Murder In Mahim Review: A Subdued Depiction of a Crime Drama

Web Series: Murder in Mahim
Director: Raj Acharya
Writers: Mustafa Neemuchwala, Udai Singh Pawar
Star Cast: Vijay Raaz, Ashutosh Rana, Shivani Raghuvanshi, Shivaji Satam, Divya Jagdale, Rajesh Khattar
Episodes: 8
Streaming on: JioCinema
Review
The web series Murder In Mahim kicks off with a nostalgic tribute to the iconic Rajesh Khanna and RD Burman number, “Duniya Mein Logo Ko,” which has been featured in several Hindi films, most notably Vishal Bhardwaj’s Kaminey (2009). On the surface, the series presents itself as a gripping whodunnit, revolving around the murder of a man at midnight on an empty local station in Mumbai. Vijay Raaz plays the investigating officer, whose scowl adds a touch of humor to the story. The second thread of the narrative focuses on Ashutosh Rana’s character, whose son Sunil is about to get married. A revelation about his identity is unnecessarily played out twice, perhaps for shock value or surprise. The ensuing discussions drag on for too long, unintentionally bordering on the comical, with one instance where the mother asks, “Are dolphins also gay?”
Right or wrong? We learn that Rana’s past as a journalist led to the ousting of Raaz’s father from his job (played by Shivaji Satam). So far, we have only seen Peter (Raaz’s character) as a father and not as a professional. When his investigative instincts kick in, he resorts to unscrupulous methods to unravel the mysteries surrounding the murder case, which only grow more perplexing. He even tells a grieving widow that he can make her famous through an interview. The subtle smile that follows serves as a reminder of how contagious and alluring fame can be. However, the series becomes burdened with too many subplots, diluting the overall impact. Director Raj Acharya and writers Mustafa and Udai Singh go beyond the boundaries of a typical whodunnit, incorporating themes of parental conflict, fatherhood issues, sensationalism in journalism, hidden identities, and twists that seem forced for dramatic effect.
While the narrative aims for a slow-burn approach, it sometimes ends up sacrificing coherence. To truly enjoy the series, viewers need to keep track of the intricate details and events that unfold. However, there are moments of brilliance, such as a scene in jail that challenges societal taboos surrounding the queer community. Rana’s struggle to come to terms with his son’s alleged clandestine identity serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and suffocation faced by the LGBTQ+ community in a supposedly evolving society. The fourth episode finally achieves the intensity that the previous three episodes needed, with the shocking death of a victim and the haunting hallucination experienced by their father.