLAINED (Major Spoilers Ahead!)

⚠️ WARNING: This section contains complete spoilers about the ending. Skip to the next section if you haven’t watched the film!

The ending of Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is where all the carefully planted seeds throughout the film finally bloom into shocking revelations. Let’s break down what actually happens and what it all means.

The Truth About the Trunk

Remember that trunk Rohit joked about? The one supposedly containing Lord Curzon’s dead body? Well, the truth is far more complicated and tragic than anyone expected.

Throughout the film, Dr. Basuki becomes increasingly obsessed with the trunk, hearing knocking sounds from inside. Others dismiss it as his imagination or hypertension-induced paranoia. But he’s not entirely wrong—something IS in that trunk, though it’s not what anyone thinks.

The trunk actually represents the buried secrets and lies that all four characters have been hiding. It’s a metaphor for the colonial past that continues to haunt South Asians living in Britain, symbolized by invoking Lord Curzon’s name.

What Really Happens to the Characters

As the night spirals out of control during a game of Truth or Dare, each character’s carefully constructed facade crumbles:

Ira’s Transformation: The biggest shock comes from Ira, the seemingly innocent housewife. She’s not the naive victim we thought she was. Throughout the evening, she’s been gathering information, observing dynamics, and planning. Her submissive behavior was partially an act. She’s trapped in an abusive marriage with Dr. Basuki but has been secretly planning her escape. The dinner party becomes her opportunity to break free.

Dr. Basuki’s Breakdown: Dr. Basuki’s obsession with the trunk reveals his deep psychological issues. He’s so desperate to prove he belongs in British society that he’s lost himself completely.

His violent outbursts increase as he realizes he’ll never be truly accepted, no matter how much he tries to erase his Indian identity. The film suggests he suffers from severe internalized racism and self-hatred.

Rohit and Sanya’s Secret: The hosts have their own hidden agenda. The mansion itself has a dark history—it was actually owned by British colonialists who exploited Indians.

Rohit’s joke about Lord Curzon’s body is his way of acknowledging this bloody past. The couple may be squatters or have acquired the property through questionable means, representing a reversal of colonial power dynamics.

The Mysterious Phone Call

A mysterious woman keeps calling the house asking for her husband “Henry.” This subplot reveals that the previous owner of the manor may have died under suspicious circumstances, or that the house has witnessed violence before. It adds to the gothic atmosphere and suggests history repeating itself.

The Final Confrontation

The climax involves a violent confrontation where all pretenses drop. Characters reveal their true feelings about identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. The truth-or-dare game becomes a catalyst for explosive honesty.

Without giving away every detail (because some ambiguity is intentional), the ending suggests that:

1. No one is innocent – Each character has committed some moral transgression
2. The colonial past cannot be escaped – Lord Curzon’s ghost metaphorically haunts them all
3. Identity is performance – Everyone is playing a role to survive in a foreign land
4. Violence begets violence – The oppression these immigrants face eventually turns inward

What Does the Ending Mean?

The ending of Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is deliberately ambiguous, leaving viewers to interpret what truly happened. It’s a Hitchcockian device—the suspense matters more than a neat resolution.

The film’s final message seems to be that South Asians living in the West are caught between two worlds, never fully belonging to either. Dr. Basuki represents those who reject their roots and still face racism.

Ira represents those trapped by traditional expectations. Rohit and Sanya represent a middle path, but even they carry unresolved trauma.

The “dead body in the trunk” ultimately represents the death of their authentic selves—the Indian identity they’ve buried to fit into British society. Lord Curzon, the historical villain who oppressed India, becomes a symbol of ongoing colonial trauma that manifests in psychological ways.

Themes and Symbolism: What Lord Curzon Ki Haveli Really Means

This isn’t just a thriller—it’s a deep commentary on important social issues wrapped in suspenseful storytelling.

