Is it a crime to be unapologetically unrelenting in your pursuit of respect at work? While the men in the audience will definitely not think twice about being unabashedly unyielding in their careers, when it comes to women, they are often judged for being focused or career-oriented.
The story of Saumya Shukla, (played by Lara Dutta) a promising IPS officer is overshadowed by the overreaching misogynistic attitude of her boss played with appropriate despicability by Parmeet Sethi and in reasonable measures of chauvinism by her cop- husband. Sudhanshu Pandey performs the role in suitable measures of restraint in a personal-professional tussle with his cop-wife.
The fact that she realizes that she may need to tread on several lives to get herself recognized in a terribly sexist Police department and yet she is not afraid of being judged for it is a statement of a woman who has traversed the process of being objectified and been made redundant in every aspect of her potential; either when she is asked to present a flash mob at a mall, be the PR face of the department or prepare for festivals, instead of being juicy cases to solve.
On the other hand, Rinku Ranguru’s character, Netra Patil is beguilingly inconsistent to the point of perfection. She outshines in her portrayal of a young, bright Maharashtrian girl who is going to die in 100 days and has absolutely zero F’s to give about the risks she can take. She wants to live her life dangerously and spend each day living an adventure.
The relationship of sorts between these two women forms the basis of the rest of the narrative of the 8 episodes of intriguing storytelling as Netra works with Saumya to solve high profile cases while Saumya plays an impenitent political ploy.
The actors are appropriately cast and deliver with suitable aplomb. Karan Wahi shines in his role as Maddy, a Haryanvi rapper, who apart from being a police informer is also Saumya’s lover; as she navigates her relationship with him and that with her husband skillfully and without an extra emotion of remorse or regret. He underplays several sequences very well and springs into the loudness of his character at fitting intervals, making it a joy watching his performance.
Rajeev Siddhartha stands out as the semi-sophisticated banker turned underworld accomplice and the love interest for Netra. He is perfectly cast and delivers his portrayal of the character to a T.
The lives of all the characters are intricately woven in the narrative. The cinematography, story-telling, and the direction are a perfect foil to the intricate story and its subplots. What is more delightful is the music score, which not only sets the pace for the story being built but also paces itself into the story quite delightfully.
On the whole, great fare, good story, excellent performances. Well Done @disneyplushotstar for maintaining the quality of shows coming out of your stable. Can’t wait for Season 2 @disneyplushotstar
