Web Series: Scoop

Cast: Karishma Tanna, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Harman Baweja

Director: Hansal Mehta

OTT: Netflix

Episodes: 6 

Rating: 4 Moons

The thrill to break news or a scoop is unparalleled for a reporter. Despite being aware of the potential risks that could follow, journalists strive to bring forward the truth in its purest and unadulterated form. 'Scoop'ing into the lives of journalists, Hansal Mehta is back with yet another series. Scoop, headlined by Karishma Tanna, the 6-episode series takes you inside a busy newspaper office where every reporter is striving to crack exclusive news before their competitors.

Though the life of a reporter might seem to be a glamorous job, the dark side of how the profession could put a woman's life and career at stake is explored extensively in the series written by Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul and Mirat Trivedi. Loosely based on Behind The Bars In Byculla: My Days in Prison, a biography written by journalist and crime reporter Jigna Vora, Scoop is woven around Jagruti Pathak, a senior bureau deputy working at Eastern Age. She's a celebrated crime reporter who gets the rare chance to interview Chhota Rajan on her own merit. There's no news hidden from her eagle eye. 

As the story begins to explore the drastic change in Jagruti's life after senior journalist Jaideb Sen (Prosenjit Chatterjee) is shot dead and she is accused of being behind his assassination, Hansal sheds light on the dark and complex side of newspaper journalism, underworld and the role of the police. Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul and Mirat Trivedi create a story that's dense and layered. Over 6 episodes of almost an hour, the audience is not just introduced to Jagruti's professional challenges but also focuses on the greys she experienced in her personal life too. Being a single mother to an 11 years old boy to finding love once again, the writing draws the audience into Jagruti's world. 

Scoop presents reality in its truest form. The storytelling allows the viewers to get an insight into the working of a daily newspaper, professional rivalries, ethics and competition in order to grab eyeballs. Without getting preachy, the series also makes a comment on perceptions of brave women and jealousy. It gives a holistic look into Jagruti's personal struggles and how her family has her back when she is going through her darkest phase. 

The adrenaline rush that Jagruti experiences is felt on the other side of the screen too. Despite having too many subplots to process, Scoop doesn't get boring. It isn't preachy too. The series is dark, edgy, pacing and brave. It is extremely bold and commendable of Hansal to retain the names of gangsters like Chhota Rajan and Dawood Ibrahim. This is a rare and strong move. Scoop takes the risk and it pays off. 

Hansal's effort to tell the story of Jigna Vora, a journalist, in the most honest and hard-hitting way makes Scoop unique and powerful. He is in no rush to tell the story and goes at a steady pace. Though dramatised, Scoop doesn't have anchors and reporters screaming their lungs out. Presenting the story of journalists by getting the core of journalism right, Hansal has a winner up his sleeve. Scoop wastes no time in establishing its characters. It begins with a bang and gradually spreads its wings to dive deep into the life of Jagruti inside and outside of the newspaper office. Scoop is almost 6 hours long but due to its tight writing and incredible storytelling, the duration rarely bothers. It is one of the best series to come out of Netflix till now. Scoop presents reality as it is without compromising on the entertainment quotient. 

A grippy and intense story is backed by phenomenal performances by everyone. Karishma, who plays the lead in Scoop, delivers her career-best performance. What Scam 1992 did to Pratik Gandhi, Scoop does exactly the same to Karishma. Bringing Jagruti alive, the actress surrenders herself to the story and allows it to transform her into the character effortlessly. Scoop will be a career-defining role for her. 

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub plays Imran who is Jagruti's senior and confidant. The actor is fantastic as always. As Jagruti's pillar of support, Zeeshan is calm, poised and effective. Harman Baweja returns to acting and how! He is a treat to watch and makes for a strong support system for the story. Prosenjit Chatterjee makes a special appearance in Scoop and becomes the catalyst of the story. He does good. 

Scoop is a multilayered, multidimensional story that demands and deserves your attention. It is engaging, dark, gritty and brave. Hansal doesn't compromise on the entertainment quotient. The series gets furthermore authentic with Gujarati dialogues. Scoop is here to be cherished. 

PeepingMoon gives Scoop 4 Moons