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Crime Stories: India DetectivesReview – Engaging Police-Procedural Crime Documentary

By Binged Bureau - Sep 22, 2021 @ 08:09 pm
6 / 10
BOTTOM LINE: Engaging Police-Procedural Crime Documentary
Rating
6 / 10
Skin N Swear
Minor Swear Words, Implied Gory Violence
Documentary, Crime

What Is the Story About?

Crime Stories: India Detectives is a docu-series that focuses on crimes and how the police catch them. Each episode starts with a criminal act and ends when the culprit/suspect is caught.

Analysis

Crime Stories: India Detectives is set in the metropolitan Bengalooru. It consists of four unique crime cases which happen in ordinary neighbourhoods. The crimes committed and the reason behind it is the main focus apart from finding the culprit.

At the very start, one of the higher police officials states that the crimes are predominantly committed for three reasons according to Indian mythology; the entire series is a testimony.

Among the four, the first one is easily the most intriguing and frustrating at the same time. It is about a techie from a lower-middle-class family. She commits the heinous crime of murdering her mother. Once that is confirmed, there is a curiosity to know why it is done.

However, what we get in the end feels underwhelming. It is not the lack of drama; rather, it lacks probing into the suspect’s psyche. The narrative glosses over the happening with a formal approach, not delving into the details. There is a brief stretch before the end with the supposed boyfriend, which is tense yet hilarious at the same time.

The burden of debt and living up to the high standards of the urban crowd all around is a very relatable theme. The psychological effect of showing off and the mental trauma it creates could have been explored more.

The second case is a much more common one. It is related to the misuse of technology and then extorting the person. It is fine up to the ‘clue’, but once the case is cracked and the reason is known, it fails to sustain the interest. The take-off is exciting, and the growing anxiety due to lack of clue among the investigative team is briefly yet neatly showcased.

The third case appears more gruesome of all. It is also focused on the hated looked down upon by sex workers. The woman in charge of the investigation having a reality check and coming to terms is the best part of the segment. It makes one look at the mostly derided community with sensitivity and humanity. That such a murder could happen over a simple thing further drives the point home.

And the final episode is also the most heartbreaking of the lot. It focuses on a family sleeping on footpaths and under flyovers. The couple has six kids, and the youngest of the lot is kidnapped. The revealing in the case is not only shocking but also depressing considering the circumstances that are shown all around. The severe under-looking of the marginalised people hits us like a tonne of bricks.

The tone of the series is consistent, but it is the content and emphasis on certain things where the impact changes. Also, as the episodes progress, one can sense the narrative slipping into a formula. Yes, it is the procedure to be followed, but it could still be presented without giving a formulaic vibe.

If one is a frequent watcher of Crime Patrol and similar shows, the content would be par for course. However, others might feel it a bit unsettling, mainly due to the nature of crime and realistic presentation. These crimes feel like happening around you.

Overall, Crime Stories: India Detectives is a compelling watch in parts. The muted drama makes it less emotional, but the gruesome nature of crime is still an unsettling watch. Give it a try if you like gritty crime stories based on real-life incidents.

Music and Other Departments?

The background score is superb. It is the only reason why one gets a racy feel like watching a thriller throughout. There is not much to talk about cinematography, but the city overview shots (like an eagle watching from the sky) are sure to impress. The editing is neat for the most part.

Highlights?

Compelling Cases

Intriguing Set Up

Confessions

Drawbacks?

Narrative Gets Formulaic

Slow Starts

Did I Enjoy It?

Yes, For The Most Part

Will You Recommend It?

Yes, With Little Reservations

Crime Stories: India Detectives Docuseries Review by Binged Bureau 

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