Accused Review: A slow-burn study of power and perception
The Hindi psychological drama Accused, starring Konkona Sen Sharma, began streaming on Netflix on February 27, 2026, positioning itself as one of the most discussed OTT releases of the week. Directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, the 1 hour 47 minute film explores the fallout of sexual misconduct allegations against a respected London-based gynaecologist, examining how quickly public perception can eclipse due process. Early critical response has been largely positive, with several reviews highlighting the film’s layered storytelling and Sharma’s commanding performance, even as some critics point to pacing issues in the latter half.
With a central theme that intersects gender, authority and reputation, Accused enters a growing canon of women-led psychological dramas in Hindi cinema, but distinguishes itself through moral ambiguity rather than sensational twists.
Story: A career unravels under accusation
At the heart of Accused is Dr Geetika Sen, portrayed by Konkona Sen Sharma, a celebrated gynaecologist in London on the verge of becoming Dean at her hospital. Professionally accomplished and personally settled with her wife Meera, played by Pratibha Ranta, Geetika appears to have built a carefully balanced life.
That equilibrium is shattered when an anonymous email to the hospital’s human resources department accuses her of sexual misconduct. The allegation sets off a formal inquiry, but the real storm unfolds beyond institutional corridors. As suspicion spreads, Geetika’s reputation begins to collapse under the weight of social media outrage and whispered judgement, long before the investigation reaches any conclusion.
Rather than framing the narrative as a conventional investigative thriller, the film adopts a chamber-drama approach, focusing on the psychological and emotional strain placed on the accused. The central question is not simply whether Geetika is guilty or innocent, but how power, gender and public opinion shape our instinctive reactions.
Performances: Sharma drives the narrative
Much of the film’s impact rests on Konkona Sen Sharma’s performance, and critics have consistently cited her portrayal as the film’s strongest asset. She navigates Geetika’s shifting emotional terrain with precision, oscillating between authority and vulnerability. The character is never positioned as an uncomplicated victim nor as an outright villain, forcing viewers to confront their own assumptions.
Pratibha Ranta, as Meera, offers a restrained yet emotionally resonant performance. As Geetika’s partner, she becomes both confidante and silent observer, grappling with whether to stand by her wife or distance herself amid growing uncertainty. Their relationship, stripped of overt melodrama, unfolds through tense silences and difficult conversations that add emotional weight to the narrative.
Supporting performances, including Sukant Goel and Monica Mahendru, contribute to the film’s grounded tone, ensuring that the focus remains on the psychological unraveling rather than plot-driven spectacle.
Direction and tone: A study in restraint
Director Anubhuti Kashyap, who previously explored gendered perspectives in Doctor G, shifts her lens sharply with Accused. Here, the storytelling is deliberately restrained. Instead of dramatic twists or courtroom theatrics, the tension builds through implication, pauses and unresolved questions.
The film’s visual language reinforces its thematic core. Muted palettes and shadow-heavy interiors mirror Geetika’s emotional descent, while hospital corridors feel sterile yet suffocating. London’s grey exteriors add to the sense of isolation, amplifying the internal conflict unfolding within the protagonist.
Critics have noted that the first half is particularly gripping, maintaining a taut rhythm that steadily escalates tension. However, the second half slows considerably, focusing more on the disintegration of Geetika and Meera’s marriage. While some view this shift as emotionally rich, others argue that it dilutes the narrative momentum established earlier.
Themes: Gender, power and public judgement
Beyond its central storyline, Accused interrogates broader societal dynamics. The film subtly questions how women in positions of authority are perceived when accused of misconduct. It does not attempt to justify wrongdoing, but it does highlight the psychological toll of public shaming and institutional scrutiny.
One of the film’s more striking observations is how reputations can disintegrate within hours in the digital age. Social media outrage, depicted as swift and unforgiving, becomes almost as powerful as the formal inquiry itself. The narrative underscores how perception can harden into judgement long before facts are established.
This thematic complexity has drawn praise from several reviewers, who describe the film as a morally ambiguous character study rather than a clear-cut morality tale. At the same time, some critiques suggest that the resolution may feel predictable or overly tidy, potentially undermining the ambiguity the film carefully constructs.
Critical reception and audience response
Initial critic ratings have hovered around the mid-to-high range, with several outlets awarding the film approximately 3.5 out of 5 stars. Reviews commend the performances and the film’s willingness to dwell in discomfort, even if they acknowledge pacing issues and occasional narrative neatness toward the end.
Early user reactions have been more divided. While some viewers appreciate the layered storytelling, others have described the film as slow or emotionally heavy. The divergence in responses reflects the film’s deliberate refusal to provide easy catharsis or conventional thriller thrills.
Verdict: A nuanced addition to OTT cinema
In this Accused Review, it is clear that the film is less interested in delivering sensational drama and more focused on dissecting the fragility of reputation and the complexity of truth. Konkona Sen Sharma’s portrayal anchors the narrative, lending credibility and emotional depth to a character who remains intentionally enigmatic.
While the pacing may test some viewers’ patience, particularly in the latter half, Accused stands out for its measured storytelling and thematic ambition. As OTT platforms continue to experiment with character-driven narratives, this film signals a willingness to engage with morally uncomfortable territory.
For audiences seeking layered psychological drama rather than shock-value twists, Accused offers a compelling, if occasionally uneven, exploration of power, perception and the price of accusation.
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