Gaanth Chapter 1 : Jamnaa Paar review: A gritty and unsettling re-imagination of the Burari deaths case with a terrific Manav Vij

Gaanth Chapter 1 : Jamnaa Paar review

Gaanth is solidly written by a team comprising Soham Bhattacharya, Fahim Irshad and Anagh Mukherjee who fictionalize the material with enough nuances and meticulous research even though its premise is inspired from the perplexing case of the Burari deaths which had rocked the national capital in 2018.

The eight-episode series, that blurs the lines between the reality and perspective, gets an eerie boost with director Kanish Verma (Foot fairy, Sanak) conjuring a deeply intriguing atmosphere accentuated by an unnerving background score and a mystery that deepens as we progress. In one scene involving the crime location, the autopsy expert qualms, “This house has no windows, no ventilation – only suffocation”. Verma’s prolific and claustrophobic world-building keeps you thoroughly invested, as the show proceeds with sheer authenticity lent by the compelling Manav Vij who is surrounded by an array of raw and authentic characters.

Vij’s brooding intensity coupled with a biting sense of humor and hot temperament makes Gadar Singh a robust character that stays with you. He embodies a personality who is profoundly layered, pursuing the ultimate truth relentlessly. Sometimes he sloshed and sometimes he simmered. At one point, he even slaps a cop and proclaims with swears, “Qaatil Kalaiyyaan”( killer arms).

His portrayal serves as a thesis for pivotal characters saddled with personal misery and inner demons. With Monica Panwar, another subdued but powerhouse performer, he forges a peculiar chemistry to unravel the knots. Panwar makes a compelling case of an intern gifted with a unique ability to perceive patterns invisible to the human eye. Saloni Batra, the cop with a kind heart and sharp mind, adds layers to the story and fleshes up the narrative. 

Gaanth Chapter 1: Jamnaa Paar – Final words

I was quickly engrossed into the world of Gaanth. Far from quixotic, the crime drama has a rustic vibe to its dark and gritty subject that attracts you.

I am going with 4 stars out of 5.

Gaanth Chapter 1: Jamnaa Paar which hails from Tipping Point films, produced by Ajit Andhare and created by Soham Bhattacharya, is streaming on Jio Cinema from 11th June 2024.