Director SP Nimbawat is set to bring the tragic real-life story of Raja Raghuvanshi to cinemas, with the victim’s family supporting the film to ensure the truth behind the case—and the people involved—is known.
BY PC Bureau
July 30, 2025: The family of Indore-based transport entrepreneur Raja Raghuvanshi, who was brutally murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, has granted permission for a feature film inspired by the real-life crime that stunned the country. Titled “Honeymoon in Shillong,” the upcoming film will chronicle the betrayal and chilling sequence of events that led to Raja’s death just days after his marriage.
The case, which unfolded earlier this year, gained national attention when Raja’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, and her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha were arrested as the prime accused in what police described as a premeditated murder conspiracy. Six other individuals were also arrested for their roles in the crime, which reportedly involved meticulous planning, deception, and a coordinated cover-up.
In May, shortly after his wedding, Raja traveled with Sonam to Meghalaya for what was supposed to be a romantic getaway. When he went missing under mysterious circumstances, local authorities launched a search operation. On June 2, Raja’s mutilated body was discovered in a deep gorge near a waterfall in the Sohra (Cherrapunji) region of East Khasi Hills district.
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What began as a missing person’s case quickly turned into a murder probe. Investigators uncovered digital and physical evidence suggesting Raja had been lured into a trap. Police believe the murder was orchestrated by Sonam and Raj, who had allegedly been in a relationship prior to her marriage with Raja. The plan, according to investigators, involved eliminating Raja while on honeymoon, with the assistance of local collaborators.
A Film Rooted in Pain—and Purpose
Now, director SP Nimbawat is preparing to bring this haunting tale to the silver screen. The project, tentatively titled “Honeymoon in Shillong,” aims to delve deep into the emotional and psychological layers of the tragedy—focusing not only on the crime itself, but on the devastating impact it had on Raja’s family and community.
“We agreed to the film because we want the world to know the truth behind my brother’s murder,” said Sachin Raghuvanshi, Raja’s elder brother. “There are so many rumors, half-truths, and assumptions. This film can help set the record straight.”
Another brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, emphasized the need to correct public perceptions. “There’s also been a lot of negativity around Meghalaya. We hope the movie shows that it wasn’t the place or its people—but those involved in the betrayal—who are to blame.”
Director Nimbawat added that the story will explore the devastating betrayal Raja experienced shortly after his marriage. “This is more than a crime drama. It’s a warning about manipulation, about trust, and about the tragic consequences of deceit,” he said. “Through this film, we want to send a strong message that such acts cannot be tolerated or forgotten.”
While the cast has not yet been announced, Nimbawat confirmed that the script is complete, and the project is ready for pre-production. He revealed that 80% of the film will be shot in Indore, where Raja was from, and the remaining 20% in Meghalaya, particularly around the East Khasi Hills district, including Sohra, to preserve the authenticity of the events.
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Local authorities in Meghalaya have been approached for necessary permissions, with the production team assuring sensitivity toward local sentiments.
The film, while dramatized, aims to stay true to the spirit of the real story. Raja’s family views it as a tribute to his memory and a way to ensure that justice is not just confined to courtrooms but also reaches the public consciousness.
The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi has already sparked discussions around spousal trust, the dark side of secret affairs, and the vulnerability of tourists in unfamiliar terrains. With the upcoming film, the family and filmmakers hope to channel collective grief into something meaningful—a call for accountability, remembrance, and awareness.
