Indian Police Force Web Series Review: A Rohit Shetty Spectacle on the Small Screen
Rohit Shetty’s mega-OTT project about the Indian Police Force has landed on Amazon Prime Video, adding a new chapter to the filmmaker’s cop universe, which already boasts Singham, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi. With stars like Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty, and Vivek Oberoi, the seven-episode series promises high-voltage action and substantial expectations. Does Rohit Shetty’s inaugural OTT venture live up to the hype? Is ‘Indian Police Force’ as compelling as other Indian web series in the same genre? Let’s dive into the review to find out.
Indian Police Force Web Series Details:
Web Series Name: Indian Police Force
Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Vivek Oberoi, Shilpa Shetty, Nikitin Dheer, Shweta Tiwari, Sharad Kelkar, Nikitin Dheer and more.
Director: Rohit Shetty and Sushwanth Prakash
Genre: Action thriller
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Number of Episodes: 7
Where to Watch: Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Rating: 3/5 stars
Unveiling the Plot:
The narrative of ‘Indian Police Force’ revolves around Kabir Malik (Sidharth Malhotra), a member of the Delhi Police, and his team’s mission to capture the terrorist mastermind and Indian Mujahideen, Zarar aka Haider (Mayyank Taandon). Kabir, accompanied by his team, including Tara Shetty (Shilpa Shetty), Vikram Bakshi (Vivek Oberoi), Rana (Nikitin Dheer), and Jagtap (Sharad Kelkar), pursues the antagonist across Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, and Bangladesh. The seven-episode series is a rollercoaster ride through their challenges and triumphs as they navigate the politics of hatred, injustice, and deceit.
What Worked for ‘Indian Police Force’:
- Spectacular Action Sequences: True to the Rohit Shetty trademark, “Indian Police Force” delivers an extravaganza of action, featuring high-octane chases, car crashes, and intense combat scenes. The series, produced on a grand scale, feels like a cinematic spectacle brought to the OTT platform.
- Impressive Casting: Rohit Shetty once again showcases his prowess in assembling a stellar ensemble cast. Each character receives adequate screen time, with Sidharth Malhotra shining in the lead role. The chemistry between the cast members, including Shilpa Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Shweta, Nikitin, Sharad, and Mukesh Rishi, adds depth to the narrative.
- Nuanced Storytelling Against Stereotypes: Rohit Shetty and Sushwanth Prakash deserve commendation for avoiding stereotypes and not targeting a particular community. The narrative maintains a balanced perspective, condemning terrorism without demonizing any particular faith.
- Strong Performances: Sidharth Malhotra shines in his element, bringing depth to his character. Shilpa Shetty’s portrayal is natural, and Vivek Oberoi effortlessly fits into his role. The ensemble cast, including Shweta, Nikitin, Sharad, and Mukesh Rishi, adds value with well-acted performances. Mayyank Taandon successfully portrays the fanaticism that lures vulnerable youth into becoming threats to their own nation.
- Non-Demonizing Approach: Rohit Shetty and Sushwanth Prakash deserve applause for avoiding the stereotype and not targeting a specific community. The series maintains a consistent narrative that terrorists, regardless of their faith, are portrayed as individuals misled into committing heinous acts.
- Production Quality: The series is produced on a grand scale, capturing the essence of a big-screen spectacle. Cinematography and background music elevate the viewing experience, setting a benchmark for action films in the OTT space.
What Didn’t Work for ‘Indian Police Force’:
- Slow Start: “Indian Police Force” takes time to build momentum, and the plot only fully captures attention after the third episode. Viewers need patience to navigate the initial slow pace.
- Flashback Overload: The series employs numerous flashbacks that cut back to the present, requiring focused attention to keep up. A more consistent and seamless approach could have enhanced the viewing experience.
- Lack of Emotional Connect: Despite showcasing the actions of the police force, the series fails to evoke strong emotions. For a cop drama, it lacks the consistent adrenaline that keeps viewers engaged from episode to episode.
- Choppy VFX Moments: While the cinematography has moments of brilliance, occasional choppy visual effects and computer graphics mistakes detract from the overall visual appeal.
- Simplistic Approach: The series, titled “The Indian Police Force,” adopts a simplistic approach, missing the thunder and high-pitched intensity expected from the Cop Universe. The show could have benefited from a more riveting narrative.
Final Verdict on ‘Indian Police Force’ Review:
“Indian Police Force” stands as a decent addition to Rohit Shetty’s cop universe, providing fans with a taste of his signature style on the small screen. While the series may lack the riveting intensity of its cinematic counterparts, it serves as a promising beginning for Shetty’s foray into the digital realm. The show’s simplistic approach may leave room for improvement, but given Shetty’s track record, expectations are high for future chapters. “Indian Police Force” may not be a groundbreaking police drama, but it sets the stage for what could evolve into a larger-than-life digital cop saga under Shetty’s direction.
