Kohrra
Introduction
Onto the final release of the weekend and I have finished watching the new Punjabi series Kohrra which is now streaming on Netflix. This year has been a breakthrough year for Netflix particularly with respect to its Indian content. While the urban metro shows have still ruled the roosts, there has been a considerable effort made in invested time and effort in stories from our heartland. And I am the happiest when all film industries across the country get an opportunity to voice their talent. Such has been the journey of the Punjabi film industry which I wish to explore a little more in times to come.
Often labelled as a one trick pony, the Punjabi industry has slowly begun to take strides in the webseries space. While their films have been instrumental in recycling the tried and tested formula(much like an extension of Hindi films), it is in the webspace wherein I have seen a drastic improvement. With shows like CAT they have truly showcased their talent and signalled to the world of what they are capable of, while keeping the stories grounded and rooted to the area where they are set in. And Kohrra gave me the grim and brooding vibes from a drama that wouod always pique my interests given the moody setup. And to top it, the show had the duo of Suvinder Vicky and Barun Sobti, both fresh of the success of their respective showd CAT and Asur 2, and I was quite curious to see on what they had to offer. So then does Kohrra manage to impress, lets find out.
Story & Screenplay
Kohrra follows the story of an investigation that is kicked off following the body of a bridegroom which is accidently discovered. The story is compelling, cerebral and quite brooding with its execution that would leave you shacken up by the end of it. It is a gloomy slow burn that takes its time to settle in, and when it does, it shall leave you unsettled in the most unassuming manner possible. The screenplay standing at 6 episodes of 40 odd minutes each does unravel at a leisurely pace. But the proceedings are so compelling that it almost instantly sucks you in its broody atmosphere.
The drama begins with a couple having rampant s*x in a field while being disturbed by a stray dog which is barking. This very scene does lead to the discovery of an unknown body that kicks off the investigation. The grim frames of the drama welcome you instantly that almost exudes a vibe of negativity that is floating in the vicinity. You are tactfully introduced to the two cops investigating the drama – a calm amd collected yet quietly aggressive senior and a fiery and impulsive junior, both of whom combine to form a fire and ice combination for the case. You are also meticulously acquainted with their personal lives wherein each one of them has a complicated relationship with the folks at home. This further adds depth to the drama that soon becomes so much more than a whodunnit. On a side note, the shades of depression and loneliness are nicely explored through a bunch of characters.
The proceedings are compelling(often with hints of dark humour) and the events almost unfold like a giant jigsaw puzzle, which is in contrast to the case which did impart a feeling of simplicity to it. There are seemingly unrelated flashbacks that are showcased while trusting the intellect of the viewers(a reference of which is discovered only after a while in the subsequent scenes). There is a layer of intrigue with respect to the surroundings that provides an immersive experience for the viewers. The drama is a slow burn and requires patience to sit through it. But after a point the ever changing character dynamics act as a fuel for your indulgence in the drama.
The twists and turns in the screenplay are subtle but the writers do a splendid job in tying the events together in a rather seamless manner. So, at no point does it feel that the drama is losing its significance or getting lost in its own plot. Along the way, there are pertinent issues related to the society including the sensitive portrayal of the LGBTQ community that is handled just perfectly. The dilemma at the end wonderfully reflects on the rigidity of all characters who have failed to gain a perspective. This, until the grand reveal leaves you with plenty of thoughts while completely being consumed in its rawness. Overall, the writing is hard-hitting with the right kind of atmospherics that sums up this moody and gritty drama that unfolds as a neo-noir thriller.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues further enunciate the broody atmospherics of the drama that lingers on long after it has ended. The music and the BGM are excellent and enhance so many scenes by engulfing the viewers in the grimness. The cinematography along with the colour grading is excellent, capturing some grim frames that are representative of the gloomy drama that ensues. Even moments of intimacy are well shot and coordinated and a little shout out to Neha who was the intimacy coordinator. The editing is sharp and crisp right throughout the drama. Director Randeep Jha coming fresh off the success of Trial By Fire, is in red hot form here. It always helps when the director understands the world and that in turn helps in taking the drama to another level. And that is the case here with Kohrra. Randeep allows the viewers the luxury of sinking into the drama and that results in the drama being thoroughly compelling and engaging. I was left dazed and for that, the director deserves distinction marks!
Performances
The performances are simply outstanding by the ensemble cast. Veerpal Kaur Gill as Satnam is representative of the plight of female cops in the department and she does a pretty good job. Ekta Sodhi as Rajji showcases her vulnerabilities pretty well. Samuel John as the lorry driver is first rate. Amarinder Pal Singh as Happy is dependable and definitely leaves an impact. Muskan Arora as Silky has a sweet little role and she excels in it. Novak Kojack as Liam and Vishal Handa as Paul are brilliant particularly in the finale act.
Rachel Shelley(you may remember her as Elizabeth from Lagaan) as Clara is such a fine actor who does a wonderful job in expressing herself. Also don’t miss the Lagaan montage in her entry scene(she enters in a cab with the name ‘Captain Russell Cabs’). Varun Badola as Maninder is an absolute joy to look at, and he adds layers of intimidation in his character. Manish Chaudhari is such a fine actor himself, and as Steve, he is impeccably good in an outstanding act which is again quite intimidating. Aanand Priya as Veena looks pretty and is such a natural onscreen. The hesitancy in her character is just so well expressed. Saurav Khurana as Saakar just broke my heart at the end with his sob! The character arc was gutwrenching and he performed splendidly here.
Ekavali Khanna as Indira represented a character suffering from loneliness and depression just so well. The outwardly smile did give a glimpse of the mountains of pain that she was carrying within her, and it was an excellent performance by her. Harleen Sethi is such a talented actor and she is just so well restrained as Nimrat. The levels of regrets that are stored within her is expressed so well by Harleen through her eyes. It was a beautifully heartfelt performance by her.
Barun Sobti as Garundi was the surprise package for me especially with the ease with which he spoke Punjabi. There is a sense of aggression to his character and he absolutely nailed his character and how! He was simply effortness in his performance. One of my favourite performances of the year came in the form of Suvinder Vicky as Balbir. It was one of the most layered and complex roles that had little bit of everything to play with. He needed to be calm and collected with bouts of anger surmounting out of regret and remorse. And these are conflicting emotions that were so brilliantly essayed by Suvinder Vicky that I can’t help but say that it was an acting masterclass of the highest order. A towering act by one of my favourite actors doing the rounds!
Conclusion
Kohrra is a brooding and unsettlimg investigative drama laced with grimness and some hard-hitting performances that lingers on long after it has ended. The show comes with my highest recommendation. Available on Netflix and Highly Recommended!
