Amazon Prime Video’s Raakh arrives as an ambitious crime drama that blends historical inspiration, social commentary and investigative suspense. Directed by Prosit Roy and led by Ali Fazal, the eight-episode series revisits a horrifying crime that shook India and changed the perception of Delhi for generations.
While Raakh may not consistently reach the emotional heights of the finest crime dramas in the genre, it succeeds in creating an unsettling portrait of a city confronting a new kind of fear.
Story: A Crime That Changes Everything
Set in the late 1970s, Raakh begins with a seemingly ordinary moment.
Two teenage siblings accept a ride from strangers on a rainy day while heading home. What initially appears to be a routine act of trust soon transforms into a horrifying disappearance that shocks the nation.
The investigation falls into the hands of rookie police officer SI Jayprakash, played by Ali Fazal. As the search intensifies, the case evolves into a nationwide manhunt that exposes deeper social anxieties, institutional challenges and the changing face of urban India.
The narrative unfolds across parallel timelines, following both the investigators and the criminals as events gradually converge toward a tragic conclusion.
A Delhi Before Fear Took Over
One of the show’s strongest achievements is its recreation of a Delhi that feels very different from the city audiences know today.
The series explores a period when:
- Trust between strangers was more common.
- Crime investigations relied on human instinct rather than technology.
- Society was still processing political and social upheavals.
- Law enforcement lacked modern forensic tools.
Through its period setting, Raakh effectively examines how a single crime can alter public consciousness and reshape the identity of an entire city.
Ali Fazal Delivers a Strong Performance
At the center of the story is Ali Fazal’s portrayal of SI Jayprakash.
Rather than presenting a flawless hero, the series gives audiences a determined but vulnerable officer trying to prove himself within a rigid system.
Jayprakash faces:
- Professional challenges
- Social prejudice
- Family tensions
- Institutional resistance
Fazal brings emotional intensity and sincerity to the role, making the character one of the most compelling aspects of the series.
His performance helps maintain audience engagement even during slower investigative stretches.
The Criminal Perspective Adds Complexity
Unlike many police procedurals that focus exclusively on investigators, Raakh dedicates significant screen time to the perpetrators.
Actors Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav portray characters inspired by real-life criminals whose actions become central to the narrative.
Their performances provide insight into the psychology of violence, desperation and moral collapse.
While these sequences add depth to the story, some viewers may feel the show occasionally relies too heavily on graphic content and shock value.
Strong Themes Beneath the Crime Story
Beyond the investigation itself, Raakh explores several important social themes.
Class and Social Inequality
The series highlights how economic marginalization and systemic barriers can shape individual choices and societal outcomes.
Institutional Challenges
Jayprakash’s struggle within the police force reflects broader questions about hierarchy, opportunity and merit.
Family and Identity
The relationship between Jayprakash and his father provides some of the show’s most emotionally grounded moments.
Fear and Public Memory
The series effectively demonstrates how certain crimes become permanent parts of a city’s collective identity.
Excellent Period Detail
One area where Raakh consistently impresses is authenticity.
The production recreates the investigative process of the 1970s with convincing attention to detail.
Viewers will see:
- Paper-based investigations
- Landline communication
- Radio announcements
- Witness sketches
- Manual record keeping
- Traditional police work
This old-school approach adds realism and helps distinguish the series from contemporary crime dramas.
Where the Series Falls Short
Despite its strengths, Raakh does not always fully capitalize on its potential.
At times, the storytelling feels overly familiar for viewers who have watched acclaimed crime series such as:
- Delhi Crime
- Paatal Lok
- Poacher
- Trial by Fire
Some supporting storylines lack the depth necessary to leave a lasting impact, while certain dramatic moments feel more explained than experienced.
The series occasionally favors direct exposition over subtle storytelling, reducing some of the emotional power that its subject matter naturally possesses.
Cast Performance Highlights
Ali Fazal
Delivers a layered and emotionally engaging performance as SI Jayprakash.
Akash Makhija
Creates an unsettling presence as one of the primary antagonists.
Ramandeep Yadav
Offers a nuanced portrayal that evolves throughout the series.
Aamir Bashir and Sonali Bendre
Bring emotional weight to the grieving parents, though their storyline could have been explored further.
Dibyendu Bhattacharya
Adds credibility and authority in a supporting police role.
Technical Aspects
Direction
Prosit Roy maintains a tense atmosphere throughout most of the series.
Writing
The screenplay effectively captures the procedural elements but occasionally struggles with subtlety.
Cinematography
The visual language successfully recreates the mood and texture of late-1970s Delhi.
Production Design
Authentic period details enhance immersion and strengthen the storytelling.
Final Verdict
Raakh is a thoughtful and competently made crime drama that succeeds in exploring an important chapter of India’s criminal history. Its strongest assets are its period setting, social observations and Ali Fazal’s committed performance.
Although it may not reach the emotional or narrative heights of the very best crime dramas in the genre, it remains an engaging watch for viewers interested in investigative thrillers, historical crime stories and character-driven narratives.
The series is at its best when it focuses on the human consequences of tragedy rather than simply recreating shocking events.
Bext.in Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5)
Watch if you enjoy: Delhi Crime, Paatal Lok, Poacher, Trial by Fire and slow-burn investigative thrillers.
Series Details
Series: Raakh
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Language: Hindi
Episodes: 8
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Director: Prosit Roy
Cast: Ali Fazal, Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, Aamir Bashir, Sonali Bendre, Rakesh Bedi, Anshul Chauhan, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Mukund Pal
