The much-anticipated web series Daldal, featuring Bhumi Pednekar, Samara Tijori, and Aditya Rawal, has finally premiered. Before diving into this suspense-filled thriller, check out our comprehensive review to see if it’s worth your time.
Story
In Daldal, Bhumi Pednekar takes on the role of DCP Rita Ferreira, a determined police officer grappling with her tumultuous past while investigating a series of brutal murders in the city. The narrative unfolds as Rita teams up with sub-inspector Indu Mhatre (played by Geeta Agrawal) to unmask a cold-blooded killer whose signature style of murder leaves the police baffled. As the investigation progresses, Rita faces scrutiny from her superiors and loved ones about her competence, culminating in a tense press conference where journalist Anita (Samara Tijori) challenges her.
Anita, entangled in a tumultuous relationship with Sajid (Aditya Rawal), a drug addict in rehab, complicates matters for Rita. As Rita navigates the complexities of her case, viewers are left wondering if Anita has ulterior motives that could derail the investigation. The series, inspired by Vish Dhamija’s book Bhendi Bazaar, gradually reveals the intricate layers of its plot, but not without some pitfalls.
Performances
The performances in Daldal stand out as one of its strongest aspects. Bhumi Pednekar delivers a commendable portrayal of DCP Rita Ferreira, effectively conveying her character’s internal struggles with minimal dialogue. Her ability to embody the emotional weight of her role amidst patriarchal challenges and personal trauma is commendable.
However, it is Samara Tijori’s character, Anita, who steals the spotlight. Her multifaceted performance adds depth to the narrative, making Anita a compelling character. Aditya Rawal is equally impressive as Sajid, bringing to life the complexities of addiction and trauma, which adds another layer to the storyline.
Geeta Agrawal shines as Indu Mhatre, capturing the audience’s heart with her performance. Supporting roles by Sandeep Kulkarni, Chinmay Mandlekar, and Sandesh Kulkarni also contribute positively to the overall experience.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Amrit Raj Gupta, known for his work on Gullak, Daldal marks his foray into the suspense-thriller genre. While he maintains a steady pace throughout the series, the screenplay, crafted by Sreekanth Agneeaswaran, Rohan D’Souza, and Suresh Triveni, falls short of expectations. The storytelling is bogged down by repetitive flashbacks and clichéd tropes, detracting from the series’ potential to captivate the audience fully.
The cinematography by Rakesh Haridas effectively captures the dark undertones of a thriller, while the editing by Shivkumar Panicker leaves room for improvement, as certain sequences could have been trimmed to enhance the narrative’s flow. The background score, although functional, does not significantly elevate the tension.
Final Verdict
While Daldal tackles bold themes and attempts to shed light on social issues intertwined with crime, its execution falters under the weight of predictability and repetition. The initial intrigue diminishes as the plot unfolds, revealing the identity of the killer too early and leading to a lack of suspense in subsequent episodes. Despite the strong performances, particularly Bhumi Pednekar’s powerful lead, the series struggles to maintain consistent engagement.
In conclusion, while Daldal offers glimpses of potential through its ambitious themes and performances, it ultimately falls short of being a compelling psychological thriller. If you’re a fan of suspense genres, it might still pique your interest, but be prepared for a journey that sometimes feels more like a slog than a thrill ride.
Daldal is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
