Bad cop review: In a good thriller, the protagonist, often an ordinary person thrown into extraordinary circumstances, should be relatable yet resourceful – someone you root for as they wade through a labyrinth of suspense. Bad Cop, directed by Aditya Datt, tries to do just that and almost succeeds. Starring Gulshan Devaiah in a double role as Karan and Arjun, the series interweaves the lives of identical twins with polar opposite personalities – one a fierce cop, the other a petty thief – and, at some point, you find yourself rooting for both.
The plot – a fun twist on the age-old chor-police drama with a side of Judwaa – kicks off with the murder of a journalist, Anand Mishra in Pune, and a tip-off, setting off a chain of events that exposes a sprawling ivory smuggling racket. Karan, the dedicated cop, is on a mission to bring down the formidable villain Kazbe, portrayed by the inimitable Anurag Kashyap. The series ably blends Karan’s professional pursuit with his personal struggles, particularly his relationship with his wife Devika, played by Harleen Sethi, with whom he’s on the verge of a divorce.
Gulshan Devaiah, in top form, is the series’ powerhouse, effortlessly portraying both Karan and Arjun. His performance is nothing short of riveting – from the high-octane fight scenes and high-stakes chases to the emotionally charged arguments and moments of self-doubt. Gulshan’s ability to convey complex emotions through subtle body language and expressive eyes keeps the audience glued to the screen. Harleen Sethi shines as Devika, balancing the roles of a righteous cop and a wife struggling to save her marriage for the sake of their daughter. The chemistry between Gulshan and Harleen is undeniable. It’s a romance you can’t help but cheer for, even though deep down you know it’s doomed. Saurabh Sachdeva, coming off his recent success in Animal, brings gravitas to his role as ACP Aarif Khan, driven by a personal vendetta to find his friend’s murderer.
Anurag Kashyap as Kazbe is a revelation. Kazbe gets to mouth the meatiest punchlines and performs brutal actions, and Anurag’s ability to switch between calm menace and explosive violence keeps viewers hooked and horrified in equal measure. The letdown, however, is Kazbe’s aides. They are willing to kill people on command but oscillate between being wimps and acting completely unhinged.
Now, to what doesn’t work for the series. Most of the side characters feel like they’ve been lifted from other shows or movies, playing the same old roles. A sense of déjà vu persists throughout the 6 episodes. Businessmen with a taste for debauchery? Check. Corrupt politicians? Check. Goons comically pleading with their criminal bosses for second chances at murder? Check. The plot is woven in 30-minute episodes, but the twists, fail to keep you guessing.
But, beyond all that, Bad Cop also tackles the serious issue of hunting and smuggling. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the grim realities of wildlife crime, making a statement on the devastating impact of these illegal activities.
The series is a well-put-together thriller that combines breakneck pacing and good performances. It’s a good watch if you like action-packed dramas, if you are willing to overlook the script’s shortcomings.
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