“Dahaad,” is engaging, immersive, and bingeworthy. The Sonakshi Sinha led web-series is crafted well, despite being stretched, it keeps you glued. The newest Amazon Original series, bursts onto the screen with a thrilling and suspenseful opening scene, immediately captivating viewers. The casting of Sonakshi Sinha, Vijay Verma scary as a villain, others Gulshan Devaiah, Sohum Shah are brilliant and weaves into the story perfectly well.
The story kicks off with the discovery of a woman’s lifeless body in a public bathroom, initially assumed to be a suicide. However, this tragic incident sets the stage for a captivating crime drama that delves into the dark underbelly of societal oppression and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Set in the mesmerizing backdrop of Mandawa, Rajasthan, “Dahaad” revolves around Sub-Inspector Anjali Bhaati, portrayed by the talented Sonakshi Sinha. Anjali is the lone female cop, determined to establish her position and authority amidst a predominantly male police force. She faces numerous challenges simultaneously, including oppression due to her caste and gender, pressure from society and her mother to get married, and the constant demands of her duty as a police officer.
Anjali’s investigation takes a harrowing turn when she is assigned a case involving a missing woman, reported by her brother two months prior. As she delves deeper into the investigation, Anjali uncovers a pattern: girls from impoverished backgrounds fall in love and elope with their boyfriends, leaving behind letters due to their families’ inability to afford dowries. Tragically, these young women subsequently vanish, only to be found dead in public bathrooms.
Convinced that a serial killer is at large, Anjali persists in her pursuit of the truth, despite facing skepticism from her superior, the Superintendent of Police. As the number of missing women continues to rise, she widens her net and intensifies the investigation. Along the way, she finds unwavering support from SHO Devilal Singh, played by Gulshan Devaiah, and begrudging assistance from Sub-Inspector Kailash Parghi, portrayed by Sohum Shah.
Dahaad Review: A heart wrenching drama, and brilliant cast
The narrative of “Dahaad” unfolds in a multi-layered manner, interweaving the lives of other police officers, the complexities of Anand Swarnakar, portrayed by Vijay Varma, and the heart-wrenching stories of the families of the missing women. These parallel storylines gradually converge, creating a captivating tapestry of interconnected lives and events.
With each episode nearly an hour long, the series maintains a relentless and racy pace. The well-conceptualized narrative ensures that the storyline never lags or loses its grip on the audience’s attention. Sonakshi Sinha delivers a commendable performance, fearlessly stepping into the shoes of a cop and embodying the resilience and determination of Anjali Bhaati. Vijay Varma’s portrayal of Anand Swarnakar, the Hindi literature professor and prime suspect, is equally praiseworthy, with his calm demeanor and subtle yet convincing acting chops.
The strength of “Dahaad” lies in its exploration of various social issues. Caste discrimination, patriarchy, and the complexities of relationships are deftly examined throughout the eight-part series. Sonakshi Sinha’s character confronts the deep-rooted prejudices of society, constantly subjected to sexist and casteist remarks in every aspect of her life. The series fearlessly highlights the oppressive systems that pervade Indian society, resonating powerfully with viewers.
Furthermore, the supporting cast shines, with Gulshan Devaiah and Sohum Shah delivering balanced and nuanced performances, adding depth to their respective characters. Each character in the series possesses a unique and intricate backstory, serving as more than mere plot devices. Director Reema Kagti, along with screenwriters Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, and Ritesh Shah, deserve credit for seamlessly.
Dahaad synopsis
When a series of women are found dead in public bathrooms under mysterious circumstances, Sub-inspector Anjali Bhaati is tasked with leading the investigation. As the case unravels she begins to suspect that the seemingly clear-cut suicides may be the work of a serial killer on the loose, triggering a riveting game of cat and mouse between a seasoned criminal and an underdog cop.
Web Series: Dahaad on Amazon Prime Video
Language: Hindi
Director: Reema Kagti, Ruchika Oberoi
Cast: Vijay Varma, Gulshan Devaiah, Sonakshi Sinha, Sohum Shah