The Colonial Legacy and Lord Curzon’s Shadow

The title itself is significant. Lord Curzon was the British Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. He’s remembered in Indian history as an arrogant imperialist who partitioned Bengal to divide Hindus and Muslims, weakening Indian unity. He believed in British racial superiority and treated Indians with disdain.

By naming the film after him, director Anshuman Jha connects the past to the present. The colonial mindset hasn’t disappeared—it lives on in modern racism, in immigration policies, and in the minds of people like Dr. Basuki who’ve internalized the idea that being British is better than being Indian.

The mansion represents the grandeur of the British Empire built on exploitation. Having South Asians now living in such spaces symbolizes a power reversal, but one that’s complicated and painful.

Immigration and Identity Crisis

The film explores what happens when people leave their homeland seeking better opportunities but lose themselves in the process. This chamber drama becomes a pressure cooker for examining different immigrant experiences:

• Dr. Basuki represents extreme assimilation—he’s tried so hard to become British that he’s become a caricature, neither fully British nor Indian anymore.
• Ira represents the traditional immigrant wife who’s been transplanted to a foreign land without agency or choice.
• Sanya represents working-class immigrants who maintain some cultural authenticity while adapting.
• Rohit represents those who’ve achieved financial success but still carry questions about belonging.

Racism and the Illusion of Integration

A powerful theme running through Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is that no matter how hard people of color try to integrate into Western society, they’ll always be seen as outsiders.

Dr. Basuki has British citizenship, speaks perfect English, and rejects everything Indian—yet he still faces subtle (and not-so-subtle) racism.

The film suggests that true integration is impossible in a system built on colonial hierarchy. Even living in a British manor doesn’t make you British. Even marrying into “proper” society doesn’t grant acceptance.

Domestic Abuse and Patriarchy

Ira’s storyline highlights domestic violence in immigrant communities. Dr. Basuki’s controlling behavior—deciding what she drinks, where she goes, how she speaks—is abuse disguised as tradition. The film shows how patriarchy travels across borders and how women are often trapped between cultural expectations and personal freedom.

The Trunk as Metaphor

That mysterious trunk everyone obsesses over? It’s the film’s central metaphor. It represents:

• Buried secrets and hidden truths
• The colonial past that haunts the present
• Repressed trauma and identity
• The death of authenticity

Everyone has something they’ve “locked away” to survive in British society. The trunk makes those buried things impossible to ignore.

Acting Performances: Who Steals the Show?

Rasika Dugal: A Masterclass in Subtle Acting

Every single reviewer agrees on one thing—Rasika Dugal is phenomenal in Lord Curzon Ki Haveli. She transforms Ira from a timid housewife into something far more complex without ever overacting. Her innocent smiles hide layers of pain, calculation, and strength.

Dugal has built a reputation for playing women trapped in dysfunctional marriages (films like Fairy Folk and Kshay), and she brings that expertise here.

She uses micro-expressions—a flicker of her eyes, a slight change in her smile—to show Ira’s transformation. This is the kind of performance that deserves awards recognition.

Paresh Pahuja: The Complex Antagonist

Playing Dr. Basuki could have easily become a one-dimensional villain role, but Paresh Pahuja adds depth. Yes, he’s controlling and angry, but Pahuja shows us the insecurity and self-hatred driving that behavior. His character speaks only when necessary but reacts violently when triggered.

Pahuja’s comic timing is also surprisingly good. He makes Dr. Basuki both menacing and pathetic, which is exactly what the role demands.

Arjun Mathur: Sophisticated Mystery

Arjun Mathur, known for his work in Made in Heaven, brings sophistication and mystery to Rohit. He’s charming yet suspicious, friendly yet potentially dangerous.

Mathur has never played a character quite like this before, and he handles the moral ambiguity beautifully. His chemistry with both Rasika Dugal and Zoha Rahman feels authentic.

Zoha Rahman: Subtle Strength

While Sanya has less character depth on paper, Zoha Rahman makes her memorable. She brings a quiet strength to the role, representing a different kind of immigrant woman—one who’s more in control of her choices. Rahman’s natural acting style contrasts nicely with the more theatrical performances around her.

