Mumbai Diaries 26/11

Where do I start from? From the script, screenplay, characters, perfromances to cinematography & direction, this series is a treat to watch. 26/11 was the worst nightmare for the whole country, especially for the Mumbaikars and no one could ever relate to this series than the family who had gone through the terror at that time. But if you're not from Mumbai and still watching it and could feel like everything is happening right in fornt of you, If this series convinces you that you are standiing right at the middle of the chaos, then yes, the team of Mumbai Diaries 26/11 has successfully managed to rule your heart!

There have been a lot of series & films made on 26/11 documenting the black day filled full of blood, fear, anger, terror & what not but this is the 1st time someone showed us the face of the real heros, the frontline workers - healthcare workers, & the police. Ofcourse, how could we miss the most important sector due to which everything had became complex in reel as well as in real - the media. Choosing this concept, the makers had already occupied my mind & had convinced me to watch this and it was totally worth it

Though it was about the people of the city, but what made it more beautiful and relatable are the small stories of the individuals and how it has been connected to the story. The series surely promotes brotherhood & humanity while keeping the facts intact. It showed the poor system of governement hospitals which we all would agree. How much I wish to have more selfless doctors like Dr. Kaushik Oberoi and its residents who could deal with the poor health sectors.

The makers have put all the talented artist under a roof just to bring out the best ever output and no doubt they did justice to it. Mohit Raina, Konkona, Natasha, Shreya, Indraneel and all the supporting cast will definetely make you beleive in their characters. Casting Shreya again as a media journalist was a smart move though it has already been made clear that her role would not be shown in a positive way. I wish they coluld have given her the role of another character but I have to agree, she was as cunning as the way she was shown in Scam 1992.

Taking about how they have shot it while keeping the color pallate according to the mood. The yellow & blue highlights have been used throughout the scenes depictinng the atmosphere & moods of the environment. The framings were sharp. Great job done by the DOP & editors.

Also, I can see a lot of hatred in the review section just because of the one scene where the maker has given a reality check that hindu religion is also a religion that had promoted religional riots. We are all aware of what happened in 1984 anti-sikh riot, what the hindu community did to the people of sikh community. If a writer is stating facts, it would have been a sign of a maturity if the audience had accpeted it.

The climax was emotional. No, there was not any emotionally perceived scene where people are crying. The climax is about the relief that you'll see on the characters face. The morning after a terrified night is a sign of relief & a road of recovery. This would surely make you cry.

Nikhil Advani's move to show the terror of 26/11 & how it mostly impacted the lives of healthline workers emotionally and professionally wants me to write more about it. But all I could write is,

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Jeena Yahan, Zara Hatke, Zara Bachke, Ye Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan.

Although series does have its setbacks, the only thing that is undeniable is the acting, sets, camera works. Story is here and there and little messy and mostly depends on backstories and emotional reaction of characters.

Fictional representation of true incident and I liked the angle where they showed the ugly face of journalism on the horrifying night of 26/11.

Those who just want gun shot nd security forces like some action movie might not like it but it has a lot of emotions, drama, fear and humanity.

Especially tina desai acting as event organiser in hotel never seen before & How she handles chaos is very nice.