Never Ending Movie Carnival
Never Ending Movie Carnival
Murder In Mahim review: Twisted, Gripping, Intricate
What: Murder In Mahim - Ashutosh Rana and Vijay Raaz render compelling performances in this complex drama around crime and retribution.
Murder In Mahim synopsis
The underbelly of Mumbai is a cauldron of exciting and intriguing crime stories. Many writers center their plots around the dark and murky crime world that thrives under the dingy annals of the city that otherwise exhibits a tapestry of glamour and glitz, hopes and aspirations.
Murder in Mahim, bankrolled under the banner of Tipping Point films and helmed by Raj Acharya, cinematically adapts Jerry Pinto’s 2018 best seller of the same title and even retains the characters’ names – Inspector Shiva Jhende (Played by Vijay Raaz) and Peter Fernandez (played by Ashutosh Rana) whose worlds collide after a hiatus with two consecutive murders of gays, the motive being organ theft.
Starting off with a chilling scene showing a brutalized male body, blood splashed all over the filthy spot in Mahim and the stomach ripped apart indicating kidney theft , the show unfolds like a proper investigation thriller but soon engulfs you with the personal trajectories of its protagonists – Jhende , who is assigned the case and Fernandez, an ex-reporter who fears that his son might be a part of the muddled world. Fernandes, gripped by anxiety and curiosity, secretly starts investigating the case and connecting the dots in the complex puzzle that embodies love, lust and hidden desires and exposes a dark saga of male prostitution, homosexuality, and extortions.
Pinto’s fundamental plotline is conjured with depth and intrigue by Mustafa Neemuchwala and UdaI Singh Pawar who create the world with authenticity like a seething portrait of the city. Along with the core investigation theme, there are parallel stories centered on human emotions that seamlessly blend with the slow-burn narrative. Jhende’s daddy issues, his inner demons and his love-hate relationship with Peter are dealt with abundant humane and middle-class life gaze.
Thought the plot pivots around Jhende and Peter, Raj Acharya surrounds them with a talented ensemble, comprising Shivani Raghuvanshi playing Jhende’s subordinate Firdaus, Shivaji Satam paying his dad, Smita Thambe playing his wife and Rajesh Khatter the flamboyant Leslie Sequeira. Mumbai, at once indulgent and menacing, is infused with life and breath through these well-etched characters.
In one scene, Vijay Raaz reminisces about his past and friend Peter with Firdaus beside him, they were a deadly combo who busted any criminal case. He was called James Bond of the department. The actor shines with his maturity and perceptive approach towards playing this weary and worn-out inspector with droopy eyes and a grumpy façade. On the other hand, Ashutosh Rana lends a brooding and restrained persona to the ambitious and shrewd journalist. Together, the two veterans form a formidable combo.
Smita Thambe, another fine performer in the motley, is seen lamenting and resenting Jhende, “ Baba apne Harqaton se bas irritate karte hain, Tum toh Chot pahunchate ho Shiva”. There are nuances which are astutely delivered to give a palpable feel.
Murder In Mahim – final words
In the current landscape of web shows, LGBTQ finds a prominent reservation and Murder in Mahim is no different. But the treatment is more sensitive and refreshing.
I go with 3.5 stars out of 5 For Murder in Mahim. It’s a smartly made thriller that would resonate with you and call for a binge-watch.
The 8-part web series streams on Jio Cinema from 10th May 2024.
Ahwaan Padhee, is an IT Techie/Business Consultant by profession and a film critic/cinephile by passion, is also associated with Radio Playback as well, loves writing and conducting movie quizzes. More By Ahwaan Padhee