High is an engaging drug drama that rides high on a fresh concept, treatment and performances. The shows plays out more like a drama than a thriller. It is an insight into the world of drugs which includes drug addicts, drug mafia and pharmaceutical companies. It also sheds light on journalism of the present day where real news and stories that matter take a backseat while sensationalism and politics take over.
The show starts with a group of scientists in the 70's doing research on a native plant that is being anticipated to be a game changer. The extract of this native plant seemingly possessed healing powers for alzheimers & other neurological disorders. Cut to the present day we see Shiv living life of a drug addict haunted by his troubled past. An overdose leads him to a research & rehabilitation center where he is treated by a team of three doctors and his life changes completely after being given a magical drug/compound on a trial basis. Later the center is in a dire need of money and Shiv comes up with a plan to help them. All hell breaks loose as they are subsequently caught in a web of drug mafia & pharmaceutical companies. Though the story primarily revolves around Shiv there are parallel stories running of a drug lord, an assassin hired by a pharma & a journalist looking for a groundbreaking story. Every episode starts with a flashback to the 70's and then cuts to the present time.
Director Nikhil Rao scores full marks for a fine execution of a fresh idea that is more relevant than ever. He is ably supported by an excellent cinematography that captures the mood perfectly, a terrific background score & superb performances. Akshay Oberoi & Ranvir Shorey steal the show with their meatier roles. Both are shown to have a troubled past and they deliver outstanding performances. This is Oberoi's best performance till date. The other cast that deserves a mention here is Kunal Naik as the menacing drug lord, Mrinmayee Godbole as the journalist, Prakash Belawadi as Dr. Roy, Shweta Basu Prasad as Dr. Shweta & Dr. Nakul Bhalla as Dr. Nakul. Overall the show is a winner all the way as it ticks all the right boxes and makes for a perfect binge watching this weekend. It has a predictable climax but ends on a cliffhanger! The story is far from over and we look forward to the next season. Do not miss this impressive drug drama! Streaming on mx player now.
