Rangeen Review - A Performance-Driven Ride That Loses Its Way
After CA Topper (Netflix) , Rangeen is an attempt by Amazon Prime to explore the gigolo-based drama space. This time, it's fronted by the immensely talented Vineet Kumar Singh, and while the premise shows promise, the execution often strays off-course.
Having followed Vineet since Mukkebaaz, I can confidently say his growth as an actor is impressive - from Jaat to Chavva, and now Rangeen, he brings a raw, understated realism to his characters. As Adarsh, the small-town editor caught in a web of betrayal, he delivers a deeply nuanced, natural performance. His screen presence alone carries much of the series.
Rajshri Deshpande as Naina has her moments, though her portrayal doesn't quite match Vineet's emotional depth throughout. It was also a pleasant surprise to see Smita Bansal back on screen - still gorgeous and with undeniable presence.
Sheeba Chadha, though competent as always, seems to be stuck in a loop of similar roles. Much like Rajesh Sharma, her immense talent is underutilized, and both actors seem to operate within the confines of typecasting here.
The biggest letdown, however, is the screenplay. What begins as a tight, provocative story starts to unravel midway. The inclusion of side plots - the jungle subplot, Manju Bhai's tangent, and the gay character arc - feel more like distractions than meaningful contributions. The narrative loses focus multiple times, making the story feel diluted and stretched thin.
It seems like the creators might be laying groundwork for a second season, but at the cost of the current one's coherence.
Verdict: Rangeen is far from perfect - the plot meanders and the script often fumbles. But Vineet Kumar Singh makes it worth watching. His performance is sincere, grounded, and compelling. If you're a fan of character-driven dramas and don't mind some storytelling bumps, this one deserves a watch.
Rating: 3/5.