| STAR: | Sidharth Malhotra , Vivek Oberoi , Shilpa Shetty Kundra. etc |
| DIRECTION: | Rohit Shetty |
| GENRE: | Action, Crime |
| Storyline: | Delhi Police Officer Kabir Malik battles an insidious adversary, Zarar, who has chosen the path of terrorism. The show unfolds a thrilling chase, capturing the relentless pursuit of justice and the sacrifices made in the line of duty. |
Less Bang, More Substance: Rohit Shetty Expands His Cop Universe
Director Rohit Shetty, often associated with explosive car chases and slapstick comedy, takes a slightly restrained approach in his latest venture, “Indian Police Force.” Streaming on Prime Video and co-directed with Sushwanth Prakash, the series explores a leaner and more realistic narrative, catering to audiences fond of the likes of Special OPS and Khakee: The Bihar Chapter.
A Shift in Tone and Style
While Shetty’s trademark bombastic style may be toned down, “Indian Police Force” fails to generate significant momentum in his cinematic evolution. The cop universe, which has been a staple in Shetty’s filmography, appears to have reached a point of maximum entropy.
Plot and Characters: Chasing Shadows
The series follows officers Kabir (played by Sidharth Malhotra) and Vikram (Vivek Oberoi) as they tackle a series of bombings orchestrated by the Indian Mujahideen. Tasked with hunting down the perpetrators, the duo is later joined by Tara (Shilpa Shetty), a spirited member of the Gujarat ATS. Kabir, the first Muslim protagonist in Shetty’s Cop Universe, adds an interesting layer to the narrative, serving as a patriotic counterforce against misguided individuals who commit acts of terror in the name of religion.
Navigating Themes of Radicalism with Caution
While the series attempts to delve into the roots of radicalism and its impact on impressionable minds, it does so in a vague and generic manner. The exploration lacks depth, avoiding the political fault lines that often fuel extremism in the country.
Steadfast Allegiance to Police Forces
In a landscape where filmmakers often extol the virtues of the army, Shetty remains a steadfast mascot for the nation’s police forces. The series showcases a seamless, if somewhat unrealistic, collaboration among police officers from different regions, dismissing concerns like jurisdiction and chain of command. However, the plot overlooks opportunities to integrate real-world events, such as the 2020 Delhi riots, into its narrative.
Performance and Resilience
Siddharth Malhotra, fresh from patriotic roles in “Shershaah” and “Mission Majnu,” takes on the role of Kabir. While his performance exhibits moments of strained theatrics, Malhotra brings a refreshing decency to the character. Vivek Oberoi and Shilpa Shetty leave a lasting impression, and it’s heartening to see actors like Mukesh Rishi continue to contribute to the genre after a quarter-century since “Sarfarosh.”
In conclusion, “Indian Police Force” marks a departure from Rohit Shetty’s typical fare, offering a glimpse into a more restrained and realistic portrayal of law enforcement. While it may not soar to the heights of its action-packed predecessors, the series manages to carve its niche in the ever-expanding Cop Universe.