Reema Kagti, Ritesh Shah, Karan Shah, Chaitanya Chopra, Mansi Jain, Sunanya Kumari and Zoya Akhtar’s story is terrific. There have been several films and serials on serial killers but this one stands out. Reema Kagti, Ritesh Shah, Karan Shah, Chaitanya Chopra, Mansi Jain, Sunanya Kumari and Zoya Akhtar’s screenplay is topnotch. One of the biggest strengths of the writing is how they have fleshed out the character of the serial killer and his unique modus operandi. Viewers haven’t seen anything like this and moreover, the writers don’t immediately give out his game plan. As a result, not just the cops but even the viewers will wonder how the killer operates. The other tracks, too, are very powerful and add to the principal story. Sumit Arora’s dialogues are sarcastic and hard-hitting.
Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi’s direction is splendid. There are eight episodes in all and each episode is more than 50 minutes long. Unlike several web shows which seem to be long for the heck of it, DAHAAD doesn’t bore or feel dragging even for a second. This is because there’s so much exciting happening at every moment. At the same time, the makers raise some valid points on caste and gender discrimination. Instead of forcing it, it flows very seamlessly and it further enhances the impact. Most importantly, the cat-and-mouse chase between the cops and the killer is what engages the most and in this regard, both Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi score very well.
On the flipside, the family track of Kailash is unconvincing. The reason for him to be jittery about bringing a child into this evil world isn’t easy to digest. While all the tracks reach a conclusion, one major track is left abruptly. Also, the cross-border angle is not properly conveyed.
Every episode of DAHAAD begins in a unique manner. At first, it seems confusing but in the subsequent episodes, it makes sense. The first episode is powerful and even nail-biting, especially the kidnap scene of Altaf and the scene at the railway track. From religious politics, the focus neatly shifts to the serial killer in the second episode. Several scenes leave a lasting impact. Some of them are Anjali raising her voice at Devi Lal and apologizing to him, the death due to the hair dryer, Harry being caught red-handed in school, Anjali admonishing Anand’s father for caste discrimination, Anjali blasting her mother over marriage in the second last episode, Devi Lal’s outburst with his wife etc. An important scene that deserves mention is Devi Lal educating his son about sex education as it can be quite inspiring for many who are jittery to talk about it with their children.
DAHAAD rests on superior performances. Special mention should also go to Nandini Shrikent and Karan Mally’s flawless casting. Sonakshi Sinha takes the cake and delivers a stupendous performance. As a no-nonsense cop with an acidic tongue, Sonakshi nails it and this act will surely benefit her career immensely. Vijay Varma delivers his best act till date. We have seen him in a negative role in DARLINGS [2022] but here, he takes it to another level. Gulshan Devaiah is great as an upright cop and progressive father and leaves a huge mark. Sohum Shah is natural and contributes nicely to the show’s happenings. Zoa Morani is memorable. Manyuu Doshi (Shiv Swarnakar; Anand’s brother) and Yogi Singha leave a huge impact in small roles. Jayati Bhatia (Devki; Anjali’s mother) is lovely. Swati Semwal (Neelam; Kailash Parghi’s wife) doesn’t get much scope while Shruti Vyas (Shivangi; Devi Lal’s wife) is quite good as she gets to play a well-written character. Ankur Verma (Sunny; Anjali’s boyfriend) doesn’t have much to do. Sanghmitra Hitaishi (Miriam), Prashansa Sharma (Sindoora) and Ratnabali Bhattacharjee (Renuka; nurse) are brilliant while Rytasha Rathore (Lata) is a surprise. Astha Arora, Waris Ahmed Zaidi, Adithi Kalkunte, Naresh Malik, Divyanshu Veerwani, Manjiri Pupala (Aarti), Sanjeeva Vats (Anand’s father), Mikail Gandhi (Harry), Varad Bhatnagar (Kassim; IT guy), Mikail Gandhi (Harry), Mazel Vyas (Surekha; student who falls for Anand), Karan Sharma (Jai Doria) and the actor playing Devi Lal’s daughter are fair.
Gaurav Raina and Tarana Marwah’s music exhilarates impact, especially the haunting theme played in the scenes of Anand. The opening credit theme is catchy. Tanay Satam’s cinematography is breathtaking. Smriti Chauhan’s costumes are very realistic. All characters are wearing non-glamorous clothes and it adds to the realism. Shailaja Sharma’s production design is first-rate. The action is appropriate. Anand Subaya’s editing is sharp.
On the whole, DAHAAD is one of the finest shows to have come out in the Indian digital space. It boasts of powerful performances, a taut script and terrific direction, and most importantly, it also makes an important comment on caste and gender discrimination. It is sure to become a talking point in the days to come not just for its hard-hitting and funny moments but also for its underlying themes. Recommended!
Rating – 4 stars
Catch us for latest , New Bollywood Movies update, ,New Movies Release, Bollywood News Hindi, , & and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.