Director: Raj Acharya
Cast: Vijay Raaz, Ashutosh Rana, Shiv. Raghuvanshi, Shivaji Satam, Divya Jagdale, Bharat Ganeshpure, Sanjeev Satya Vijay, Rajesh Khattar, Nishant Kkhanduja, Asitosh Gaikwad, Smita Tambe, Rohan Verma
Where to watch: JioCinema
Rating: ***1/2
With its intricate narrative, a cast of earnest performers, and a nondescript locale of Mumbai stained by murders, this series is an astutely crafted whodunnit.
Adapted from Jerry Pinto’s acclaimed novel, the series, directed by Raj Acharya, delves deep into the lives of the LGBTQ+ community following the gruesome murder of Laxman Gupta, aka Proxy, a gay sex worker in a public urinal at Mahim station.
At the helm of the investigation is the intrepid Jende, portrayed with depth by Vijay Raaz and his capable assistant Firdous Rabb.. Their pursuit of the killer intertwines with the personal journey of retired journalist Peter, compellingly portrayed by Ashutosh Rana, whose son becomes a suspect. As they navigate through a web of secrets, blackmail, and long-lost friendships, the series intricately weaves together themes of desire, greed, and despair.
One of the series’ strengths lies in its exploration of complex human relationships, particularly the dynamics between fathers and sons. Whether it is the bond between Peter and his son Sunil or the strained relationship between Shiva and his father Dhular, portrayed by Shivaji Satam, these familial connections add layers of emotion to the narrative.
Furthermore, the series sheds light on the dark underbelly of society, exposing the nexus between the Mumbai Police and the marginalized community. Through its gripping storyline and well-paced plot, the series confronts societal prejudices and challenges viewers to question their perceptions of identity and acceptance.
The inclusion of ‘Drop Section 377’ in the opening title montage underscores the series’ commitment to addressing social issues, including the decriminalization of homosexuality in India. These themes seamlessly integrate into the narrative, creating a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience.
The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, each actor infusing authenticity into their respective roles. Ashutosh Rana’s portrayal of Peter, is marked by nuanced depth, while Vijay Raaz captivates as Police Officer Shivajirao Jende, bringing a compelling presence to the screen.
Alongside Rana and Raaz, the entire cast shines with natural ease, contributing to the series’ immersive storytelling. Ayush Gupta’s portrayal of Proxy, Divya Jagdale’s depiction of Peter’s wife Millie, Rohan Verma’s portrayal of their son Sunil, and Shiv. Raghuvanshi’s convincing depiction of Officer Firdous Rabb. all add layers of authenticity to the narrative. Additionally, Bharat Ganeshpure, Sanjeev Satya Vijay, and Asitosh Gaikwad too deliver standout performances in their respective roles.
However, while Murder in Mahim succeeds in captivating its audience with its intriguing plot and well-developed characters, it occasionally falters in pacing, particularly in the middle episodes. Some plot threads may feel drawn out, detracting slightly from the overall momentum of the series.
Nevertheless, the series challenges societal norms and provokes conversations about acceptance, justice, and the complexities of human nature. With its earnest performances and astutely crafted narrative, it is a worthy addition to the pantheon of crime dramas.
Overall, the series is worth a watch for fans of the genre.
