Evolution is unalterable reality everywhere. But should one swim with the tide or dare to make effort going against? This debate is of larger intensity. In the realm of cinema, this evolution is never ceaseless which is noticeable like other fields. But cinema can't teach, profess, propagate or manipulate. But this is also true that the way cinema earns is all about manipulation and this is where art matters and balance requires.
The New Hindi Web Series Crime Beat released in February, 2025 may be seen under this light. Although, the plot oscillates here and there, sometimes in India, at times in Afghanistan and Iran, the plot is about financial fraud and a struggle of an Investigative Journalist striving to a get a breakthrough. He can do anything for a page-1 news item. However, the reality is: the plot creates boredom while narrating things happening in Afghanistan and Iran. The plot becomes interesting as things begin to take place in New Delhi and the narrative makes it a cat and mouse race. This is nothing new. Then what is new here? The Crime Series focuses more on the approach of Media giants than police or criminals. The Web Series is mainly about the struggle between the Editors and ordinary reporters in Media Houses. Really, the Crime Beat 2025 unveils some biting realities of Media which are enough to initiate a debate about the credibility of Media itself. This indicates how Media has evolved. The Web Series narrates this convincingly. Naturally, the Web Series is a bit out of box.
But some unnecessary things have been included in this Web Series. Similarly; the Web Series has included too many unnecessary characters.
The characterization is good. Saquib Saleem has made excellent performance. But at some points Saleem seems lacking rhythm. Danesh Akhtar, Rajesh Tailong and others have performed as per expectation. But unfortunately, Rahul Bhat never looks impressive in the lead role. Anyway the Web Series has some good points and obviously worth watching.
