Crime thrillers are everywhere these days. Every streaming platform seems to have a new murder mystery, serial killer hunt, or police investigation waiting to grab your attention. Yet every once in a while, a show comes along that manages to stand apart through atmosphere, storytelling, and performances rather than relying solely on shocking twists. Raakh is one such series.
Directed by Prosit Roy and streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Raakh transports viewers to Delhi in 1978 and unfolds a disturbing crime story that slowly reveals layers of grief, violence, corruption, and human darkness. Starring Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Rakesh Bedi, Akash Makhija, and Ramandeep Yadav, the eight-episode thriller is less interested in flashy heroics and more interested in the emotional consequences of tragedy.
What begins as the disappearance of two innocent children gradually transforms into a haunting crime drama that keeps viewers invested through its atmosphere, character work, and unpredictability. While the series occasionally struggles with pacing and narrative clarity, it succeeds where it matters most by making audiences emotionally invested in both the victims and those searching for justice.
Raakh Series Story
Set in Delhi during the late 1970s, Raakh opens with what appears to be an ordinary day for siblings Suman and Sahil Arora. The two children leave their home to visit a radio station where they are scheduled to participate in a broadcast. Their mother Mona Arora (Sonali Bendre) wishes them luck before they leave, unaware that it will be the last time she sees them. Hours later, panic begins to set in.
The children never arrive at the radio station. Their parents, Lt. Colonel Ashok Arora (Aamir Bashir) and Mona, desperately begin searching for answers. As fear turns into despair, the police are brought in to investigate.
The case lands on the desk of Sub-Inspector Jayprakash (Ali Fazal), a determined police officer who quickly realizes that this is far more than a simple missing persons case. His worst fears are confirmed when evidence suggests that the children have been brutally murdered.
As the investigation progresses, political pressure, bureaucratic interference, and institutional limitations begin affecting the case. Before Jayprakash can fully pursue the truth, the investigation is handed over to senior officer Mr. Chauhan.
Running parallel to this storyline is another equally disturbing narrative involving Babu (Akash Makhija) and Rajjo (Ramandeep Yadav), two violent criminals who arrive in Delhi after committing a murder in Bombay. Their actions initially seem disconnected from the central mystery, but as the story unfolds, both narratives move toward a chilling collision. The series gradually explores questions of justice, police accountability, trauma, and the devastating impact crime leaves behind on families.
Raakh Series Review
One of the biggest strengths of Raakh is its atmosphere. From the very first episode, Prosit Roy creates a sense of unease that never fully disappears. Even during quieter moments, there is a lingering feeling that something terrible is waiting around the corner. This constant tension keeps viewers invested throughout the eight episodes.
The series wisely avoids turning its lead investigator into a larger-than-life hero. Instead, it presents Jayprakash as a flawed and emotionally burdened officer trying to navigate a system that often seems stacked against him. This grounded approach makes the story feel more authentic and emotionally engaging.
The writing by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket deserves praise for its willingness to explore uncomfortable themes. Beyond the murder investigation, the series examines grief, institutional failure, corruption, and the darker aspects of human behavior. It consistently reminds viewers that crimes do not exist in isolation. They leave scars on families, investigators, and communities alike.
The decision to set the story in 1978 works remarkably well. The absence of modern technology forces the investigation to rely on traditional police work, witness statements, and intuition. This adds an extra layer of suspense because solutions cannot be obtained through a simple database search or phone tracking.
What makes Raakh particularly binge-worthy is its structure. Nearly every episode ends with a revelation or development that naturally pushes viewers into the next chapter. The mystery unfolds gradually without revealing too much too soon.
However, the series is not without flaws. There are moments where the pacing slows considerably. Certain scenes linger longer than necessary, and a tighter edit could have improved the overall flow. While the deliberate pacing often helps build tension, a few episodes feel slightly stretched.
The narrative also becomes somewhat convoluted at times. Several subplots are introduced and hinted at, but not all receive the depth or resolution they deserve. Viewers expecting every thread to be neatly tied together may find parts of the storytelling frustrating. Despite these shortcomings, the emotional investment remains strong enough to keep audiences engaged.
Technically, Raakh is impressive. The cinematography beautifully captures the dusty, gritty texture of 1970s Delhi. Every frame feels carefully designed to immerse viewers in the era. The production design deserves special mention for recreating the period with authenticity and attention to detail.
The sound design is equally effective. Silence is often used as a weapon, allowing tension to build naturally before erupting into moments of violence or revelation.
The background score complements the dark atmosphere and enhances the emotional weight of key scenes. There are instances where the music becomes slightly overpowering, but for the most part, it successfully amplifies the suspense. The editing is competent, though trimming some slower stretches would have elevated the overall experience.
Raakh Performances
The performances are undoubtedly among the show’s strongest assets. Ali Fazal delivers one of his most restrained and mature performances in recent years. Rather than portraying Jayprakash as an action hero, he plays him as a thoughtful and emotionally exhausted investigator. His quiet determination makes the character believable and relatable.
Sonali Bendre leaves a strong impact as Mona Arora. Her portrayal of a mother struggling to cope with unimaginable loss is heartbreaking and authentic. She never overplays the grief, making her performance all the more powerful.
Aamir Bashir is equally effective. His portrayal of a father desperately trying to remain strong while his family falls apart adds significant emotional depth to the narrative.
Rakesh Bedi surprises with his performances once again after Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge. As Jayprakash’s retired policeman father, he brings warmth, wisdom, and emotional resonance whenever he appears on screen.
The biggest revelation, however, comes from Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav. As Babu and Rajjo, they are genuinely unsettling. Their performances avoid theatrical villainy and instead embrace something far more disturbing. The casual manner in which they approach violence makes them frightening and unpredictable. Many of the series’ most memorable scenes belong to them.
Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, and the supporting cast all contribute effectively to the show’s immersive world.
Final Verdict
Raakh is not a perfect crime thriller, but it is a very effective one. Prosit Roy delivers a dark, atmospheric, and emotionally engaging series that goes beyond the mechanics of a murder investigation. Instead of focusing solely on finding the culprits, the show explores the devastating emotional fallout left behind by crime and the people forced to live with it.
While the pacing occasionally falters and some narrative threads could have benefited from stronger resolution, the series more than compensates through its performances, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
Ali Fazal anchors the story with quiet confidence, while Sonali Bendre, Rakesh Bedi, Akash Makhija, and Ramandeep Yadav leave lasting impressions. Add a gripping mystery and a meticulously recreated 1970s setting, and you have a crime drama that remains compelling from start to finish.
For fans of dark crime thrillers that prioritize character and atmosphere over sensationalism, Raakh is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
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