Web Series Name: Sultan of Delhi
Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 ☆ ☆ (3/5)
Starring: Tahir Raj Bhasin, Mouni Roy, Anupriya Goenka, Mehreen Pirzada, Vinay Pathak & Others
Directed by: Milan Luthria, Suparn Verma
Cinematography: Vishnu Rao
Music by: Sangeet-Siddharth, Amaal Mallik, & Anu Malik
Producer: Namit Sharma
Release Date: 13th October, 2023
Season: 1
No. of Episodes: 9
Available Audio Languages: Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Others
Related Links: Trailer
Streaming Link: Disney+Hotstar
Note: There are plenty of shootouts and a fair amount of sex over the nine brisk episodes
🎬🌟 Sultan of Delhi Hotstar Review 👍 or 👎 🎥🎨
The title might suggest a royal theme, but it’s common for Bollywood to give grand titles to characters with less noble intentions. In this instance, we can forgive the title choice as the series is adapted from Arnab Ray’s novel, ‘Sultan of Delhi: Ascension.’ Let’s explore what it has to offer.
Story Glimpse:
The series revolves around Arjun Bhatia (Tahir Raj Bhasin), who, 17 years after the Partition riots, has learned to live down his past and risk in a dog-eat-dog world. He is a master mechanic driven by a passion for cars that enables him to zoom into the big league in a hurry.
Technical Aspects:
- Casting: The series boasts a formidable cast, with Tahir Raj Bhasin’s portrayal of Arjun Bhatia, the ambitious protagonist aspiring to become the Sultan of Delhi, standing out as a remarkable performance. Bhasin skillfully conveys Arjun’s determination and ambition, making the character both captivating and relatable.
- Mouni Roy’s role as Nayantara adds depth and emotional resonance to the storyline, with her on-screen chemistry with Tahir Raj Bhasin palpable and engaging.
- The supporting ensemble, featuring talents like Anjum Sharma, Vinay Pathak, Anupriya Goenka, Nishant Dahiya, Mehreen Pirzada, and Harleen Sethi, contributes to the series’s richness. Vinay Pathak, in particular, delivers a noteworthy performance as Jagan Seth, a character who introduces intrigue and suspense, adding depth to the overall narrative.
- Direction: Directors Milan Luthria and Suparn Verma, in their collaboration on ‘Sultan of Delhi,’ adeptly fuse elements of crime, politics, and ambition, crafting an enthralling storyline. Their direction weaves together suspense, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas, captivating the audience from the outset. The series delves into the intricate dynamics of power and the extent individuals will go to fulfill their ambitions.
- Editing: Some plot developments may appear convoluted, and there are moments when the pacing feels uneven, which could benefit from more precise editing.
- Cinematography: The series excels in its historical setting, meticulously brought to life with a keen eye for detail, from the authenticity of costumes to the vivid portrayal of 1962 Delhi. The production values and the work of the Director of Photography (DOP) are praiseworthy, delivering an immersive viewing experience.
Highlights:
- Historical Immersion: “Sultan of Delhi” skillfully transports viewers to the turbulent era of 1962 Delhi, vividly exploring the city’s underworld. The series effectively captures the historical setting, thanks to meticulous attention to detail.
- Diverse Narrative: The show offers a compelling narrative enriched with elements of drama, romance, action, and enduring friendships. The engaging storytelling keeps the audience hooked.
- Character-Driven Drama: Arjun Bhatia’s journey, portrayed by Tahir Raj Bhasin, takes center stage. His transformation from a Partition survivor to a criminal world player is a central focus, adding depth to the storyline.
- Layered Storytelling: The series excels in pacing and unfolding the story in layers, providing a captivating viewing experience. Characters are not confined to conventional hero or villain roles, allowing for nuanced character development.
Downsides:
- Timeline Jumps: While the use of timelines and generations aids storytelling, the series doesn’t fully capture the 1960s look and feel. At times, the dialogue seems slightly out of place in the historical setting.
- Partial Historical Authenticity: While it captures the essence of the era, the show only partially reflects the 1960s atmosphere.
Final Verdict: “Engaging Historical Crime Drama“
