Eventually, the web adaptation of Jerry Pinto’s novel that was seen on JioCinema does not show the subtlety and depth of a truly great crime series.
The source novel by Pinto from 2017 describes the brutal routine of gay life in Mumbai under Section 377. Then now on JioCinema serialized, the narrative still strives to be shown.
Directed by Raj Acharya and adapted by Mustafa Neemuchwala and Udai Singh Pawar, the series benefits from hindsight, yet fails to fully grasp the complexities of its source material.
The story begins with a grisly discovery in the male public urinals of Mahim station: the mutilated body of a young gay sex worker. As the investigation unfolds, Shiva Jende (played by Vijay Raaz) and retired journalist Peter Fernandes (portrayed by Ashutosh Rana) find themselves entangled in a web of secrets and deception.
While the series attempts to shed light on the fragility of gay rights in India and the societal issues surrounding it, it often feels didactic and lacks the nuance of Pinto’s novel. Characters are pigeonholed into simplistic categories of allies or foes, failing to explore the complexities of human nature.
Despite its flaws, ‘Murder in Mahim’ remains faithful to Pinto’s narrative, reproducing its convolutions and characters. However, it falls short in bringing these characters to life, with some secondary characters feeling underdeveloped compared to the book.
In conclusion, while ‘Murder in Mahim offers an intriguing premise, it fails to deliver the depth and complexity expected of a truly exceptional crime drama.