CHakravyuh- An Inspector Virkar
Introduction
Onto the next release and I have just finished watching Chakravyuh on MX Player. Its trailer was a mashup between a serial killer and something to do with the dark web. While it wasn’t very intriguing but a part of me who has a fascination for serial killers wanted a go at this one. Does it manage to impress, stay tuned.
Story & Screenplay
Chakravyuh is the story of a string of grizzly murders which are investigated by a cop named Virkar. How are they connected? The story is way too routine for my liking. I also felt that the writers tried to incorporate far too much in the story. So you have a dash of mystery, thriller, romance and drama. Probably had they just stuck to one genre then it would have been beneficial. The screenplay is a mixed bag. While I really found the premise intriguing, that soon fizzled out after the third episode when the part of the ‘mystery’ was revealed. The writing lacked clarity in the middle which eventually made the drama quite predictable. The final nail in the coffin you could actually see it from a distance. Not to say that the drama was bad but it was way too bland.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are pretty good, some one-liners are humourous too and credit for that should also go to the actor performing it. The BGM definitely did its bit in enhancing the drama. A special mention of the cinematography which was outstanding, I just loved the way the show was shot. Direction of Sajit Warrier is patchy. There are some moments of brilliance coupled with some mediocrity. The subject of cryptocurrency was interesting and could have been tapped further, also the part with the dark web.
Performances
The performances are decent here. Shiv Pandit is decent though he has little to do. Ruhi Singh as Sagarika is quite good. Gopal Datt as Sinha does manage to tickle your funny bone and a lot is attributed to his impeccable comic timing. Ashish Vidyarthi as Wagh is wasted. I was quite impressed with Simran Kaur Mundi as Naina. She looked very pretty and has done a good job. Prateik Babbar as Virkar fitted the role of the cop pretty well though his dialogue delivery is a suspect. All other actors are alright.
Conclusion
Chakravyuh had the potential but instead it is a missed opportunity. The writing weighs the series down. Do watch it only if you have nothing else to watch. Available on MX Player.