Feb 23: A Gripping Opening Sets the Tone for a Hard-Hitting Series “Poacher”. The opening sequence of Poacher doesn’t hold back, thrusting viewers into the grim reality of elephant poaching with unflinching brutality. As the lifeless body of a majestic elephant fills the frame, the series establishes its uncompromising stance against the horrors of wildlife crime.
Set against the backdrop of the illegal wildlife trade in India, Poacher delves into the 1995 elephant poaching scandal that rocked Kerala. With meticulous research evident in every frame, writer-director Richie Mehta crafts a narrative that exposes the intricate web of complicity spanning across the nation, involving dangerous criminal networks like the Triads.
Led by a talented cast of Malayalam-speaking actors including Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Kani Kusruti, Poacher delivers powerful performances that breathe life into their characters. Sajayan shines as Mala, a forest officer driven by a deep sense of remorse and determination to bring the culprits to justice.
Poacher Review: A Compelling Exploration of Man and Nature
The series captivates with its lush, green landscapes and dense forests, providing the perfect backdrop for the intense narrative. Moreover, Poacher offers glimpses into the personal lives of its characters, emphasizing the relentless dedication required to combat wildlife crime.
Writer-director Richie Mehta, known for his work on the Emmy-winning series ‘Delhi Crime,’ demonstrates thorough research in Poacher. This is evident in the meticulous depiction of poaching and the unveiling of complicit characters nationwide. The authenticity of the series is further highlighted by the careful selection of the cast, including Malayalam-speaking actors like Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Kani Kusruti.
Sajayan portrays Mala, a forest officer haunted by her father’s past as a hunter. Driven by remorse, she is determined to rectify the wrongs of the past, tirelessly pursuing justice for the victims of poaching. Mathew’s character, Alan, uses his analytical skills to uncover the truth through extensive telephone records analysis. Dibyendu, playing Neel, their senior, navigates the dangers of the investigation while battling his own mortality.
While Poacher excels in its portrayal of the overarching issues, it slow pace in the middle episodes makes you feel the narrative a bit stretched. Additionally, some characters tend towards didacticism, detracting from the otherwise immersive storytelling.
Final Verdict: Bingeworthy
Despite its ignorable aspects, Poacher stands as a gripping exploration of the human impact on wildlife and the urgent need for conservation efforts. With Alia Bhatt’s executive producer credit adding star power, this series is a must-watch for its timely and thought-provoking narrative.