Delhi Crime Review: A No-Nonsense Depiction!

Created by Richie Mehta, Delhi Crime, distributed by Netflix details the aftermath and the severe consequences of the December 2012 Delhi gang-rape incident (widely known as the Nirbhaya case). Based primarily on the police case-files, the narrative kicks-off on the 16th December night when the cops encountered the male and the female victims near the Mahipalpur flyover and push on with the investigation, capturing the criminals and with nationwide protests and pressure. This seven-part original series by Netflix stars Shefali Shah as the lead officer assigned to the case and also features Rajesh Tailang, Rasika Dugal and Adil Hussain as the supporting cast.

Creator Richie Mehta’s perspective as an outsider understanding the hard work and effort put forth by everyone involved in this inquiry added some much-needed legitimacy to the overall quality of the show. He, along with his cinematographer, Johan Heurlin Aidt, didn’t shy away to display the unattractive parts and specifics of New Delhi. Whether it’s the unclean surroundings, illegal operations, the growing concern of safety and the limitless rush of people everywhere you go. As a person staying in South Delhi for the past two years and travelling across Munirka and Mahipalpur (suggested areas from where the crime commenced and concluded) regularly, I can assure that there is no comprised optical manipulation, but a picture-perfect representation of the bustling atmosphere.

Providing a behind-the-scenes look of the investigation, the characters pilot this seven-episodic narrative from the beginning to end. As a result, there are a multitude of roles and moving pieces involved to illustrate the situation inside and out. From a Service Constable to the Commissioner of Police, everyone had a significant part to play, and Richie Mehta had done a fantastic job making these characters look as humane as possible by offering them relatable backgrounds. Shefali Shah’s character, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi struggles to convince her daughter not to leave India for her higher studies and constantly battles to display the city under her control as a safe haven.

Vartika’s male collaborator Bhupendra Singh (Rajesh Tailang) also has his own set of problems with his daughter’s marriage proposals and dejections. Also, Rasika Dugal’s character, Neeti Singh, provides the school of thought from a rookie’s standpoint. Despite having their own complications at life and relentlessly being bugged night and day by the higher command, Richie established that these officers worked hard to fasten up and end this investigation as soon as possible.

On top of that, the tight pacing and the well-written screenplay also adds to the drama of the series. There are enough cliffhangers to keep you invested and added fictional drama to advance the narrative on a riveting note. The performances by the lead cast were top-notch. Shefali Shah gives her best when it comes to her role. The added tension, pressure and anxiety are all visible through her facial expressions, and she cruises the ship with her commanding-yet-emotional act. Rajesh Tailang’s remarkable performance will surprise everyone in my opinion. His role shared a considerable amount of screentime and was not regrettable at all alongside with Rasika Dugal, whose character is more accessible to the normal audience member.

Overall, Delhi Crime is an engrossing, no-nonsense depiction of one of the most heinous crimes ever committed. It succeeds in illustrating the vibe and the hastiness of the city accurately and drives the captivating narrative with well-established characters and magnificent performances. One of the best Indian Netflix Originals that no one should ever miss!

Rating – 4/5 | Grade – A