Review: Raakh: Haunting, Heartbreaking and Highly Engaging

 

Movie: Raakh
Rating: 3.5/5

Cast: Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Ali Fazal, Rakesh Bedi, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Anshul Chauhan and others

Director: Prosit Roy, Anusha Nandakumar, Sandeep Saket

Produced By: Prime Video

Streaming On: Primve Video

Story:

Raakh is inspired by a shocking real-life incident that took place in Delhi in 1978. Set across Delhi and Mumbai, the series revolves around a chilling case involving the murder of two teenagers and its unexpected connection to two petty criminals operating in Mumbai.

How these ruthless thieves become linked to the tragic crime, and how police officer Jayaprakash unravels the complex case filled with twists and mysteries, forms the crux of the story. The rest of the series is about his relentless pursuit of the truth.

Performances:

Sonali Bendre, as Mona, and Aamir Bashir deliver natural and convincing performances as grieving parents. Ali Fazal is excellent as the determined police officer investigating the missing children's case. Rakesh Bedi, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Anshul Chauhan, and the rest of the supporting cast perform their roles effectively.

Akash Makhija stands out with a terrific performance as a menacing criminal, while Ramandeep Yadav provides solid support, making their portions particularly impactful.

What Works:

Although several thriller and investigation dramas have explored similar themes in the past, Raakh manages to keep viewers invested from the very first episode to the finale, with only a few minor slow stretches.

The series does a remarkable job of portraying the disturbing mindset of two criminals who are willing to go to any extent for their own comfort and happiness. Their complete lack of empathy and disregard for human life creates a sense of fear and unease that stays with the audience.

On the other hand, the show effectively establishes the emotional bond shared by the teenage siblings and their parents. Despite limited screen time, these family moments leave a strong impact.

The narrative also follows Jayaprakash, a police officer determined to prove himself. The screenplay smartly shifts between multiple perspectives, keeping the investigation engaging. The constant curiosity about what will happen next ensures that viewers remain emotionally invested throughout.

The final episode, which reveals the truth behind the teenagers' fate, is deeply emotional. The closing moments, which imagine how things could have turned out differently, are touching and leave a lasting impression.

What Doesn't Work:

The track involving the criminals is undoubtedly tense and engaging. However, the portions exploring their childhood feel slightly stretched and slow down the narrative at times.

Similarly, the obstacles faced by the investigating officer and his personal issues involving his father come across as somewhat routine and familiar, lacking the same level of impact as the central mystery.

Raakh Web Series Review And Verdict:

Raakh is a gripping investigative thriller that combines suspense, emotion, and strong performances. Despite a few routine subplots and occasional pacing issues, the engaging screenplay and powerful climax make it a worthwhile watch for fans of crime dramas and true-crime-inspired stories.