Mahim Mayhem: Murder, Mystery, and Morals, My quick take on series “Murder in Mahim” (JioCinema)
"Murder in Mahim," an 8-episode web series on JioCinema that some might find as delightful as Mahim Halwa, while others might find it as unpleasant as the stench from Mahim Khadi. I managed to watch it in two sittings, which is a feat considering the murder mystery is stretched thinner than a piece of chewing gum, and it's peppered with an earnest yet somewhat preachy message on LGBTQ+ acceptance.
The series is set in a time before legislative changes in favor of LGBTQ+ rights, which adds a layer of social commentary. However, one can't help but wonder if the LGBTQ+ subplot was necessary for the storyline, or if it was included just to tick a box on social issues. The screenplay might have been equally engaging without the added sermonizing on acceptance.
Based on Jerry Pinto’s bestseller of the same name, the plot revolves around a grisly murder at Mahim's local train station. A gay male sex worker is brutally murdered during a sleazy act, and the killer, with a flair for the dramatic, leaves a clue with the name of his next victim. This sets the wheels of the whodunnit in motion, handled by the Mahim police.
Vijay Raaj stars as Inspector Zende, leading the investigation. Here’s where the series shines: the casting. Kudos to the casting director for roping in a talented lineup of Marathi theater artists who add an authentic touch to the Mumbai setting. Notable performances include Bharat Ganeshpure, Shivaji Satam, and Smita Tambe, all of whom bring depth to their roles. Ashutosh Rana plays a pivotal role as a retired news reporter who gets entangled in the murder mystery. His dynamic with Vijay Raaj—oscillating between camaraderie and conflict—adds a layer of interest and showcases both actors’ prowess.
Despite these strengths, the series falters in its pacing. What could have been a tight, gripping 3-4 episode mini-series is dragged out to a laborious eight episodes. The director’s insistence on elaborating side stories and subplots ends up being more tiring than engaging. Sure, there’s a steady stream of intrigue and no red herrings, which keeps the audience guessing, but the prolonged storytelling tests the viewer’s patience.
In summary, "Murder in Mahim" is a decent watch if you’re a fan of murder mysteries. However, be prepared to sit through the LGBTQ+ angle, which is heavily interwoven throughout the series. It’s a mixed bag: part intriguing mystery, part social lecture, all set against the vibrant yet gritty backdrop of Mahim. If you can handle the blend, it might just be worth your time.
And don’t worry, the makers have dropped enough hints about the possibility of a Season 2. It looks like the dynamic duo of Rana and Vijay Raaj is here to stay, ready to take on more mysteries in the mayhem of Mahim.
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