Watch The Karma Killings

The Karma Killings is a 2016 documentary, directed by Ram Devineni, that explores the series of murders committed by a self-proclaimed serial killer named Charles Sobhraj in the 1970s. The film follows the investigation of Sobhraj's crimes, as well as the impact his actions had on the victims and their families. The film opens with background information on Charles Sobhraj, who was known as the "Bikini Killer" due to his preference for targeting young, Western tourists in Southeast Asia. Sobhraj was arrested and imprisoned multiple times throughout his life, but managed to escape several times before finally being caught and sentenced to life in prison in Nepal in 2004.

The documentary then focuses on the events leading up to Sobhraj's capture in 1976, when a group of young backpackers were found dead in a guesthouse in Bangkok. The film features interviews with both survivors of Sobhraj's attacks and individuals who were involved in the investigation, providing a firsthand account of the crimes and the impact they had on those involved.

Throughout the film, the audience is given insight into Sobhraj's motives and methods, from his use of drugs and manipulation to his choice of victims. The documentary features archival footage and photographs, as well as interviews with journalists who covered the case at the time.

One aspect of the film that stands out is its exploration of the cultural context of the murders. The Karma Killings delves into the social and political factors that enabled a serial killer like Sobhraj to operate for so long without being caught. The documentary depicts a climate of corruption and apathy towards the deaths of foreign tourists in Southeast Asia, as well as the prejudices and stereotypes that contributed to the police's failure to apprehend Sobhraj earlier.

Throughout the investigation, the audience is left wondering whether Sobhraj will be caught and brought to justice for his crimes. The Karma Killings builds tension as the story unfolds, leaving the audience with a sense of relief and closure when Sobhraj is finally apprehended.

The film also explores the aftermath of these events, both for the victims and their families and for those involved in the investigation. The documentary shows how these traumatic experiences have haunted many of the individuals impacted by Sobhraj's crimes, leading some to seek closure through therapy and activism.

Overall, The Karma Killings is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that provides insight into the mind of a serial killer and the impact of his crimes on victims and society at large. The film is well-researched and offers a balanced perspective on the events that took place, shedding light on a dark chapter in history that continues to haunt those affected by it.

The Karma Killings is a 2016 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.