Tanmay Dhanania: The Innocent Bystander

As the pizza delivery boy, Tanmay Dhanania has to convey a lot with limited dialogue. He does this effectively using his eyes and body language, showing confusion and fear as he becomes entangled in the bizarre evening.

Technical Brilliance: Direction, Music, and Cinematography

Anshuman Jha’s Vision as Director

For a directorial debut, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli shows impressive maturity. Anshuman Jha, who previously starred in the critically acclaimed Lakadbaggha, demonstrates that he understands cinema deeply. His homage to Alfred Hitchcock is evident in every frame.

Jha uses the single-location setting brilliantly. The camera moves through the manor like a ghost, lurking in corners, creating claustrophobia despite the spacious rooms. He knows when to cut, when to linger, and how to build suspense through stillness rather than flashy techniques.

The director’s commitment to social commentary without preachiness is commendable. Instead of hitting viewers over the head with messages about racism and identity, he weaves these themes into character behavior and dialogue.

However, Jha’s ambition sometimes exceeds execution. The film can feel indulgent in places, with scenes that might work better in a festival setting than in commercial theaters. Some viewers might find the pacing uneven, especially in the first half where character dynamics are being established.

Cinematography and Visual Style

The cinematography captures the beauty of Yorkshire’s English countryside while maintaining a gothic, unsettling atmosphere. The manor itself becomes a character—its grandeur reminding viewers of colonial wealth, its emptiness reflecting the characters’ inner void.

Interior shots are carefully composed, with the infamous trunk always lurking in the background. The camera work is intimate during conversations but pulls back during confrontations, letting viewers feel both claustrophobic and like voyeurs.

Music and Sound Design

Music is used sparingly in Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, which is a smart choice. Even Beethoven’s classical compositions make appearances, adding to the highbrow, European atmosphere that Dr. Basuki desperately wants to embody.

The background score is so well-integrated that you barely notice it—which means it’s doing its job perfectly. Instead of manipulating emotions with loud music, the film trusts its actors and script. The sound design becomes a co-writer, with every creak of the house and knock on the trunk adding to the suspense.

Editing and Pace

At 108 minutes, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli doesn’t overstay its welcome. The editing is tight once the film gets going, though some viewers might find the first 30 minutes slow as character dynamics are established. This deliberate pacing is very Hitchcockian—building tension gradually before the explosive final act.

Must-Know Details About Lord Curzon Ki Haveli

Festival Success and Recognition

Before its theatrical release, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli made waves on the international festival circuit. It had its world premiere at the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2023, where it received positive reactions from cinephiles.

The film also served as the closing night film at the Chicago South Asian International Film Festival 2023, further establishing its credentials in the independent cinema space. It opened the International South Asian Film Festival in Vancouver, cementing its status as a festival favorite.

These festival screenings helped build buzz among film critics and serious cinema lovers, though they also positioned it as an “art house film” rather than mainstream entertainment.

The Historical Context: Who Was Lord Curzon?

Understanding who Lord Curzon actually was adds another layer of meaning to the film.

George Nathaniel Curzon (1859-1925) served as Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. He was the youngest person ever appointed to this position at age 39. Curzon embodied British imperialism at its peak—arrogant, racist, and convinced of British superiority.

His Controversial Legacy:

1. Partition of Bengal (1905): Curzon divided Bengal province along religious lines (Hindu-majority West Bengal and Muslim-majority East Bengal) claiming administrative efficiency. In reality, this was a “divide and rule” strategy to weaken Indian nationalism. The decision sparked massive protests and ultimately strengthened the independence movement.
2. Cultural Preservation: Ironically, Curzon also ordered the restoration of the Taj Mahal and other Indian monuments. Jawaharlal Nehru later said, “After every other Viceroy has been forgotten, Curzon will be remembered because he restored all that was beautiful in India.” This complexity—destroying Indian unity while preserving Indian culture—makes him a perfect symbol for the film’s themes.
3. Racist Attitude: Curzon looked down on Indians, believing they needed British “civilizing.” He famously said various derogatory things about Indian capabilities and character, embodying the colonial mindset.

