Taish (2020) — Hindi Crime

"Taish" is a 2020 Indian crime drama series directed by Bejoy Nambiar, blending elements of action and thriller genres. The narrative centers on Rohan Kalra (Jim Sarbh), a General Practitioner residing in the UK with his girlfriend, Aarfa Khan (Kriti Kharbanda). Rohan returns to India for his brother Krish's wedding, accompanied by his childhood friend, Sunny Lalwani (Pulkit Samrat). The wedding festivities set the stage for a collision between Rohan's past and present, as secrets and betrayals surface, intertwining the lives of the Kalra family with a dangerous criminal syndicate. The series delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the loss of innocence, exploring how concealed truths can disrupt seemingly peaceful lives. The tone is intense and suspenseful, with Nambiar's direction emphasizing the escalating tension between the characters and the criminal elements. The narrative unfolds with a propulsive pace, highlighting the characters' internal and external conflicts. The ensemble cast includes Harshvardhan Rane as Pali Brar, Sanjeeda Sheikh as Jahaan Brar, and Ankur Rathee as Krish Kalra, each contributing to the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics. "Taish" premiered on October 29, 2020, on ZEE5, offering both a feature film and a six-episode series simultaneously. The series received mixed reviews; Anna MM Vetticad of Firstpost rated it 3.25 out of 5, noting that while the series was fair, the film effectively conveyed the wrath and passion of the title, marking it as Nambiar's best work yet. Conversely, Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express critiqued the series for its lack of substance, despite its stylish presentation. "Taish" appeals to viewers interested in intense crime dramas that explore complex human emotions and the consequences of concealed truths.