Raakh, as the title sounds, is a deeply disturbing, unsettling, intense, emotional, and riveting crime thriller that makes you think. The eight-episode series is a fictional tale that is loosely based on the infamous Ranga-Billa case of 1978, where two teenagers were kidnapped and brutally killed. Shedding light on the reality, the series raises concerns over basic morality. The Amazon Prime Video web series is produced by Deepak Dhar, Rishi Negi, Mrinalini Jain, and Shyam Rathi from Endemol Shine India.
The series follows two siblings: Suman, played by Divya Sharma (16-year-old), and Sahil, played by Vivaan Sharma (14-year-old), who leave their house, heading out to reach a radio station, unaware of their dark destiny. While their parents (mother Mona played by Sonali Bendre and father Colonel Ashok Arora played by Aamir Bashir) wait to hear their daughter’s beautiful voice on air, the tables turn when the two don’t return home, leading to an unsettling chain of events unfolding. With the heinous crime committed, Sub Inspector Jayprakash, played by Ali Fazal, struggles to dig for the truth and prove his capabilities alongside his restrained relationship with his father, Ghanshyam, played by Rakesh Bedi. He also shares a special connection with a journalist.
Bows down to the director Prosit Roy, who attempts to mix the key factors of the original case with perfection. The series slowly yet steadily explores the darkest realities of human nature, crime, brutality, and anger that leaves you shaken. The cinematography is apt, focusing on the crime thriller with dark and intense themes throughout the series. From cut to cut editing, gripping storyline, strong screenplay, and powerful dialogues, the series scores high.
Actor Ali Fazal commands attention as Sub Inspector, giving another career-defining performance. He never fails to speak with his expressions and emotions on-screen, especially in intense roles. Sonali Bendre as Mona, the grieving mother, brings deep emotions, strength, and anger, which the series needed, with her kids being dead. Aamir Bashir as the father of the dead kids performs well.
Actor Rakesh Bedi never misses a chance to rule, and this time is no exception. Akash Makhija, Anshul Chauhan, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya were impressive. Though Ali shines with his performance, the supporting characters add meaning to the storyline and make it worth watching. The pacing and narrative make it riveting.
Overall, the eight-episode Raakh is a riveting crime thriller that deeply focuses on emotions, turmoil, personal struggles, brutality, crime, and human nature. This series is worth the watch.
IWMBuzz rates Raakh 3.5 out of 5 stars.
