Scoop

Reading the many positive reviews and seeing the high average rating, I decided to watch this six episode series, based on true events.

At the end I was left disappointed . A closer look at the reviews reveals that many reviews are from people from India. India not only has a great film industry, but - as it turns out- also an army of people that tend to overrate films from their country.

Scoop does not suffer from poor acting, poor dialogues, sound or cinematography. On the contrary, these aspects are way above average and if they were the only factors to base judgment on, it would probably deserve 9 or 10 stars.

However, at the core of each series lies a story and - most importantly - the way it is told. The true events behind this series could have lead to a great series. However the scenario is a complete mess. The only aspect that remains upright is the tragic story of a journalist who is wrongfully detained. Everything else related to this (corruption of the police, ties between government and criminals etc.) remains largely in some sort of chaotic darkness. Maybe the true situation at the time was very complex. If that is the case then the scenario writer has the task to create some clarity so that the viewer is able to tell in a few sentences what it is about. No way the average viewer would succeed at doing this. There's just a garbage bag full of people, connections, names, events, interests etc., but never will you get the complete picture as a viewer.

For failing to tell the complete story in a clear and accessible way and leaving viewers in the dark as to important facts, I cannot rate this with more than 6 stars., Worse is that because of this failing scenario the case this series wants to make for freedom of press and against corruption weakens.

It still might be worth you while though.

The story is power. Binge worthy for sure. Will bring out all kinds of emotions in you. But if you want to watch it for one reason then it has to be Karishma Tanna. Freaking outstandingly awesome she is. Makes me wonder how did the industry waste her talent all these years. The supporting cast also brilliant, especially mohd Zeeshan Ayub and the actor who portrayed Jagtap. Also do let me know in case you recognise Harman Baweja!! Another good part of this series is that it's 6 episodes only and not the traditional 8-10 episode web series which always are dragged and can have a smaller runtime .

The series starts off really well and one can definitely say it's coming from the man who made Scam 1992. Hansal Mehta excels in almost every aspect of storytelling especially the tense sequences of interrogation which reminds me highly of the former series.

Casting couldn't have been any better as each and every character delivers one of the best performance of their lives. Zeeshan as Imran would be the most standout performance of all. Special mention to the dialogues and characterisation which is the best written one.

However, it feels Mehta didn't have much content post episode 3/4 and the series seems dragged towards the end.

Scoop - Based on true chilling events in the world of journalism, Mumbai police and underworld. It comes with heavy dosage of speculation and thoughtful narrative, and takes journalists into a dangerous game. Story is gutsy and well narrated. Also complex with neatly woven intent. Karishma Tanna has done a commendable job with confidence, emotions, sadness and fighting spirit. Zeeshan and Harman has supported really well. A bit slow, but built in a methodical way, with crisply executed crime story. Go for it on Netflix as the web series takes audience in this ride with power, grit, politics, mafia with strong characters.

The 6-episode show captures our attention with its gripping story and sheds light on the harsh reality of seeking the truth. Scoop's compelling plot has everything to make us curious, even if it's not what we desire, it's something we can't overlook. The creators adds entertainment value by taking creative liberties, but disappointingly lacks clear explanations for characters' motivations, leaving viewers to interpret subtly, making a stronger, more definitive ending preferable. Nevertheless, Scoop an essential story that must be shared, reminding the masses that disregarding inconvenient truths is unpleasant to their own narrative.