By invoking Curzon’s name, the film connects historical colonialism to modern racism and immigrant struggles. Dr. Basuki has internalized Curzon’s values—he’s become the colonizer of his own identity.

Filming Location and Production

Lord Curzon Ki Haveli was shot entirely in England, primarily in Yorkshire’s countryside. The production chose an authentic British manor to create the right atmosphere. This location choice was crucial—the grandeur and isolation of the setting become essential to the story.

The film was produced by Golden Ratio Films, Vipin Agnihotri, and First Ray Films. It’s a lean production with a small cast and limited locations, which is part of its charm. Independent cinema often thrives within constraints, forcing creativity.

Shooting wrapped up in 2022, and the film spent time on the festival circuit before receiving a theatrical release in India on October 10, 2025. It received an “A” certificate from the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification), meaning it’s for adult audiences only due to its mature themes, language, and some intimate scenes.

Hitchcock Influences and References

Director Anshuman Jha has been open about his love for Alfred Hitchcock, and Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is his homage to the master of suspense.

Key Hitchcockian elements:

1. Single Location: Like Hitchcock’s Rope or Rear Window, the film confines its action to one primary space, creating claustrophobia and intimacy.
2. MacGuffin: The trunk serves as a classic MacGuffin—an object everyone obsesses over that drives the plot but whose actual contents matter less than the obsession itself.
3. Psychological Tension: Rather than relying on action or gore, the film builds tension through character psychology and uncomfortable social situations.
4. Moral Ambiguity: Hitchcock loved characters who weren’t purely good or evil. Every character in Lord Curzon Ki Haveli has moral complexity.
5. Dark Humor: The mix of comedy and thriller elements, especially the morbid jokes about dead bodies, is very Hitchcockian.

Box Office and Reception

Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is not a commercial success in traditional terms, and it was never meant to be. With minimal promotion and a limited theatrical release, the film earned modest box office numbers.

Critical Reception has been mixed:

• Positive Reviews praise Rasika Dugal’s performance, the bold attempt at chamber drama, and the social commentary.
• Negative Reviews criticize the uneven pacing, limited appeal, confusing moments, and overambitious screenplay.

Most critics agree it’s a decent film with excellent performances but acknowledge it’s not for mainstream audiences seeking entertainment. Ratings typically range from 2 to 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Comparison to Other Films

If you enjoyed Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, you might like:

• Rope (1948) – Hitchcock’s single-location thriller
• Knives Out (2019) – Modern murder mystery with social commentary
• Carnage (2011) – Adults behaving badly in one location
• Kshay (2011) – Indian psychological thriller starring Rasika Dugal
• Fairy Folk (2024) – Another intimate drama with Rasika Dugal
• The Dinner (2017) – Dark secrets revealed over a meal

Cast and Crew Details

Director: Anshuman Jha (also known for acting in Lakadbaggha, Love Sex Aur Dhokha)

Writer: Bikas Ranjan Mishra (screenplay and dialogues)

Cast:

• Rasika Dugal as Ira (Known for: Delhi Crime, Mirzapur, Made in Heaven)
• Arjun Mathur as Rohit (Known for: Made in Heaven, Kabul Express)
• Paresh Pahuja as Dr. Basukinath (Known for: Jamtara, Aspirants)
• Zoha Rahman as Sanya (Emerging actress)
• Tanmay Dhanania as Pizza Delivery Boy
• Garrick Hagon as Harry Curzon (British actor)

Final Verdict: Should You Watch Lord Curzon Ki Haveli?

Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is not a film for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s an intelligent, ambitious chamber drama that prioritizes psychological depth over mass entertainment.

