Milan Luthria, known for his impactful directorial ventures like "Once Upon A Time In Mumbai," makes his OTT debut with "Sultan of Delhi." The show, based on Arnab Ray's 2016 book of the same name, offers a post-partition Mumbai setting filled with gangsters and intrigue. However, despite the initial promise, it quickly devolves into a formulaic gangster drama, leaving audiences with a sense of disappointment. The Plot:
The story begins with the Partition and introduces Arjun, played by Ricky Patel, who witnesses the brutal massacre of his family. He manages to survive and ends up in Delhi, starting a new life. While the show starts with great potential, the refugee camp scenes feel more like a narrative checklist, missing the opportunity to delve into Arjun's struggle for survival and adaptation.
A decade quickly passes, and the audience is introduced to Tahir Raj Bhasin's character, Arjun, now a car mechanic with a commanding presence. He begins working under Jagan Seth, portrayed by Vinay Pathak, and makes a name for himself as a formidable leader. The narrative surrounding his rise to power feels disjointed, with questions about his actions left unanswered.
Clichéd Characters and Stereotypes:
Arjun's nemesis in the show, Rajinder Pratap Singh, is a clichéd aristocratic antagonist dealing with his "daddy issues." He is aided by Shankari, played by Anupriya Goenka, who comes across as a hasty and one-dimensional character. The show fails to provide any meaningful character development.
The introduction of Mouni Roy as a cabaret dancer in Calcutta, followed by an unnecessary bank robbery scene, feels outlandish and disconnected from the overall narrative. The show's portrayal of its time period is laden with stereotypes and lacks depth in character exploration.
Tahir Raj Bhasin's Underutilization:
Tahir Raj Bhasin, who has delivered impressive performances in the past, has little room to showcase his talent in a narrative that lacks depth. Each character in the show adheres to broad, stereotypical portrayals, devoid of complexity. As the story unfolds over nine episodes, viewers may find it challenging to remain engaged.
Conclusion:
"Sultan of Delhi" starts with a compelling premise but ultimately falls short of expectations. While Tahir Raj Bhasin's presence is notable, the show's lackluster storytelling, outlandish sequences, and reliance on stereotypes make it a disappointing adaptation. The final result is a narrative that fails to engage the audience and offers a tawdry denouement.
"Sultan of Delhi" is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, but potential viewers should be prepared for a lackluster gangster drama that does not live up to its initial promise.
