Pill (Season 1)
Introduction
The pandemic period would probably go down as the darkest phase in human history. It was probably for the very first time that humans were pitted against an opponent that was invisible, and dangerous while having no immediate solutions for its cure. There was a sense of panic created amomgst the public even as the stocks of the pharma companies began to rise. People were subjected to any kind of medicine that may or may not be harmful but more importantly, which they thought would help against the Covid-19 virus. But thankfully, the vaccines were created that could help curb the situation. However, there was a catch, something that was discovered a couple of years after the vaccines were created and injected in people. This year, it did come to light that two of the major vaccine manufacturers probably may not have had enough trials to check on the efficacy of the vaccines, thereby causing deaths which could have been avoided. The idea of slowly killing an individual simply on the account of drug reaction because the companies were in a hurry to launch a product, has got to be the most infuriating aspect of the pharma industry. Even as I type, there could be so many drugs circulating in the market that might be harmful to the public who would be oblivious to the kind of side-effects that they may be privy to. But it isn’t just the pharma companies who would take the blame for it, almost being a viscious circle with multiple stakeholders who collectively form the drug mafia. And this exposure of the drug mafia is what the new Hindi series Pill which is streaming on Jio Cinema, has to offer. So then does Pill manage to impress, let’s find out.
Story & Screenplay
The first season of Pill follows the story of a whistle blower who exposes the corrupt nexus of the pharma companies, the middlemen and the doctors in conducting unethical drug trials in the country. But the question remains on whether they can withstand the pressures of their powerful opponent? The story here is a relevant medical drama packaged as a nail-biting thriller that is an eye opener of sorts. The amount of medicines that we have been consuming coupled with the idea of them failing clinical trials is a scary idea, and the writing here does try to get into the deeper realms of this mafia. The screener standing at 8 episodes of roughly 45 minutes each is compelling and hard-hitting even though slightly repetitive, and it paints a haunting picture of humans being subjected to medicines almost like guinea pigs, while the pharma companies and the subsequent stakeholders look to mint money. The drama here doesn’t reference any real life incident but the manner in which the incidents unfold, it will make you weary of popping a pill in future given the repercussions which might be associated with it.
The drama begins on a deliberately ambiguious of a certain wrongdoing in the pharma sector related to a potential diabetic drug, although the aspect of corruption continues to be a grey area. Yet, there are several inferences provided that do give you an inkling that something just doesn’t seem to be right. This, even as a bunch of characters are introduced who would go on to play an important part in this drama. Early on, you see a raid being derailed after a character is shown to be flinging a confidential file in a flowing ditch, and that paints a haunting picture in the minds of the viewers. And I did like how that one particular incident was the foundation of an exposure that was capable of leaving you shook with the kind of drama that the makers had in offer. It was traumatizing and quite frightening.
However, there was this one criticism that I had around the drama, something that began early on while leaving its traces at regular junctures. And that was the comedic tone in the drama that was prevalent in a few scenes right from the beginning. This drama was tonally very serious and it ought to have stayed that way, but probably it may have had to do with the drama being ‘too serious’ for public consumption that eventually led to the creative decision. The humour did not necessarily derail the drama but it just didn’t seem to organically fit into the universe. But this was just a minor criticism in an otherwise compelling narrative, even as the drama slowly introduces you to the main stakeholders including members of a governing body who are responsible for conducting quality checks. In a country wherein power and money go hand in hand, this was hardly surprising even as the general notion of the pharma company was to win at all costs. The personal life of the protagonist who is honest is also touched upon with the kind of challenges that he and his group have to face.
