Show: Raakh 

Cast: Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Rakesh Bedi

Director: Prosit Roy, Sandeep Saket, Anusha Nandakumar

Platform: Prime Video
Rating: 3.5 Moons 

Storyline 

An eight-episode crime thriller, ‘Raakh’ is set in 1970s Delhi and inspired by a Ranga-Billa murder case that shocked the nation. The story begins with the kidnapping of two teenage siblings, plunging the city into fear and anxiety. Sub-Inspector Jayaprakash (Ali Fazal) is tasked with investigating the case, and he works tirelessly to solve the mystery. As the investigation progresses, the horrific layers of the crime reveal a dark side of society. The helplessness and hope for justice of the family grieving the loss of their children add emotional depth to the story. Inspired by true events, ‘Raakh’ is a powerful tale of crime, justice, and human tragedy.

Acting

Ali Fazal delivers a strong and convincing performance and carries much of the show on his shoulders. Sonali Bendre is excellent as the mother of the missing children, bringing both emotional weight and vulnerability to the story. Aamir Bashir also leaves a lasting impression with his understated yet impactful performance, while Dibyendu Bhattacharya is dependable as always and adds further depth to the narrative. Actors like Rakesh Bedi, Akash Makhija, Anshul Chauhan, Ramandeep Yadav, Divya Sharma, and Vivaan Sharma play their parts effectively and contribute to the realism of the series. The strength of ‘Raakh’ lies not just in its gripping story but also in the sincerity and authenticity that its cast brings to every scene.

Direction

Prosit Roy, Sandeep Saket, and Anusha Nandakumar craft ‘Raakh’ with remarkable attention to detail, creating a world that feels both authentic and immersive. They keep the narrative gripping from start to finish, making it the kind of show that is easy to binge-watch. The pacing remains tight throughout, while the tension steadily builds with each episode. What stands out even more is the care given to the finer details, whether it's the production design, costumes, locations, or the recreation of 1970s Delhi. Every element feels thoughtfully designed and helps to keep the audience fully invested in the story and its time period.

Dialogues

The dialogues in ‘Raakh’ are of profanity. But neither overpowering nor unnecessarily dramatic, allowing the characters and situations to speak for themselves. The writing feels natural and deeply human, avoiding the trap of becoming preachy or overly sentimental. Yet, this simplicity should not be mistaken for a lack of impact. The dialogues carry an emotional weight that stays with you, adding authenticity to the characters and making their pain, fear, and resilience feel all the more real.

Music

Music doesn't have a major presence in the narrative and remains largely in the background. While it supports the mood of the show, a more impactful score could have elevated several emotional and suspenseful moments, making the experience even more immersive.

Overall

‘Raakh’ is the kind of show that's easy to get hooked on. With its gripping story and strong performances, it's a solid weekend binge for fans of crime thrillers.