Scoop Review: Director Hansal Mehta’s Class And Powerful Performances In This Real Life Based Thriller
Netflix Show Review: Scoop
Director: Hansal Mehta
Cast: Karishma Tanna, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, Harman Baweja, Deven Bhojani, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Tejasvini Kolhapure, Shikha Talsania, Tanmay Dhanania, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Inayat Sood, Swaroopa Ghosh, Malhar Thakar, Shikha Talsania, Ira Dubey, Ishita Arun, Sanat Vyas
Scoop Review: A Major Deep Dive Into The World Of Media Mafia And Police
Director Hansal Mehta focuses on a chilling murder case in his latest work, which uncovers a complex network involving the media, Mumbai’s underworld, and the police.
The driving force for most newspaper reporters is the thrill of pursuing a front-page story or a groundbreaking revelation, despite the inherent risks. These risks range from sacrificing personal time and working long hours to facing potential danger. Based on the memoir of former crime reporter Jigna Vora, titled “Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison,” the new Netflix web-series called “Scoop” delves into the intricate world of print journalism, the murky underworld of Mumbai, and the role of the police.
Director Hansal Mehta has previously demonstrated his skill in portraying real-life stories with his web-series “Scam 1992” set in Bombay during the 1980s and 1990s. The series managed to create a captivating narrative and an immersive world without exaggeration. In “Scoop,” Mehta, supported by a competent team, tells the story of an ambitious and resourceful character named Jagruti Pathak (renamed for the show), who serves as the deputy bureau chief at Eastern Age, a newspaper published in Mumbai.
The plot unfolds after the murder of Jaideb Sen (portrayed by Prosenjit Chatterjee, based on the renowned crime reporter J Dey who was shot in 2011). Pathak is framed and arrested as a primary suspect in the murder case. She spends nearly eight months in jail before being granted bail. Jigna Vora herself faced a seven-year-long legal battle to have the charges against her dropped. The human drama in the series is enhanced by the talented ensemble cast, including notable performances by Karishma Tanna (as Pathak), Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Harman Baweja, and Tannishtha Chatterjee.
“Scoop,” intended as the first installment of a new franchise exploring captivating crime stories, provides a deep dive into the inner workings of a daily newspaper. It delves into professional rivalries, journalistic ethics, the pursuit of truth, and how these aspects can be compromised in the quest for attention. The series successfully portrays these elements, just like “Scam 1992.” It avoids the clichés of loud news anchors, glamorous journalists, and excessive use of profanity. The show covers relevant aspects: sticking to facts, presenting an accurate depiction of the flaws within print media, and, most importantly, evoking emotions without becoming melodramatic. This approach is commendable when recounting a series of sensitive and sensational incidents that shook Mumbai.
The series also addresses the biases and perceptions surrounding “strong women” and the threats they pose to those around them. These women often pay a price for their strength. However, the writers (Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul & Mirat Trivedi) manage to infuse some positivity into the story. Even during Pathak’s darkest hours, she finds support from her family and fellow journalists who believe in her. One minor critique, though, is that in the final episode, the show tries to connect too many dots, potentially overwhelming the viewer with an abundance of information.
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