‘Rudra: The Edge Of Darkness’ marks the OTT debut of Ajay Devgn, is a slow-paced, predictable psychological crime drama with an open end. There is no poetic justice in the drama and maybe one might not understand why things are happening that could have been executed way better. The series is dark and builds suspense well, even when the plots are not interconnected and stories end abruptly with one thread of linked incidents that establish a connection throughout.
If one has watched crime dramas like ‘Sherlock’ (2010), ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013) and ‘Lucifer’ (2016) this was somehow a combination of all with considerable Indianisation. Although it is an official adaptation of ‘Luther’ (2010); the BBC show and for anyone who has watched it or any of these shows Rudra fails to set a mark. Helmed by Rajesh Mapuskar, the series fail to execute what it wanted to.
Ajay plays the role of a cop who is extremely dutiful and spends sleepless nights to find out the truth of crimes. He has an unmatchable intellect and like Sherlock, he can just look around the crime scene and say details that others can’t. Also, his relationship with his assistant Prabal Thakur can be another example of replication from these shows. He nails his role as DCP Rudra and one could distinguish Ajay as Rudra and as Singham. However, there are instances when he looks clueless and stupid, especially in his personal life that is very disturbed. Flawed with high temper issues, the character has his catharsis.
His character is supposed to be extremely dark, however, Atul Kulkarni has a darker character arc. He nearly overshadows Ajay Devgn and deserves a standing ovation for his performance. Till the very end, one is unsure about Kulkarni’s intentions and psychology.
Kulkarni as Gautam plays the anti-hero but evokes considerable empathy. He betrays Rudra and the entire department, successfully plays mind games with Rudra the mastermind and at the end felt guilt conscious and escapes suffering from a single shot of bullet. Was he really feeling guilty? What crime was he actually engaged in? Everything remains a mystery. Kulkarni creates effortless magic on screen.
Esha Deol is paired opposite Ajay Devgn as his wife but the sizzling chemistry between Ajay and Raashii Khanna keeps one hooked to the screen and the audience definitely wants more of it.
As the name suggests, the series brings out dark tales of desire and deeds of individuals dealing with their demons. Rudra is another name for Lord Shiva and the character, like the deity, drinks the poison of crimes solving them. Every character in every subplot stands at an edge that they cross to go into the darkness.
Set in Mumbai, the lavish portrayal of the special branch of police is unrealistic. The blue-grey colour palette throughout gives the series a better appearance but definitely, appearances are deceptive. A special mention to the title track that is way more engaging than the series itself.
‘Rudra: The Edge Of Darkness’ is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Rating: 2.5/5
