OTT Review : Dahaad – Hindi web series on Prime Video

Prime Video has now come up with a crime thriller web series titled Dahaad. Bollywood heroine Sonakshi Sinha headlines the show, directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi. The show is currently streaming in multiple Indian languages, and let’s see how it is.

Story:

Set in Rajasthan, a serial killer is on the loose. The killer targets women and makes their deaths look like suicides. The dead bodies of women are found in public toilets. But the Police department doesn’t know about these serial killings as the girls’ parents file no case. Anjali Bhaati (Sonakshi Sinha), a Police Inspector in Mandava town, while investigating a missing case of a woman, finds a pattern among all the deaths. Who is this killer? How is he committing the heinous crimes without getting caught? What’s the reason behind the murders? Did Anjali and the team catch hold of the serial killer? This forms part of the crux of the story.

Plus Points:

While dealing with these serial killing mystery subjects, makers generally have two ways to run the show. Either the killer is revealed at the end or, in some cases, at the beginning. The former is an easier job, but the latter is very tough, as the screenplay needs to be highly engaging. The makers of Dahaad reveal the killer in the very first episode, yet the proceedings are mostly interesting enough to invest the viewers in the show. The world-building and authenticity are too good.

The Police get suspicious about the killer in the mid portions, but they can’t arrest him due to lack of evidence. The brilliance in writing can be seen here as it is logical and structured. The investigation angle is shown in a neat and realistic manner, and some scenes will make one wait with bated breath as to what happens next. Even the family angle of the Police officials has been showcased brilliantly, and some essential social topics are discussed here. This family drama is nicely linked to the crimes that are taking place.

Sonakshi Sinha makes a thumping OTT debut with Dahaad. She is bold and fierce in the cop role, and her screen presence is lit. As a woman who has come a long way in her career defying many odds, the actress gave a wonderful performance. The scene in which Sonakshi talks about caste discrimination is clap worthy.

Vijay Varma is stunning in his role. Without him, the show wouldn’t have been interesting. Though he has done roles of this sort in the past, he brings that magic to the show making it intriguing. Gulshan Devaiah and Sonum Shah are spectacular in their respective roles, adding depth to the series. The way the murders are showcased normally without goriness makes the show cater to all the audiences.

Minus Points:

At times the scenes feel repetitive, and it would have been a lot better had the makers wrapped the series in 7 episodes. The show is too lengthy, and a few scenes could have been trimmed down to enhance the viewing experience. The love track of Sonakshi Sinha could have been presented well. Though it serves as a key link to the story, the execution isn’t great here.

While one waits nearly for over 7 hours to know the exact reason why the killer is committing crimes, the climax disappoints big time. It is unnecessarily rushed, and it gives the feeling that the show ended all of a sudden. Also, a couple of subplots are left abruptly, and the team should have worked more on this aspect. The sensational Love Jihad topic present in the series may not go well with a few.

Technical Aspects:

Gaurav Raina and Tarana Marwah’s background score is good. Especially the background score, which comes at the start of each episode, is haunting. Tanay Satam’s cinematography is neat and brings a dark tone to the series. The interiors of Rajasthan are captured nicely too. The production design is solid, and the makers spent well on the series. However, the editing needs some corrections.

Coming to the directors Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi, they did a good job with the series. Their intention is pretty clear, which is to provide a detailed police investigative series without any twists and turns, and they succeeded in their attempt. Moreover, the way blended a few social topics into this crime story is superb. These topics are presented organically and aren’t preachy too. The way the killer’s characterization and modus operandi is shown spices up things. The directors managed to extract good performances too, but it would have been better had they taken care of the excessive length and the last act.

Verdict:

On the whole, Dahaad is a watchable crime mystery show that boasts of some great performances. It has an interesting storyline, and there are some fine moments. The police investigative angle is handled well, and the best part is that it also talks about a few relevant social topics. The show could have been a very good one if not for the rushed climax and its excessive length. Those who love watching crime dramas can give this series a shot.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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