Rating – *** (3/5)
Reeta Sanyal on Disney+ Hotstar
Cast: Adah Sharma, Rahul Dev, Manik Papneja, Ankur Rathee & more
Directed by: Abhirup Ghosh
From the get-go, Reeta Sanyal, streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar, is a fresh legal drama with a twist as it combines mystery, humor, and courtroom intrigue. Based on the Hindi book series by Amit Khan, the show centres on Reeta Sanyal, a young lawyer trying to establish herself in a challenging legal world. While the premise is engaging and the performances are strong, the series is not without its flaws, particularly in terms of pacing and tonal consistency.
The story follows Reeta, played by Adah Sharma, a determined advocate raised by her single mother. Despite struggling to find her footing, Reeta’s perseverance drives her forward. Her routine of handling small-time cases takes a turn when she meets Keshav Kelkar, whose mother, Sujata, is accused of murdering politician Parav Rane. Although Keshav confesses to the crime, the evidence tells a different story, and Reeta soon finds herself caught up in a complex case that challenges her in unexpected ways.
The legal drama deepens when Reeta’s personal life becomes entwined with the case, as she begins to uncover connections to her father’s mysterious death. Her fight for justice against M Raj Thakral, a seasoned lawyer with ties to her past, adds an emotional layer to the plot. This dual narrative, blending Reeta’s pursuit of truth in both her professional and personal life, is the driving force behind the show.
Adah Sharma brings a relatable charm to the role of Reeta. Her portrayal of a young woman balancing vulnerability and sharp wit makes Reeta an endearing character. Sharma’s ability to navigate the emotional and professional challenges faced by Reeta makes her performance one of the highlights of the series. The audience can easily sympathize with her character as she tackles high-stakes legal battles while grappling with unresolved family issues.
Rahul Dev’s portrayal of the powerful lawyer M Raj Thakral is a notable departure from his typical antagonist roles. Though the character lacks complexity, Dev delivers a convincing performance, commanding the screen with authority. Meanwhile, Ankur Rathee as Jai Vardhan, a supportive cop, adds a layer to the story, though his character doesn’t get enough time to fully shine. Other cast members, such as Faisal Sayed and Manik Papneja, have smaller roles, but there’s potential for these characters to evolve in later episodes.
The show successfully combines humor and suspense, which keeps viewers engaged. Despite the heavy themes of a murder investigation, the series includes lighter moments that prevent it from becoming too grim. This balance helps the show maintain a breezy tone, especially when paired with sharp dialogue that keeps the courtroom scenes snappy and enjoyable. The humorous exchanges provide a refreshing contrast to the more serious elements of the narrative.
Visually, Reeta Sanyal is well-crafted. Despite being limited to a few locations, cinematographer Anil Katke ensures the scenes remain visually appealing. The show’s musical score by Bharatt and Saurabh also adds an energetic backdrop, complementing the plot twists and helping build suspense at key moments. These elements come together to create a polished aesthetic that enhances the overall viewing experience.
However, the show’s pacing and tonal shifts are its primary drawbacks. The transition from lighthearted moments to intense courtroom drama is often abrupt, making it difficult for viewers to stay immersed. This is especially evident in the first episode, which attempts to introduce several characters and plotlines within a short span, leading to a narrative that feels rushed. As a result, some characters and subplots aren’t given enough time to develop fully.
If the series continues to introduce such subplots without carefully weaving them into the larger narrative, it risks losing focus and diluting the central storyline.
Additionally, the show follows a somewhat predictable trajectory. While the murder case involving Sujata Kelkar is intriguing, Reeta’s own quest to uncover the truth about her father’s death leans on familiar tropes found in many legal dramas. For the series to maintain its appeal, it will need to introduce fresh twists and explore more original storylines as it progresses.
In conclusion, Reeta Sanyal delivers an entertaining legal drama with an engaging lead character and a mix of humor and intrigue. Adah Sharma’s performance as Reeta is one of the strongest aspects of the show, and her journey as both a lawyer and a daughter seeking the truth makes for compelling viewing. While the show is not without its flaws—particularly in terms of pacing and the integration of subplots—it still offers enough to keep viewers hooked. For fans of the genre, this courtroom drama is a solid addition, especially if you’re looking for a mix of lighthearted moments and legal suspense.