Shehar Lakhot

The first 3-4 episodes are very slow, they feel very dragged and it is hard to be invested as the series doesn't make it apparent as to what it is actually about. The show could have definitely been shortened. It is not super unique but definitely worth a watch. The different storylines and characters seem random at first, and there is no real crime or crisis for viewers to care about.

It gradually becomes more engaging as the real plot uncovers. The characters are quite interesting, but tragic. It's a very hopeless melancholic story but with lighthearted, real and funny moments in between which feels refreshing.

Anwar Says: Navdeep Singh has two accredited movies to his belt, NH 10 and Manorma Six feel under but on OTT debut , he has chosen same repetitive story , one small town , one powerful gangster , corrupt police , one protagonist , kind of true love , lot of violence and abusive language . How many times you would eat the same Biryani in different utensils . Even for keeping the interest alive the pace should be good but with myriad characters and too many stories going together , you miss the track and sometimes you feel need to rewind .

Priyanshu as Dev and Kabbra Sait as SI Pallavi played some bizarre characters but ultimately look real . The character really shines is Chandan Roy Sanyal as as Kairav , highly manipulative and fearless and everyone is bound to succumb before him. Others have also played their roles honestly . Background of Rajasthan was not exploited by the cinematographer and Navdeep couldn't resist himself and added some not so relevant songs.

Overall hardly anything new , extremely dark in every sense ( minimum use of lights), very long episodes , so watch if you have lot of time and nothing else to do.

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Do not let the negative reviews fool you into not watching this masterpiece. For those coming from dysfunctional homes, who have had aspirations and dreams in their childhood, this movie hits home hard.

There not a single flaw that I can find in the plot. The first two episodes may seem a bit of a drag but you end up realising that they were necessary to set tone and introduce characters.

Almost all actors have lived the characters they played, with the male lead and the quirky villain's side-kick Bhi, taking a leaf out of golden chops book.

The entire police, government and business nexus is shown wonderfully. Decadence in society, insecurities of the younger brother, women's dilemmas and the yearn for freedom is portrayed wonderfully in small video bites, where expressions, actings and settings say more than words can portray. The dark ambience of the entire series gives it a 'morose home town' vibe, which is apt for a plot like this.

Do not miss this for the world! It's wonderfully shot and presented, and the story and characters will stay with you for a long time after you've completed the series.

Alright, let's dive into Shehar Lakhot, a Hindi neo-noir thriller directed by Navdeep Singh, the bloke behind the cult classic Manorama Six Feet Under and the gritty NH10. Singh's knack for crafting tense, atmospheric crime dramas set in India's dusty heartlands is evident, but this series doesn't quite hit the highs of his earlier work.

Set in the fictional Rajasthan town of Lakhot, this eight-episode series follows Dev (Priyanshu Painyuli), a brooding fixer dragged back to his hometown, only to get tangled in a web of crime, betrayal, and murky politics. The vibe? Think Chinatown meets Rajasthan's marble mines, with a dash of dark humour.

The cast is the real gem here. Painyuli nails Dev's shambolic charm, carrying the weight of a haunted past with ease. Chandan Roy Sanyal as the slimy Kairav Singh steals every scene, oozing menace and wit, while Kubbra Sait's tenacious cop Pallavi adds grit. Shruthy Menon and the unhinged twins (Manjiri Pupala and Sanjay Shiv Narayan) round out a stellar ensemble.

But the pacing? Oh, mate, it's a slog at times. The narrative sprawls with subplots (some gripping, others bloated) making episodes feel overstretched, especially with those hour-long runtimes. By episode five, it picks up, delivering twists that keep you hooked, but the slow-burn start tests your patience.

Visually, it's atmospheric, though Singh could've leaned harder into Rajasthan's stark beauty. The dialogue's sharp, if a tad coarse. Not Singh's finest, but Shehar Lakhot is a solid watch for neo-noir fans who don't mind a bumpy ride.

7/10.

Step into the mesmerizing world of Shehar Lakhot, a groundbreaking series that not only echoes the grandeur of "Game of Thrones" but emerges as India's very own masterpiece. This magnum opus, rich in narrative tapestry and visual splendor, effortlessly earns a flawless 10 out of 10.

From the very first frame, SL weaves an intricate narrative that transcends the ordinary. The plot, akin to a chessboard with characters as strategic pieces, unfolds with a brilliance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Every episode is a rollercoaster of suspense, betrayal, and unforeseen alliances, reminiscent of the unparalleled intrigue that characterized "Game of Thrones."

The character development is a symphony of emotions and complexities. Each character is a universe in themselves, evolving through the series with arcs that are as unpredictable as they are poignant. The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, bringing to life a diverse array of characters that linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll.

Visually, to me it is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, with sweeping landscapes and meticulous attention to detail that transports you to the heart of the story. The production quality rivals international standards, setting a new benchmark for Indian television.

In a landscape filled with good series, SL stands tall as a shining beacon of excellence. It not only lives up to the legacy of "Game of Thrones" but establishes itself as a unique and indispensable addition to the world of television. A perfect 10 out of 10, SL is a triumph that will resonate with audiences globally, showcasing the brilliance of Indian storytelling on a grand scale. Prepare to be spellbound, for this is not just a series; it's a cinematic odyssey.

Loved editing and efforts of editor Suvir Nath.