What Works:

• Exceptional Performances: Especially Rasika Dugal, who carries the film on her shoulders
• Bold Storytelling: Tackling difficult subjects like racism, identity crisis, and domestic abuse
• Technical Competence: Strong direction, cinematography, and sound design
• Thought-Provoking Themes: You’ll be thinking about this film days after watching
• Hitchcockian Suspense: Genuine tension and mystery throughout

What Doesn’t Work:

• Limited Appeal: Too niche for casual moviegoers
• Uneven Pacing: The first half drags before picking up momentum
• Confusing Moments: Some character motivations aren’t always clear
• Polarizing Ending: The ambiguous conclusion will frustrate some viewers
• High Ticket Prices: Hard to justify theatrical experience for such a heavy film

Who Should Watch:

✅ Fans of psychological thrillers ✅ People who appreciate independent cinema ✅ Viewers interested in social issues and identity politics ✅ Admirers of Rasika Dugal’s work ✅ Film students and cinema enthusiasts ✅ Anyone who loves Hitchcock-style suspense

Who Should Skip:

❌ People seeking light entertainment ❌ Mainstream Bollywood fans expecting songs and action ❌ Viewers who prefer straightforward storytelling ❌ Those uncomfortable with slow-burn narratives ❌ Anyone looking for a feel-good movie

Our Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 Stars)

Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is a decent film elevated by brilliant performances. It’s clever, suspenseful, and meaningful, but its niche appeal prevents it from reaching greatness. Anshuman Jha shows real promise as a director, and this is worth watching for Rasika Dugal’s performance alone.

The film succeeds as a festival entry and a conversation starter about important issues. It doesn’t succeed as a commercial theatrical experience, which is why it’s receiving mixed reviews.

Our Recommendation: Wait for it to arrive on streaming platforms where you can watch it at home. The intimate, dialogue-heavy nature of the film actually works better in a home viewing environment than in a cinema hall.

If you’re a serious cinema lover who values performances and themes over entertainment, give Lord Curzon Ki Haveli a chance. Just don’t go in expecting a typical thriller—this is something different, for better and worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lord Curzon Ki Haveli based on a true story? A: No, it’s a fictional story. However, the character of Lord Curzon and the colonial history referenced are real.

Q: What language is the movie in? A: It’s primarily in English with some Hindi dialogue. This bilingual approach reflects the immigrant experience of characters caught between two cultures.

Q: Is there a post-credits scene? A: No, the film ends without any post-credits sequences.

Q: Can I watch it with family? A: Not recommended. It has an “A” certificate (adults only) due to mature themes, intimate scenes, violence, and complex subject matter.

Q: Where can I watch Lord Curzon Ki Haveli? A: It was released in selected theaters across India on October 10, 2025. It will likely arrive on streaming platforms within 2-3 months of theatrical release.

Q: How accurate is the historical portrayal of Lord Curzon? A: The film uses Lord Curzon as a symbol rather than portraying him as a character. The historical references to his racist policies and Bengal partition are accurate.

Q: Is the ending confusing? A: Many viewers find the ending ambiguous and open to interpretation. This is intentional—the film wants you to think rather than providing all the answers.

Q: How does it compare to other Rasika Dugal films? A: Rasika Dugal excels in playing complex, trapped women. This performance ranks among her best, comparable to her work in Delhi Crime and Kshay.

Conclusion

Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is a bold experiment in Indian cinema—a chamber drama that dares to be different in an industry dominated by mainstream entertainment. While it won’t appeal to everyone, it proves that there’s space for intelligent, socially conscious thrillers in Bollywood.

Anshuman Jha’s directorial debut shows maturity and vision, even if execution sometimes falters. The real triumph here belongs to Rasika Dugal, who delivers a masterclass in subtle, powerful acting. Her performance alone makes the film worth your time.

This is not a perfect film. It’s occasionally confusing, unevenly paced, and definitely not for mass audiences. But it’s also brave, thought-provoking, and necessary. In a time when most films play it safe, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli takes risks.

Whether you love it or hate it, you won’t forget it easily. And in today’s forgettable film landscape, that counts for something.