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Following the global acclaim of their action-packed thriller Kill, producers Guneet Monga of Sikhya Entertainment and Karan Johar of Dharma Productions have teamed up once again, this time for a fantasy thriller series. Their latest project, titled Gyaarah Gyaarah, follows in the footsteps of Kill, which drew inspiration from the violent Korean film genre. The new series is an adaptation of the popular 2016 Korean drama Signal, and much like its predecessor, it features the highly charismatic Raghav Juyal in a pivotal role.
Time is of the Essence
Raghav Juyal portrays Yug, a dedicated police officer stationed in Dehradun in 2016. While on duty, Yug stumbles upon a walkie-talkie that remarkably allows him to communicate with Shaurya, another sincere cop from the 1990s, played by Dhairya Karwa. Together, they exchange crucial information across decades, helping each other solve unresolved cases. The show presents the intriguing concept of time as both an illusion and a slippery force, particularly as Yug and Shaurya have only one minute each night at precisely 11:11 PM—a time symbolizing angel numbers—to share information. This magical moment is the only point where the past and the present intersect.
For viewers, the show demands patience, especially in the initial episodes, which might feel slow as the premise is carefully established. The narrative seems to give the impression that multiple events are unfolding simultaneously, but by the time Yug begins to grasp the fractured nature of time, the cases he's investigating initially lack intensity. While some may argue that these episodes are meant to build suspense, the absence of significant action might leave some viewers wanting more. However, the fifth and sixth episodes more than make up for the slow start, and by the time the final episodes roll around, the show convinces us that both the premise and the characters hold much more potential than we initially expected.
A Gripping Police Procedural
Despite the fantastical element of time manipulation, Gyaarah Gyaarah doesn't rely solely on this plot device. As the show progresses, it becomes an engaging police procedural, particularly in the fifth and sixth episodes. These episodes revolve around the pursuit of a re-emerging killer, known as the tie-and-die murderer, who gruesomely wraps a red dupatta around the limbs of his victims after killing them. Veteran actor Brijendra Kala delivers a standout performance during these episodes, portraying a character caught between his duties as a father and his responsibilities as a law-abiding citizen. The show builds tension masterfully, making viewers feel like they're watching a ticking time bomb that could disrupt the space-time continuum at any moment.
Raghav Juyal once again proves his versatility as an actor. After his scene-stealing role in Kill, he returns in Gyaarah Gyaarah with a completely different character. As Yug, he serves as the moral center and emotional core of the series. Although his backstory is only briefly touched upon, his unwavering dedication to justice and his sincerity make him a character worth rooting for. Unlike in Kill, Juyal doesn't rely on witty one-liners or morally ambiguous traits, making his performance all the more impressive.
Strong Supporting Cast
Kritika Kamra shines as a tough, no-nonsense police officer who supervises Yug. Although her character might remind some viewers of Yami Gautam in certain scenes, Kamra stands out in moments where her character's vulnerabilities are exposed. Her portrayal of a cop who wrestles with her emotions, particularly in scenes where she confronts Yug about his mysterious connection to Shaurya, adds depth to her role. Dhairya Karwa, as Shaurya, also delivers a solid performance, capturing the fiery temperament of a 1990s-era cop. His portrayal, intentionally or not, evokes memories of the hot-headed police characters from Hindi movies of that era.
Clichés and Missed Opportunities
While Gyaarah Gyaarah has many strengths, it isn't without its flaws. The series occasionally falls into the trap of police procedural clichés, with lines like "Main kisi xyz ko nahi jaanta" ("I don't know any xyz") from suspects during interrogations and desperate cries of "koi hai?" ("Is anyone there?") from victims of abduction. Such moments might feel out of place in a modern thriller, as they are remnants of older, less sophisticated narratives. The series also tends to underestimate the audience's intelligence, with time stamps frequently popping up to indicate whether we're in the past or present, despite the clear visual cues. Furthermore, actors like Gautami Kapoor are introduced to inject unnecessary melodrama into the otherwise fast-paced, no-nonsense thriller, reminiscent of the errors made in '90s police procedurals
Gyaarah Gyaarah is a promising addition to the growing list of Indian adaptations of successful Korean dramas. While it may have a slow start and some narrative missteps, the series ultimately redeems itself with its engaging plot, strong performances, and intriguing exploration of time and justice. As the show picks up momentum, it offers a compelling mix of fantasy and police procedural elements, making it a must-watch for fans of both genres. Streaming on ZEE5 from August 9, Gyaarah Gyaarah is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Also read: Gyaarah Gyaarah trailer: Raghav Juyal and Kritika Kamra time travel to crack a 15-year-old murder
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