Starring: Karishma Tanna, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Harman Baweja, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Tejaswini Kolhapure Saraswat, Deven Bhojani, Shikha Talsania, Tanmay Dhanania
Director: Hansal Mehta
The new Netflix series explores the intriguing and challenging world of Indian journalists working on the crime and investigation beat, based on the real-life account of journalist Jigna Vohra.
One of the biggest strengths of the series is that each of its six episodes unfolds different layers of mystery and never a dull moment. A realistic portrayal of the media industry, the rough and tough, fast-paced journo life marked by sheer passion for uncovering truths unconditionally, with a strong nose for news, finds its place in this series. It explores themes such as the power dynamics within news organisations, the impact of sensationalism on society, and the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity. Furthermore, it is particularly an eye-opening commentary on how a journalist becomes the victim of a media trial.
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The script closely follows the 2011 murder of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey, infamously known as the ‘J Dey murder case’, who in the series becomes Jaydeb Sen, a specialist in Mumbai underworld crime investigations. Senior crime journalist Jigna Vohra’s character becomes Jagruti Pathak, brilliantly played by Tanna. ‘The Asian Age’ news bureau, in the garb of the ‘Eastern Age’, is hyper-real, helmed by Imran Siddiqui (Ayyub), originally Hussain Zaidi.
Watching on screen how the life of a crime journalist turns upside down in the power struggle between Chhota Rajan, Dawood Ibrahim, and the Mumbai Police is thrilling. But realising that this is an actual incident from not too long ago is mind-bending.
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After Irrfan Khan, the Indian film industry has found another gem in Ayyub, and it should better learn to value him. Ayyub is another cerebral actor who can take on any half-baked role and make it shine with his own charisma and talent. In the series, he perfectly personifies those rare breeds of ethical journalists, which were fast fading in India then, with much poise and grace. The camaraderie between Ayuub as the Editor-in-Chief and Tanna as his protégé is one of the highlight points of the series.
Prasenjit Chatterjee leaves a strong impression in his short role. Baweja is impressive, and Tannistha Chatterjee as an ambitious junior journalist, leaves us wanting more in her negative character arc. A bold screenplay, realistic acting, and attention to detail in set design and costumes rendered that authentic touch, making for immersive viewing.
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‘Scoop’ is a commendable addition to the Indian web series landscape, and it deserves a spot on your Netflix watchlist. It is a must-watch for all journalism students and everyone who wants to explore the underbelly of this apparently glamorous and powerful profession.