Sultan of Delhi Review: Disney+Hotstar’s latest addition, Sultan of Delhi, attempts to carve a niche in the realm of gripping web series. The show, based on Arnab Ray’s book, holds promise but fails to deliver on the anticipated excitement, leaving viewers wanting more substance. Milan Luthria, renowned for his directorial successes like “Once Upon a Time in Mumbai,” falls short in bringing the same level of depth to Sultan of Delhi. Even the efforts of the charismatic Tahir Raj Bhasin cannot resuscitate this faltering narrative that struggles to find its footing amidst flashy presentations.
The narrative revolves around the trials of a wealthy Lahore family during the tumultuous partition of India and Pakistan. Escaping to Delhi, the surviving son, Arjun, grows up and forms a close bond with a trusted friend, Bangali. Together, they find themselves entangled in the murky world of a wealthy gun smuggler, leading to a struggle for power and survival. However, the execution lacks the necessary finesse to make the tale truly engaging and compelling.
Co-directed by Milan Luthria and Suparn S. Verma, the Sultan of Delhi series starts off promisingly, offering a glimpse into the young Arjun’s survival during the brutal partition. However, it swiftly shifts gears, leaving behind a mere superficial account of his transformation into a car mechanic. Tahir Raj Bhasin’s portrayal of the grown-up Arjun is commendable, but the narrative fails to provide the necessary depth and coherence.
Sultan of Delhi Review: Where Glamour Fails to Mask a Hollow Plot
The storyline of The Sultan of Delhi takes abrupt and often unexplained turns, leaving viewers bewildered by the characters’ actions and motivations. The lack of nuanced character development and the penchant for glossing over crucial narrative elements are evident throughout. The series is marred by overly dramatic yet hollow dialogues, with scenes feeling disconnected and disjointed, failing to create a cohesive storyline.
Comprising a tedious nine-episode arc, Sultan of Delhi becomes a tiresome watch that lacks the substance to captivate audiences. With its disjointed plot and lack of depth, the series ultimately falls short of delivering a worthwhile viewing experience. For those looking to invest their time wisely, this is one to skip.
Cast: Tahir Raj Bhasin, Anjum Sharma, Vinay Pathak, Mouni Roy, Harleen Sethi, Anupriya Goenka, Mehreen Pirzada, and Nishant Dahiya
Director: Milan Luthria