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Soni (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Soni (2019) movie poster

Soni is a 2019 drama directed by Ivan Ayr, starring Geetika Vidya Ohlyan as Soni, Saloni Batra and Mohit Chauhan. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes and earned $319.7 million worldwide on a $85 million budget. Critics gave it 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 68 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10. Stream it on Netflix.

IMDb rating
7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
82%
worldwide gross
$319.7M
Echo Score
79
Soni (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Director
Ivan Ayr
Genre
Drama
Original language
Hindi
Studio
Netflix
Budget
$85M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Soni About?

The premise of Soni without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In the bustling and often harsh streets of Delhi, a dedicated policewoman named Soni teams up with her superintendent, Kalpana, to confront the escalating violence against women. A sudden reassignment threatens Soni's career and her partnership with Kalpana, adding professional uncertainty to her life. The situation becomes even more complex with the unexpected return of her estranged husband, creating personal turmoil and jeopardizing her already precarious situation.

Where to watch

Where to Watch Soni

Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Soni Cast & Characters

Geetika Vidya Ohlyan leads the cast as Soni, with Saloni Batra as Kalpana and Mohit Chauhan as Sandeep. Directed by Ivan Ayr; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Soni

· 6 more
Ratings

Soni Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Soni 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 68 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 79/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).

79 /100

Soni Echo Score Breakdown

Soni demonstrates a compelling character study enriched by nuanced performances yet occasionally suffers from a detached presentation that limits emotional immersion. The film’s realistic, single-take cinematography and subtle script earn it praise for visual authenticity and thoughtful pacing. However, its deliberate slowness and lack of cathartic release may challenge viewers seeking more dynamic engagement. Overall, Soni leaves a lasting impression through its focused dramatic intent despite moments of narrative reservation.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, Soni’s naturalistic single-take camerawork and understated visual palette stand out as the film’s primary strengths. The production design and editing favor realism, allowing scenes to unfold in real time without overt manipulation. Some viewers note that the third-person tracking approach can feel distant, occasionally limiting visual immersion. Overall, the film presents a restrained yet purposeful aesthetic.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, Soni excels with deeply appealing protagonists brought to life by committed performances. The actresses convey subtle emotional shifts and authentic chemistry, grounding the story in lived experience. While a few critics mention a degree of narrative reserve that keeps the leads just out of reach, the film consistently highlights personal stakes and social pressures. In sum, character work remains the film’s most resonant element.

  • Story & Flow 75

    Regarding story and flow, Soni offers a measured, slow-burn narrative that unfolds with intelligent restraint. The script addresses timely social issues without sensationalism, weaving thematic depth into each scene. At times, the pacing feels overly deliberate, and the lack of traditional catharsis may leave some viewers seeking more dramatic release. Nevertheless, the film sustains engagement through its layered exploration of workplace dynamics and societal norms.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, Soni delivers an organically natural sound design and an unobtrusive score that complement its visual realism. The cinematography’s long takes and muted color palette create an immersive, almost documentary-like atmosphere. Sound cues and ambient noise enhance the disquieting undercurrents without drawing attention away from the performances. Overall, the film’s cohesive audiovisual approach reinforces its understated emotional impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    When considering rewatch value, Soni’s thematic richness and realistic portrayal encourage reflection on social issues, which may reward repeat viewings. The subtle performances and observational style reveal additional nuances on subsequent watches. However, its deliberate pacing and lack of overt narrative peaks could limit enjoyment for viewers expecting more conventional dramatic arcs. In summary, the film offers thoughtful depth but may divide audiences on replay appeal.

Plot

Soni Plot Summary

What happens in Soni from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Soni, a dedicated police officer, finds herself navigating the complexities of life alone in Delhi following her divorce. She enjoys a close friendship with her superior, Kalpana Ummat, who is married to Sandeep, a prominent officer in the Delhi police force. Despite the attempts of her ex-husband Naveen to win her back, Soni remains uninterested in rekindling their past relationship.

In a shocking turn of events, while on duty, Soni confronts a street thug who attempts to harass her, showcasing her fierce spirit. However, this impulsive act leads to a reprimand from Kalpana who expresses her worries about Soni’s safety. Shortly after, an incident at a check post sees Soni slap a drunken navy officer for driving recklessly and disrespecting her authority, further complicating her situation.

Full summary

The whole story of Soni, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Soni Box Office & Budget

Soni grossed $319.7 million worldwide on a $85 million budget, 3.8 times what it cost. $149 million came from the US and Canada and $170.7 million (53%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$319.7M

3.8× its budget

US & Canada
$149M
International
$170.7M
Budget
$85M
US & Canada 47% Rest of the world 53%
Videos

Soni Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Soni.

SONI | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Soni?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What event leads Soni to live alone after her divorce?

Cars

Cars in Soni

16 cars on screen, including the 2006 Mahindra Scorpio and the 2000 Hindustan Ambassador Classic.

All 16 cars
  • 2006 Mahindra Scorpio in Soni 2006 Mahindra Scorpio Main role
  • 2000 Hindustan Ambassador Classic in Soni 2000 Hindustan Ambassador Classic Minor role
  • Royal Enfield Bullet in Soni Royal Enfield Bullet Minor role
  • 2012 Tata Safari Storme in Soni 2012 Tata Safari Storme Minor role

Seen Soni?

FAQ

Soni FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Soni, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Soni?

Soni runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

When was Soni released?

Soni was released on January 18, 2019.

Who directed Soni?

Soni was directed by Ivan Ayr.

More films by Ivan Ayr

Who is in the cast of Soni?

Soni stars Geetika Vidya Ohlyan as Soni, Saloni Batra as Kalpana and Mohit Chauhan as Sandeep, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch Soni?

In the US, Soni is streaming on Netflix (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Soni make at the box office?

Soni grossed $319.7 million worldwide ($149 million domestic, $170.7 million international) on a budget of $85 million.

How is Soni rated?

Soni has 7.1/10 on IMDb, 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 68 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does Soni have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Soni has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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