Raakh Review: Ali Fazal Anchors a Chilling Crime Thriller That Stays With You

Director – Prosit Roy

Cast – Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Rakesh Bedi, Divyendu Bhattacharya, Aakash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, Divya Sharma, and Vivan Sharma

Writers – Anusha Nandakumar, Sandeep Saket

Producers – Deepak Dhar, Rishi Negi, Mrinalini Jain, Shyam Rathi

Platform - Prime Video

Season – 1

Episode – 8

Rating – 3

Crime thrillers have become one of the most crowded genres on OTT platforms. Every week seems to bring another murder investigation, serial killer hunt, or police procedural. Standing out in such a crowded space requires more than shocking twists and graphic violence. Raakh understands this. Instead of relying solely on suspense, the series focuses on the fear and trauma that a horrific crime leaves behind, creating a psychological impact that lingers long after the credits roll.

Inspired by the infamous 1978 Ranga-Billa case, Raakh revisits one of India's most disturbing crimes. While the case itself has been portrayed in various formats over the years, this series takes a different approach. Rather than simply recreating the crime, it explores its emotional and social aftermath, examining how a single act of brutality can shake an entire community.

The story revolves around the Arora family, whose lives are turned upside down when their children, Suman and Sahil, fail to return home after attending a radio station event. What begins as a missing persons case gradually transforms into something far darker. Running parallel to this storyline is the journey of two petty criminals, Babu and Rajjo, whose reckless decisions trigger a horrifying chain of events. As these narratives slowly converge, the series builds a sense of dread that becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.

One of the show's strongest assets is its character-driven storytelling. Ali Fazal delivers one of the finest performances of his career as police officer Jaiprakash. Unlike the loud and larger-than-life cops often seen in crime dramas, Jaiprakash is quiet, thoughtful, and emotionally burdened. Fazal effectively conveys his character's frustration, determination, and vulnerability through subtle expressions rather than dramatic speeches. It is a refreshingly restrained performance that elevates the entire series.

Sonali Bendre also makes a powerful impact as Mona Arora. Her portrayal of a mother desperately searching for answers feels authentic and deeply emotional. She avoids melodrama and instead brings a heartbreaking realism to the role. Aamir Bashir provides solid support, while Divyendu Bhattacharya adds depth whenever he appears on screen.

The biggest surprise, however, comes from Aakash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav as Babu and Rajjo. Their performances are genuinely unsettling. Rather than portraying cartoonish villains, they create characters who feel disturbingly real. There are moments when their actions evoke anger, discomfort, and fear simultaneously—exactly the reaction the narrative demands.

Director Prosit Roy once again proves that atmosphere is one of his greatest strengths. Much like his earlier work, Raakh thrives on tension rather than spectacle. The recreation of 1970s Delhi feels immersive, and the show's visual language constantly reinforces a sense of unease. The simplicity of the filmmaking often works in its favor, making several scenes more disturbing because they feel grounded in reality.

However, the series is not without flaws. Its biggest challenge is pacing. While the slow-burn approach helps build tension, several episodes stretch scenes longer than necessary. There are moments where the narrative appears trapped in a particular emotional state without making meaningful progress. As a result, the middle portion occasionally feels repetitive and loses some momentum.

The series also takes itself very seriously throughout its runtime. While that seriousness contributes to the atmosphere, it sometimes comes at the expense of narrative urgency. The creators seem more invested in maintaining a mood of dread than consistently moving the story forward. Fortunately, the finale delivers a satisfying payoff that justifies much of the slow build-up.

Raakh is not designed for viewers seeking constant twists and rapid-fire storytelling. It demands patience and attention. Those willing to invest in its world will find a disturbing, emotionally charged thriller that prioritizes character and atmosphere over easy thrills.

While not flawless, Raakh succeeds in creating the kind of crime drama that remains in your thoughts long after the final episode ends. In an era overflowing with forgettable thrillers, that alone makes it worth watching.

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