Director: Raj Kumar Gupta
Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Pawan Malhotra, Anshul Chauhan, Akshat Chauhan, Kunj Anand, Baharul Islam
Where to watch: Streaming on Jio Cinema
Rating: ***
Loosely inspired by the true story of Dinesh Thakur, a former employee turned whistleblower who exposed the dubious practices of India's largest drug-maker in 2013, this series delves into the murky depths of the pharmaceutical industry. This gripping tale follows a trio of unlikely heroes as they take on the pharma behemoths, revealing the sinister journey of a pill from conception to consumption.
The narrative weaves through a cast of diverse characters: powerful pharma magnates, corrupt doctors, zealous medical representatives, compromised drug regulators, and scheming politicians.
At the heart of this web are Dr. Prakash Chauhan (Riteish Deshmukh), a medical officer at the Medicine Authority of India; his tenacious colleague Gursimrat Kaur (Anshul Chauhan); and an aspiring photojournalist, Noor (Akshat Chauhan). Together, they uncover the entrenched corruption within Forever Cure, a pharmaceutical giant, and face off against its manipulative CEO, Brahma Gill (Pawan Malhotra).
Riteish Deshmukh shines in his role, channeling an earnest sincerity reminiscent of Amol Palekar. Anshul Chauhan delivers a compelling performance as the dedicated Gursimrat, while Noor’s personal vendetta against the pharma company adds an emotional layer to the narrative. Kunj Anand's portrayal of Ashish Khanna, a researcher at Forever Cure, evokes genuine empathy, as his character becomes a casualty in this battle of good versus evil. Pawan Malhotra's Brahma Gill is a standout, his eerie and ruthless demeanor making him a formidable antagonist.
The eight-episode series starts with an over-the-top flair but gradually finds its footing, blending serious undertones with moments of lighthearted banter. The relationship between Dr. Prakash and his wife provides a relatable and endearing subplot. Despite a few plot conveniences—such as Noor's serendipitous discovery of a critical file—the series maintains a sincere unraveling of events.
The series doesn't shy away from hard-hitting truths, as evidenced by lines like, “File mein jab page blank ho aur neeche officer ka signature ho, iska matlab hai ki woh signature national interest mein liya gaya hai,” and “Haqeekat mein toh duniya toh sirf villain chalate hain.” These moments resonate deeply, underscoring the pervasive corruption within the industry.
Overall, while the series has its minor flaws, including some deus ex machina elements that feel contrived, it remains engaging throughout, supported by top-notch production values. It offers a chilling yet compelling glimpse into the pharmaceutical industry's dark side, leaving viewers both entertained and enlightened.
