Settled within the rugged landscapes of Mandawa, a small town in Rajasthan, “Dahaad” on Amazon Prime Video unfolds its gripping tale. Centered around the SI Anjali Bhaati (portrayed by Sonakshi Sinha) and her dedicated team of police officers, the series delves into their relentless pursuit of truth amidst a perplexing missing woman case.
Further exploration reveals a strikingly familiar sequence of events. The girl has seemingly eloped with an unfamiliar paramour, absconding with valuables and riches, leaving behind a carefully penned letter to her family, asserting her autonomy in making this decision. However, the unfolding tragedy takes a chilling turn within the next forty-eight hours. These very women, discovered in public washrooms, adorned in bridal attire, succumb to a horrifying fate as their mouths foam and their lives are claimed by the insidious grip of cyanide poisoning. Each clue meticulously unfurls another, propelling Bhaati to take the helm of this harrowing investigation, intensifying the pursuit as they strive to apprehend the elusive serial killer roaming unchecked.
This profound societal portrayal, meticulously created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, and produced under the banner of Excel Media and Tiger Baby, embarks on an entirely new trajectory. Departing from the raw and dynamic, it veers away from grandiose action sequences, pursuit chases, and the customary theatrics commonly linked to the relentless pursuit of a deranged perpetrator. Instead, it embraces the core essence of a timeless tale of crime and retribution, deftly unraveling its capacity for introspective commentary on society.
Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi, the directors behind this compelling series, skillfully construct a small realm similar to “Delhi Crime” series on Netflix. They bring to life a world where the dedicated cops navigate the complex labyrinth of their cases with unwavering determination.
The screenplay, written by Reema Kagti, Ritesh Shah, and Zoya Akhtar, offers a gripping serial killer saga which also makes it too stretchy. It weaves together burning themes of religious polarization, caste oppression, and the challenges posed by patriarchy. Sonakshi Sinha gives a brilliant performance as a dedicated cop who finds herself torn between her demanding job and her mother’s constant pressure to settle down. Struggling with societal expectations as a woman from a ‘low caste,’ Bhaati skillfully evades her mother’s persistent pleas.
On the other hand, Gulshan Devaiah portrays SHO Devi Singh, a conscientious thana-in-charge whose limited time with his wife and children leaves them all yearning for more. Meanwhile, Sohum Shah plays Kailash Parghi, a brooding officer desiring a promotion, who begs Bhaati Sa’ab for taking the lead in the investigation. Unfortunately, even on the home front, Parghi’s life takes an unexpected turn when he learns of his wife’s pregnancy.
As the complex personal lives of these cops unfold, the narrative gains an intriguing depth, yet it becomes evident that repetitive patterns persist. Parghi persistently laments the bleak state of the world, questioning the rationale behind bringing a child into such circumstances. Singh’s wife, on the other hand, opposes their daughter’s pursuit of sports, leading to marital tension with her enthusiastic and supportive husband.
While Vijay Varma as Anand Swarnakar delivers a compelling performance as a college professor entangled in a web of complications including his wife’s infidelity, a more successful younger brother, and a father who constantly belittles him, the impact of his character falls short due to an underdeveloped backstory. In particular, a strand involving a beautiful student’s infatuation with her handsome teacher is abruptly concluded, leaving it unresolved and lacking in its potential depth.
In this narrative, the intertwined lives of the characters delve into the depths of human experiences and explore the intricate dynamics of relationships against a backdrop of societal challenges. The themes of religious polarization, caste oppression, and patriarchy serve as thought-provoking undercurrents that shape the struggles and triumphs of the characters. While the show presents an intriguing premise and a tapestry of complex lives, the uneven execution and unresolved storylines leave room for further refinement and exploration.
Brilliantly composed by Gaurav Raina and Tarana Marwah, the background scores of “Dahaad” resonate with captivating intensity. Their music effortlessly infuses life into the gripping storytelling, enhancing the narrative’s emotional depth. Accompanied by Tanay Satam’s cinematography, which skillfully captures the essence of Rajasthan’s humid and dusty landscapes, every frame portrays the characters’ emotions and experiences very well.
With its dense plot, compelling storytelling, and outstanding performances, “Dahaad” is a must-watch streaming experience available on Amazon Prime Video.
