Dahan: Raakan Ka Rahasya

India rarely tries zombie apocalypse series or films . The last one in Hindi was back in 2020 called Betaal that was okayish but most importantly it was an out and out zombie apocalypse series. Dahan is not exactly that.

Dahan is about a mysterious place called Shilaspura which hides a mystery underneath a "Shila" or rock which the people in that village believe to be locking a socerers son called Raakan who has the capability of cursing people if let free. However, things start to get disastrous when Avani and her mining team decide to open up a mine in that village which is exactly below the Shila which they do and from there onwards, chaos follows.

This series is a brave attempt in mixing superstition and science in one bowl. Very rarely does india attempt series like this and in the last few years, this one comes across as a refreshing watch.

The screenplay is gripping and with each episode, i became curious to know 1. What exactly was the blue thing underneath the Shila 2. Avani's past 3. The ultimate consequence of the apocalypse. Yes the series is extremely lengthy which I'll talk about in a minute but there is not a single boring moment. Often the series gave off some "The mummy" or "Indiana Jones" vibes which too was something i liked.

The series makes you wonder that all the apocalypse happening around is really a curse or does it have a scientific explanation. Well, the series explains it, kinda partially. It is also noteworthy that this series does not show a full fledged apocalypse any time so don't compare it with other zombie series like All of us are dead etc those were out an out zombie apocalypse cum survival series but Dahan includes more than just mere survival. In fact, Dahan only becomes a more survival like series only in the last 2 episodes.

Tisca Chopra does a terrific job as Avani. I would say the makers need to come up with the history of her character because (minor spoilers ahead but won't be affecting much) she manages to survive zombie (called Raakan here) bites and doctors pass it off as mere natural consequence. Well, i feel there is more . Saurabh shuka is terrific as pramukh. Great to see our dear old Vasooli bhai back in action as an inspector and he lends a good hand to this series. Others have done a decent job as well.

Coming to the negatives now. Avani's son Anay (don't know his real name). He has a weird character and weird unnecessary moments in the series. He speaks English a lot and even in front of the expected uneducated villagers and it seems they understand him. Logic where? His story with the teenage gang is quite forced and unnecessary especially that one scene where he falls over Rani and attempts to kiss is the last thing I would want to see in a series like this.

The stuff that is underneath the rock when revealed then we do not have a proper explanation as to what that thing is. Probably a new season could explain it but the ending doesn't suggest a new season which could be a bummer cuz i really wanted to know what TF was that stuff shown underneath the rock.

There is one construction manager who is the biggest idiot on planet literally shouting at his workers at a time when they are all infected was hilarious.

Overall, a brave attempt at a topic like this. It clearly falters in explaining certain important things but what i liked is they made an attempt, a good attempt in making an engaging series.

The series is geared towards evoking a weighty and intense sensation.

Although the concept was innovative and intriguing, the execution turned out to be overly intense, failing to deliver satisfying entertainment at the end of the show.

The show includes a significant amount of bloodshed, disturbing scenes, violence, decapitations, and dark magic.

The performances are average, lacking any exceptional elements. The series suffers from a slow pace, resulting in a lengthy span of 9 episodes.

The climax holds some interest and introduces information that could have been better placed in earlier episodes. This could have led to Tisca, the collector, engaging in a struggle to rescue the village from superstitious practices.

If you're prepared for a deeply immersive experience, this series might be suitable for you. Starting is good as well as ending is nice, but the middle was dragged and slow... Rating 6/10.

It's not a complete waste but nothing sort of worth your time. Sometimes it try to be a horror, sometimes zombie apocalypse, sometimes super natural amd sometimes science fiction.

All an all the writers, directors tried so many things but not a single thing goes perfectly fine. Looks like a khichdi. Length is also could have been cut short to 6-7 episodes.

Confused writing, not so good screenplay, poor editing and mediocre acting.

So many unanswered questions, so many loop holes, so many plot holes.

Nothing new or extraordinary.

Better stay away from it but if you just want to kill time you can watch it.

"FAITH" "BELIEF" is everything. What a great story that shows how faith changes fate! Rightly said its a battle between rationality and superstition. Saurabh Shukla is amazing always, Tisca Chopra, Rajesh Tailang, Mukesh Tiwari all are such brilliant actors.

Now I'll tell you my experience watching Dahan: After watching half of the series, I couldn't sleep the whole night, but I had to complete the series, next day I watched the other half. God help me! The last time I was this much terrified when I watched the film "IT" ... Horror, Horror, Horror! I don't like Horror, I avoid it but Horror likes me! I can't avoid. Do give it a watch! "Dahan" will keep you engaged. Rakan! Rakan! Ridhiyakan!

Let me start with pros. Acting is superb in all front. Everyone acted so well to make the story believable. Perfectly shown the balance between myths and science. We officially now have desi zombies. It gave me a feeling of watching Resident evil with desi vibes. Excellent effort by team of Dahan.

Now the cons; I felt that build up of the story could have been more crisp. It could have been two episodes short and with 30 mints each. In between some scenes felt stretched which eventually leads to boredom. I had to skip to make it to last episode. Last two episodes are the one where you get the actual feel of the show.

Zombie(Rakaan) make up is not up to the mark however the blood and gore shown is remarkable and i have never seen such in any show yet. This has a lot of potential to become a full fledged zombie apocalypse world if they put more production value in it like more crisp story make up and sets.

All and All it is a must watch as the effort put is commendable. I wish few characters wouldn't die as they had so much potential for further sequels if there is any.