Brown Review: The image of a brutally murdered young woman hanging over the investigation is more than just a shocking plot device in Brown, it is a perfect reflection of the series itself. This ZEE5 crime thriller is disturbing, unsettling and impossible to ignore; it pushes its audience into uncomfortable areas all the time. The 7 episode series, helmed by Abhinay Deo, creates a web of suspects, secrets and psychological scars, but the desire to do too much sometimes undermines the series as it gets a bit more complicated than it needs to be. The killer’s identity may not be unknown to observant watchers, and the climax is not as that one man would have wanted, but it’s still an interesting ride. Brown is all about atmosphere, tension and the unsettling sense that there is something dark at the back of everyone’s face, and this is where it really shines, with the wonderfully accomplished Karisma Kapoor‘s role, the troubled Inspector Rita Brown.
The show begins with a most shocking crime scene in Indian streaming that I have ever seen. There’s the violence right there, vividly displayed. Bloodshed is used sparingly here! The disturbing imagery sets the tone right from the first episode and warns you that you need not look for light entertainment from Brown. This is a world of horror, cruelties and broken people.
The entire plot is based around Ahana Jaiswal, a girl of one of the richest and most influential families of Kolkata who finds herself murdered in unspeakable conditions. It is an investigation that is given to Inspector Rita Brown (Karisma Kapoor). Rita is no ordinary cop. She is plagued by her past, and has emotional wounds that are seldom healed, as well as personal demons that always come into her life and affect her work. The murder investigation becomes as much a psychological matter as it is a physical one. The best aspect of the series is Karisma Kapoor’s portrayal of Rita Brown. She fully inhabits the character and the tension, vulnerability and emotional exhaustion are believable all throughout.
Each clue brings a new suspect to light in this investigation. All the suspects have another secret. The series has a tendency to grow and spread its web of suspicion until almost everybody seems to have a motive. Sometimes, it works beautifully as it adds to the mystery. Otherwise, it’s utterly draining because so many characters seem to just be for show. I found that the story would have been more powerful with 5 episodes than 7.
The best part of it was the ambiance. No comic diversions, no romantic distractions and no attempts to soften the darkness. The show is all about suspense, crime, investigation and fear. The imagery associated with the Goddess Kali, and of black magic and ritualistic practices make for some chilling moments. I found some scenes to be really disturbing, particularly when they brought together the psychological horror with the crime thriller so seamlessly.
Episode five should be the one that is remembered particularly. Two key revelations come up that change the meaning of events that came before. Some of these secrets are so cruelly twisted, it’s truly disturbing. At this point, the series is no longer about finding a killer but about dealing with the darkness in ordinary people.
All the performances in the ensemble are solid. The series also stars Karisma Kapoor, along with Surya Sharma, Jisshu Sengupta, Soni Razdan, Helen Khan and singer Shaan in a special role. Each and every one makes a contribution to the suspicion that surrounds the case. However, the driving force is still Karisma. At times the script meanders, but her acting still keeps the story on track.
There was one problem I had. One of the performers was really strong and upon seeing them right away I knew it was that character. So it was obvious the actor’s drama was going to be significant to the story. After the final reveal, it was what I had suspected a long time ago. In a mystery series, that predictability cuts down on the effect of the climax. There is also a certain abruptness, as though the magician pulled a rabbit out of a hat, at the end of the twist.
There are scenes that are a little crazy, even if it is just the young woman who’s been murdered. Sometimes her characterization and performance are over-done to the point where it makes one laugh out loud in this otherwise serious show. Indeed the energy of these scenes seemed like that of the song “Bhag Bhag D.K. Bose.”
I think that even with its flows, Brown is a interesting crime drama. It has moments of slow pacing but the killer’s identity may not stay a secret from careful watchers, but the feelings, the mind games and the stellar performance of Karisma Kapoor will make it worthwhile. Towards the end, I figured it all out, but I didn’t feel much sympathy for the person who was the victim. That perplexing feeling is exactly what this show produces – it’s a very morally complex world.
Just one more thing, folks with a weak stomach or a low tolerance for graphic violence: Watch episode one and episode five with extra caution.
Rating: 3/5
