OPENING RITUAL — Read this aloud as you begin
"The film is wrapped. The party is just starting. And Arjun Malhotra — director, bully, blackmailer — just had his last drink. Film City is locked down. You have 90 minutes."
Bollywood noir meets Mumbai late night — old Hindi film instrumentals, or a modern "Bombay Dreams" playlist. Think Gulzar + Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Spotify: "Bollywood Noir" or "Mumbai Monsoon"
Food: Vada pav, Mumbai cutting chai, or film wrap party vibes: cheese toasts, sparkling water.
Drink: Champagne (it was a wrap party) — or just cutting chai for the purists.
Dramatic. One spotlight effect if possible. Think film set lighting — harsh and unforgiving.
Film industry energy. Something glamorous or all black.
Optional — but it transforms the vibe.
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SETUP RITUAL — Do This Before Players Arrive
1
Arrange evidence packs face-down on the table. Don't mix Pack A and Pack B.
2
Open the Auto-Host page on a shared screen and load the first phase. Don't start the timer yet.
3
Set the lighting and start the music playlist at low volume.
4
Have Role Cards and Investigation Worksheets open on separate devices or printed.
5
When everyone is seated, read the Opening Ritual above. Then start the Auto-Host timer.
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SETTING THE SCENE — Mumbai
Film City Studios, Mumbai
Friday 14 Feb 2025
Arjun Malhotra (Director, 42) — found strangled in Trailer 7
Murder Window: 8:10 – 8:40 PM
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ · 3/5
💡 Host tip: Print this page and keep it near you during setup. The Opening Ritual sets the tone — don't skip it.