The quality of web series have become phenomenally better. Even the topics and subjects chosen touch upon varied aspects that manage to leave a strong impact. From gangster dramas to rom-coms, OTT has it all. But here comes the war-room drama called Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond. Starring Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana, Ashish Vidyarthi and more - Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond is the latest addition to JioCinema's web series collection. Is it worth watching? Read to know.
Web Series Review: Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond
Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana, Ashish Vidyarthi and more
Director: Santosh Singh
Release Date: April 25, 2024
Where to Watch: JioCinema
Rating: 3 out of 5
Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond is a 9-part web series with a backdrop of Pulwama attacks and what followed. The series is about what went inside the war-room when India decided to hit back by conducting airstrikes over an alleged terrorist camp in Balakot. Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond is a fictional drama that is an ode to all the unsung heroes who were the brains behind the operation and worked out of the war-room to organise and plan the details of the airstrikes. As not all wars are fought on the battlefield!
The first episode of Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond is all about the attack that took place in Pulwama. It reveals how the convoy carrying Indian soldiers was attacked by suicide bombers by members of group called Jaish-e-Mohammad. It is called the 'Operation high rise'. It also introduces the characters. Jimmy Shergill plays the role of Kashyap Sinha. He is an Intelligence Officer who has been on traumatic mission in the past. Because of the same, he has lost his sense of smell and taste. From the second episode, there is no dull moment as India is preparing for the most powerful airstrike and defence operation in retaliation of Pulwama attacks. It is a gripping tale of how the Indian Army along with the Air Force meticulously planned the airstrikes on Balakot. Lara Dutta is a power broker who with the help of the internet plans how to hoodwink the forces across the border. The power of social media is carefully and strongly demonstrated. Ashutosh Rana plays the Pakistan's Intelligence Officer. From the third episode onwards, it is all about the aftereffects of the Balakot Airstrikes or as stated the hybrid war.
All the actors bring nuanced performances on screen. Jimmy Shergill's character or Kashyap has many layers and he once again proves that he can pull off any role with finesse. Stalwarts like Ashish Vidyarthi and Ashutosh Rana bring in their A-class act. Actor Prasanna plays Wing Commander Abhimanyu Vardhan and his portion in the web series is the most enthralling one. His character is based on Indian Fighter Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman who was captured by Pakistani forces after an aerial dogfight. Supporting cast including Akanksha Singh, Satyajeet Dubey and more are very well placed.
One must give credit where it is due! Director Santosh Singh has brought the superior cinematic experience of a high-class warfare genre movie to web. In recent times, we witnessed Fighter that impressed all with its aerial action sequences. Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond is on par with it when it comes to aerial action sequences. It will keep you at the edge of your seat with some extremely thrilling nail-biting sequences. The return of Abhimanyu Vardhan will give you goosebumps. But apart from the action scenes, the detailed narration of how, why and where the events take place is commendable. Even the background score evokes the emotions that one must rightly feel while watching a story of martyrs and the lives of those on field. It also leaves viewers with a thought on what to consider to true as social media is a game of perception. It is fast paced and there are very rare moments when you wish to go off screen.
Though there is not a single dull moment in the 9-episode web series, it's dialogue could have been crisper and less dramatic.
If you love action-thrillers, Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond will make you quite intrigued to know everything that happens behind the war zone. Watch it over the weekend for all the chills and thrills as it is binge-watch worthy.
