Web Series: Bad Cop 

Cast: Gulshan Devaiah, Harleen Sethi, Anurag Kashyap, Saurabh Sachdeva, Aishwarya Sushmita

Director: Aditya Datt 

Rating: 2 moons

Director Aditya Datt's latest venture, Bad Cop, promises a unique blend of crime, satire, and dual identities with a stellar cast featuring Gulshan Devaiah, Harleen Sethi, and Anurag Kashyap. However, does it deliver on its intriguing premise?

The story of Bad Cop centers on two identical brothers who get entangled in a complex network of fraud and criminal activity, one of them a dishonest police officer and the other a con man. The dark urban crime backdrop of the show provides a setting for examining issues of revenge and forgiveness.

Despite having a compelling plot and an ambitious premise, Bad Cop finds it difficult to establish a foothold. The initial potential of satirical criticism of crime and law enforcement is frequently obscured by clumsy writing and obvious story points.

Gulshan Devaiah shines in his dual role, injecting energy and depth into both characters despite the script's limitations. Harleen Sethi compliments him adequately, but Anurag Kashyap's foray into acting feels more gimmicky than impactful, despite his intriguing portrayal as the antagonist.

Although Aditya Datt's directorial tries to maintain a balance between the series' dark comedy and dramatic drama tones, the overall effect is weakened by erratic pacing and sporadic clichés. The show has trouble keeping up a consistent narrative flow, which underdevelops a few of the potentially impactful scenes.

Bad Cop starts with promise but fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise and talented cast. While it explores themes of identity and morality, it ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive and compelling narrative experience. Despite strong performances by Gulshan Devaiah, the series is marred by its inability to sustain tension and engage viewers consistently.

In essence, Bad Cop attempts to blend satire with crime thriller elements but ends up being a middling offering that may not satisfy those seeking depth and innovation in storytelling.