What Is the Story About?
ALTBalaji and MX Player’s latest collaboration ‘Girgit‘ is a murder and suspense drama, set in the scenic environs of Shimla and Manali. Ranbir Khaitan (Nakul Roshan Sahdev) is a rich, spoilt brat, who’s under the scanner of a persistent cop, Inspector Rathod (Samar Vermani), for the murder of his wife, Jahnavi. He’s also in the firing line of a Mumbai gangster Lyndoh (Shahwar Ali) who’s carried out a hit job for Ranbir but not compensated for the deed. A couple of petty con-girls, Shamoli (Taniya Kalrra) and Mahi (Trupti Khamkar) overhear their conversation, and set out to blackmail Ranbir. In the meanwhile, a mysterious killer is on a murdering spree. As the complications increase, so does the body count. Is Ranbir the culprit? Or is there another sinister plan at work here?
‘Girgit‘ is written by Mukul Shrivastava, dialogues are by Sumrit Shahi, and directed by Santosh Shetty.
Performances?
Nakul Roshan Sahdev is quite good as the edgy, unhinged Ranbir, except for the fact that he starts off well in the initial episodes, but loses grip on his character in the later episodes of the show. Ashmita Jaggi as his to-be second wife Avantika is ok. Samar Vermani is over the top as the cocky cop Rathod. Taniya Kalrra’s performance as master manipulator Shamoli is unimpressive. Trupti Khamkar is the only one who manages to catch the eye somewhat, in the ensemble cast.
Analysis
Girgit, as most people would know, is Hindi for chameleon. The context of the title in the narrative is that most people are like chameleons – they change colour at the drop of a hat. All the characters are that in ‘Girgit’; or rather, they come in all shades of grey, taking on different hues as the whim strikes. The colors stand in for myriad sins such as greed, lust, passion, desire, deceit – the characters that populate Girgit display all these, and more. That’s what keeps the story fascinating somewhat.
The 7-episode series is brisk and pacy, with things happening quickly and engagingly. What bogs down the narrative is the overload of twists and turns. The numerous plot twists make an already complicated storyline even more convoluted. Add to it, the slew of sex scenes in the narrative, and it is a recipe for disaster.
The shoddy production values of the show bring it down further. The cinematography manages to lift the plot out of the doldrums, but only just.
That said, Girgit is quite quirky and displays flashes of inventiveness in fits and starts. Several scenes in the narrative are intentionally funny. For instance, Jahnvi’s skeleton peeking out from her coffin as it is carried to its final resting place is absurd yet funny. The twists, murders and suspense engage partially, but seem more contrived than believable.
All said and done, Girgit is an average watch that is out of the mind as soon as it is out of sight. Some of its twists are good, but too many twists spoil the plot.
Music and Other Departments?
Shelly Sharma’s camerawork captures the pristine beauty of Manali and Shimla well. The photography is heavy on top shots, thereby taking in all the elements of the scenic landscape. Bharat-Saurabh’s background score is average—nothing to write home about—as is the editing.
Highlights?
Cinematography
Drawbacks?
Convoluted plot
Too many and absolutely unnecessary love-making scenes
Did I Enjoy It?
I found it OK
Will You Recommend It?
Watch only if you have too much free time on your hands, and nothing better to watch
Girgit Web Series Review by Binged Bureau