Amidst much-hyped Indian web-series like 'Sacred Games' and 'Mirzapur', the less-known and lesser-promoted 'Smoke' somewhere got overlooked (the common thread between them being underworld, crime, drugs). Not that it's a path-breaking product but it certainly isn't bad either and watchable to an extent.
Smoke is an Indian version of 'Narcos' though the idea here is to only give a reference and not compare it with the popular show. The basic setup is gang-war on the backdrop of drug trafficking in Goa. It offers nothing that we haven't seen before (but so did 'Sacred Games' and 'Mirzapur'). It's victory however lies in the fact that it doesn't bore you and keeps you engrossed if you start watching it.
Despite its various trappings, one of the major highlights of the writing is it creates interesting characters and the fascinating part is that, at some point in the show, you root for almost every one of them for the fact that they seem so human and vulnerable and not mere glorified underworld dons. This also is a challenge for the viewer because they do not know who they are rooting for as the central protagonist throughout the show. And Smoke manages to sail through despite the lack of one central protagonist.
Even Jim Sarbh, who seems to be the protagonist (at least from the poster and trailer), keeps a low profile for a major part of the show and his character gains prominence only towards the end. In trying to keep the suspense for the later episodes (particularly the grand finale), the audience is often unaware of several character's main motive till the finale.
The finale of the show however is more gratifying than its likes for it gives at least some sense of closure and doesn't keep things hanging with uncertainty like 'Mirzapur' and 'Sacred Games'. However at 11 episodes with a 90 minute finale, the series is certainly long-drawn and could have easily been cut short by a couple of episodes. Some subplots like Gulshan Devaiah's fluctuating loyalty gets repetitive and monotonous after a while. Also, at several instances, characters keep stepping out of cars, walking in corridors, driving on road, etc endlessly and you wonder if the director (and also editor) forgot to say 'cut'. Such scenes only seem stretched and do not add dramatic value. You thank the 10-second jump button on digital platforms at such instances! All episodes do not essentially culminate on a definite hook point.
'Smoke' has an interesting cast who promise decent performances. Tom Alter has good screen presence though he often hams in Russian accent. Gulshan Devaiah and Amit Sial go theatrical, as their characters demand, but are still captivating. Jim Sarbh keeps low profile as the villain's sidekick yet never loses charm. Girish Kulkarni seems typecast. Satyadeep Mishra is earnest. Prakash Belawadi looks rehearsed because of his accent but this is his best work in Hindi so far. Kalki Koechlin and Mandira Bedi are good in their respective parts.
