Raakh Review: Prime Video’s Crime Thriller Delivers Grit and Emotion

Prime Video’s latest crime drama, Raakh, is helmed by Prosit Roy—best known for the acclaimed Paatal Lok—joined by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket. With a talented ensemble including Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Akash Makhija, Aamir Bashir, and Ramandeep Yadav, the series arrives with high expectations for both storytelling and performances.

What is it about?

Set in 1970s Delhi, Raakh draws inspiration from the infamous Ranga-Billa case. Siblings Suman Arora (Divya Sharma) and Sahil Arora (Vivaan Sharma) vanish en route to a radio station, plunging their parents (Aamir Bashir and Sonali Bendre) into turmoil. The investigation is led by SI Jayaprakash Jatav (Ali Fazal), whose pursuit of the culprits, Babu (Akash Makhija) and Rajjo (Ramandeep Yadav), forms the series’ tense backbone. The tone is dark and gripping, blending procedural drama with emotional layers.

Performances

Ali Fazal delivers a solid, nuanced turn as the relentless cop. Sonali Bendre, as the grieving mother, brings depth and heartbreak to her role. Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav are strikingly chilling as the antagonists, their performances anchoring the series’ menace. Divya Sharma and Vivaan Sharma evoke empathy as the siblings, while Aamir Bashir lends quiet strength as their father.

Technicalities

Prosit Roy’s direction is taut, maintaining tension across episodes with clever use of non-linear storytelling. The screenplay balances emotion with investigative intrigue. Saumyananda Sahi’s cinematography crafts an atmospheric visual palette, while the score by Parth Pandya, Shalom Benjamin, and Ajay Jayanthi deepens the mood. Editing by Manas Mittal ensures the pace rarely flags.

Positives

1. Strong, layered performances—especially from the antagonists.
2. Well-crafted, suspenseful direction and screenplay.
3. Effective emotional beats that linger.

Negatives

1. Dramatization may feel excessive for some viewers.
2. The grim tone can be overwhelming in stretches.

Verdict

Raakh stands out for its gritty storytelling and powerful acting, reminiscent of Paatal Lok. Crime drama fans and those drawn to real-life cases will find it compelling. It may feel heavy at times, but it’s a solid addition to Prime Video’s Indian originals. Rating – 3.3/5