Bambai Meri Jaan Series

Bambai Meri Jaan - A Gritty Tale of Underworld Ambitions

Director - Rensil D'Silva And Shujaat Saudagar

Star - Kay Kay Menon, Avinash Tiwary, Kritika Kamra, Nivedita Bhattacharya, Amyra Dastur

Rating – 3

Streaming on - Amazon Prime Video

Bambai Meri Jaan, co-directed by Rensil D'Silva and Shujaat Saudagar and available on Amazon Prime Video, takes viewers back to the 1940s-1980s Mumbai underworld, exploring the rise of Dara Kadri against a backdrop of smuggling and the reign of mafioso kings Haji and Pathan. The 10-part series delivers a fresh perspective by delving into the emotional turmoil of a father-son duo within the criminal landscape.

Set in post-independence India, the narrative revolves around Ismail Kadri (Kay Kay Menon), an honest cop committed to purging Mumbai of criminal elements, and his son Dara Kadri (Avinash Tiwary), torn between his father's legacy and his aspirations to become "Bambai ka Baadshah." The story unfolds against the criminal backdrop dominated by Suleman Haji (Saurabh Sachdeva) and Azim Pathan (Nawab Shah), leading to the birth of D Company.

The series stands out by balancing gritty crime drama with an intimate exploration of the Kadri family's struggles. It offers a fresh perspective on Mumbai's criminal history, drawing inspiration from cinematic predecessors like 'Company' and 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai.' Director Shujaat Saudagar's decision to focus on characters' emotional journeys adds depth to the storytelling.

The narrative introduces the "Pathan Squad," led by Ismail Kadri, aiming to combat the criminal empire led by Suleman Haji and Azim Pathan. The emotional core of the series revolves around the changing dynamics between father and son as Dara ascends to power in the underworld. The story also features a tender love story between Dara and Parsi girl Pari, portrayed by Amyra Dastur.

'Bambai Meri Jaan' successfully weaves an enthralling narrative, maintaining viewer engagement despite some predictability. The series skillfully balances brutality and emotional resonance, offering insights into Dara's ascent in the underworld and his evolving relationship with his father. The love story between Dara and Pari adds a layer of depth and emotion.

Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, the series benefits from a compelling story by S. Hussain Zaidi, contemporary dialogues by Abbas Dalal and Hussain Dalal, a meticulously designed period setting by John Schmidt, a captivating musical score by Anirban Sengupta, and riveting performances from the ensemble cast.

Kay Kay Menon delivers a standout performance as an honest cop and desperate father, showcasing his remarkable acting range. Avinash Tiwary brings depth to his character, while Kritika Kamra surprises with her portrayal of the bold and determined Habiba. The supporting cast, including Shiv Panditt, Vivan Bhathena, Lakshya Kochhar, Jitin Gulati, and Nivedita Bhattacharya, adds layers to the narrative.

While the ten-hour-long episodes may test patience, a bit more editing could have enhanced the binge-watching experience. Nonetheless, 'Bambai Meri Jaan' offers both substance and soul, making it a must-watch for fans of intense crime dramas. The series promises a captivating journey through Mumbai's underworld during a transformative era.