The drama momentarily stutters at the halfway mark wherein I did feel that the story was just going around in circles. But that shortcoming was short lived, even as the court proceedings begin which are indulging and immersive in nature. I also liked how the hierarchies of the key position holders of an organization(both in the private and government body) play a major part in suppressing the voices of concern. Either power is exercized on folks that do not have a voice, or curbed for those who seem to be a threat to them. And that was effectively showcased in the drama, that allowed the stakes to simmer before raising them. The motivations of the various characters are nicely in check even as the grand exposure extends in the political space too, something that wasn’t as shocking(given how anything is possible in the country) but quite an eye-opener. The events leading to the final act are a little dramatic and a touch convenient but they definitely fit perfectly in for a resounding finale that is pretty good to witness but also thought-provoking given the turn of events of the drama. Overall, the screenplay is well written and it makes for a rather compelling watch.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are conversational but blend perfectly with the character traits of each character. The lines are impactful in their own way and contribute towards it being a solid watch. The BGM is a bit of a mixed bag for me. While it does well in the latter moments to create an ambience of thrill, the initial part of the drama had a few playful notes that didn’t exactly gel well with the drama. A haunting theme could have been used to further accentuate the drama at regular junctures. The cinematography is good and captures frames that are thought-provoking and frightening at the same time. The editing is good although a few lags in the drama could have been ironed out for a crisper watch. The directors chair is shared by three individuals – Raj Kumar Gupta(of the Aamir, No One Killed Jessica and Raid fame), Mahim Joshie and Jaideep Yadav, and the direction is pretty solid both from the world building perspective and the characterization point of view. The situations created and more importantly handled in the drama are pretty interesting wherein the direction shines at various junctures throughout the drama. The most important aspect here was to control the proceedings given how erratic the nature of the drama was, and that for me was the biggest takeaway in the direction department, given how well that was carried out.
Performances
The performances are excellent by the ensemble cast. Neha Saraf as Babita absolutely nails her one-liners and one of the few characters who scores with her subtle bouts of comedy while having to deal with her own insecurity. This is a testimony on what a fabulous actor she is. Enab Khizra as Sukhmani beautifully emotes her pains of watching her husband slip into depression. There was so much restraint in her outburst in her measured performance that made for an intriguing watch. Diksha Juneja as Keerat has a stellar screen presence and she definitely leaves a lasting impression with her character. Nikhil Khurana as Ekam, a character tactfully working under the guidance of his shrewd father is pretty good here and there are moments wherein you will be infuriated with his character, which means it was a good job done overall.
Sanghasri Sinha as Dr. Nileema is fabulous to watch in a character that begins on an unassuming note before showcasing her true colours. Baharul Islam as Dr. Natrajan has a warm presence to begin with that soon evaporates in the wake of greed and guile, to a point that his smiles began to bother me. This was indeed a splendid act that contributes towards an incredible watch. Kunj Anand as Ashish has got to be one of my favourite characters here who is also given a solid character arc. He is earnest and sincere with an unwavering and assertive tone before bringing out his vulnerabilities wonderfully well towards the end. He was brilliant here and one of the best actors on display.
Akshat Chavan as Noor is decent here. He does score really well in scenes of intensity but he could slightly improve upon the scenes that require a sense of restraint. But he was endearing nevertheless. Anshul Chauhan as Gursimrat is outstanding here, having a fiery presence and measured sense of purpose tagged to her character. Even though she is often seen with a bunch of characters, she manages to wonderfully hold her own in what was an incredible performance.
Pawan Malhotra is a legend who has the capability to flawlessly adapt to any character. And here as Gill, the sly owner of the pharma company, he is outstanding to the core. There is a simmering amount of tension in scenes featuring him which is reflective through his glances. His outbursts are few and far between but the kind of intimidation that he brings to the table was so wonderful to witness. Riteish Deshmukh as Dr. Prakash is wonderful to witness here. Although his dialect is a little inconsistent, he more than makes up with his endearing act that is filled with sincerity and bouts of intensity. His struggle are perfectly reflective of his honest character, in a performance that is nothing short of a revelation. So nice to see him branch out and dabble with a different genre, and here is a word to other casting directors – he is a phenomenal actor, do not just restrict him to comic roles.
Conclusion
Boasting of solid performances, Pill is a hard-hitting medical drama packaged as a nail-biting thriller that makes for a wonderful watch. Available on Jio Cinema.
