Naxalbari Review: Hard-Hitting Series Showcases The Real Action Behind The Naxal Insurgencies

The ZEE5 original series Naxalbari has finally premiered on the OTT platform. Naxalbari was Rajeev Khandelwal and Satyadeep Misra’s most anticipated film. The film stars some of the most popular names of the TV and film industry like Rajeev Khandelwal, Tina Datta, Sreejita De, Shakti Anand and Satyadeep Misra. Take a look at what we think about the action-packed eye-opener series.

Naxalbari is one of the most powerful web series ever made on Naxalites 

Firstly, let us talk about the plot of the series. Naxalbari revolves around STF agent Raghav Joshi who goes on a secret mission to curtail the revival of a Naxal uprising in Gadchiroli in Maharashtra. We see a Naxal attack on an MLA in Maharashtra right in the beginning of the series when he enters the red corridor in Gadchiroli. The police immediately start investigating who was behind the attack. All this is done to stop a big politician who is trying to buy their land for the purpose of mining.

Also read | Naxalbari: Meet STF Agent Raghav Played By Rajeev Khandelwal

The plot revolves around how money and power can make or break a situation. In the beginning, even in the trailer, we hear that the Naxalites have a huge number of arms and ammunitions and are planning to go on a war. STF Raghav faces a major loss in the second episode itself after which he decides to take revenge by shooting guns at the Naxalites and save the ones suffering because of them.

In the series, we see loads of action-packed scenes that include bomb blasts, murders and even gunfights. What we loved the most about the series is that it has not only shown Raghav’s side of the story but has also shown what the Naxalites feel. Both sides have been given equal importance and footage. Apart from this, they have also managed to show how the decisions of businessmen can affect various underdeveloped areas all over the country. However, we get to see many innocent men and women losing their lives from both sides in this insurgency.

Also read | Aamir Ali Reveals First Look From His Digitial Debut ‘Naxalbari’; Check Out here!

STF Raghav is shown having his own personal issues. Rajeev Khandelwal has played a hardened character who also has a soft side. We get to see some heartwarming scenes between him and his girlfriend, played by Tina Datta. However, we get to see the dark side of the character as soon as he goes on a mission to the red corridor. Rajeev Khandelwal has managed to bring sturdiness and intensity to STF Raghav’s character. His battle with his internal demons and his disheartening past will completely shake you.

On the other hand, Aamir Ali’s character Keswani who is the owner of FICA, the mining company, will be a game-changer. In the beginning, we see him as someone who wouldn’t take many of his own decisions, but later, his choices have a huge impact on the Naxalites as well as the villagers. His comeback on the screen is definitely worth watching.

Shakti Anand and Satyadeep Misra’s characters Binu and Pahan will give you goosebumps. Satyadeep’s character is very different than all the other roles he has ever played. Sreejita De as Prakruti has shown the audience that women can be powerful onscreen. We get to see a completely different avatar of hers. Their characters as Naxalites have killed an immense number of people. The three actors have shown how talented they are. Even though they might seem to you as villains, you will not be able to hate the characters because of the stand they’ve been taking.  Overall, all the actors have made sure they gave justice to their respective characters.

Coming to the setting and the music and sound of the film, the production team has taken huge efforts. As mentioned earlier, the series was shot in the jungle of Goa during the lockdown in monsoon season. It shows that they have worked really hard to keep the sets real and believable. The background music and the various chants while the way Naxalites fight will make you furious. The background music is very provoking and will definitely tug at your heartstrings. Overall, the series will show you the reality of such Naxal areas and the power of money and politics. If you’re looking for some quality content based on social issues, Naxalbari is the one for you.

Watch Rajeev Khandelwal’s Naxalbari, streaming now, only on ZEE5 Originals!