What Is the Story About?
DCP Rudraveer Singh (Ajay Devgn) is part of a special unit of police that fights criminals day in and day out. How he gets into the psyche of the heinous culprits and solves the crime is the series basic plot.
A subplot involves the failing marriage of Rudra with Shaila Durrani (Esha Deol Takhtani). How their relationship evolves during the course of the investigation is the other track.
Performances?
The character of Rudra is tailor-made for Ajay Devgn. He slips into the part effortless and does it in his style rather than trying to be like the original. Not that there is too much difference, but here in Rudra, the rage is controlled a bit compared to the no holds barred kind of attitude in the original.
The anger and intensity are the trademarks of Ajay Devgn. On both counts, there are ample moments in Rudra. It is why the actor effortlessly carries the weight of the series. It isn’t a particularly memorable part, but given some of his routine stuff recently, Rudra is a good turn.
Analysis
Rajesh Mapuskar directs Rudra – The Edge Of Darkness. It is Indianised adaptation of the British series, Luthar.
The story is about a special units cop who gets to deal with unique and peculiar psychologically disturbed criminals. On the surface, Rudra – The Edge Of Darkness is like any other crime drama where police are after the killers. What makes Rudra stand out among them is the characters of the killers and the characterisation of the lead.
The opening episode sets the ball rolling with an interesting case. It is in essence what the entire series is all about. The psychological wordplay between Rudra and Aliyah Choksi makes one glued to the proceedings.
A new criminal is seen in each episode simultaneously with the personal turmoil of Rudra. He is going through a marriage struggle as the wife is trying to move on.
The problem with Rudra The Edge Of Darkness is the middle episodes (from second to fourth) feel rushed. They follow a formula and things appear to solve too quickly. The second and third episodes are particularly weak in this regard. A neat performance from Hemant Kher saves the day in the fourth one.
The crime setup is intriguing, but the investigation parts are rushed to reach an end soon in these episodes. The thrill is missing, as a result. The writing further dilutes the impact.
Add the personal drama and anger issues of Rudra, there is an uneven tone. The series is racy in parts and then immediately they are followed by heavy drag. It also brings down the gripping quality.
Rudra picks up again towards the final two episodes. The story, screenplay and performances reach a crescendo here. The presence of good actors and well-drawn characters and the story arc is what holds the attention. The series ends with a neat bang and makes one wait for the second season.
Overall, Rudra The Edge Of Darkness is an average thriller with the beginning and ending working out. The middle ones are rushed and flat waning out the interest. If one likes the genre and hasn’t seen the original (Luther), it is an easy one time watch.
Other Artists?
The casting of the series is good on paper barring a few who seems set up to fail. Raashi Khanna’s role is the biggest example of it. However, the actress surprises us by showing a previously unseen side of her. She is smart, confident, vicious and classy evil. Raashi Khanna shines even though it’s not an entirely ‘hitting it out of the park’ kind. Esha Deol Takhtani has a decent role, and she is alright.
Atul Kulkarni shines bright when his moment arrives. Satyadeep Mishra and Ashish Vidyarthi could have been utilised well. Aswini Kalsekar is adequate even if she tries a bit too hard. The rest of the actors like Hemant Kher, Luke Kenny, Milind Gunaji etc. are fine.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by Siddharth Pandit and Japjisingh Valecha is good. It sets the mood right irrespective of the pace. Sanjay K Memane’s cinematography is neat. There is a grand yet gritty look to the series barring the drama within the police headquarters and dramatic moments. Antara Lahari’s editing is okay.
Highlights?
Key Casting
Beginning
Ending
Grand Making
Drawbacks?
Uneven Tone
The Middle Portions
Writing, In Parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Huge Reservations
Rudra: The Edge of Darkness Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
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