Netflix: Scoop Review: Hansal Mehta’s series along with Karishma Tanna taking news from news makers | Vegamovies
“Mumbai’s renowned journalist, Jigna Vora, remains relatively unknown to people outside her state and abroad. She gained attention when she was arrested as a means to divert public focus from another journalist’s murder, causing a significant uproar. In the gripping web series called ‘Scoop,’ directed by Hansal Mehta, we delve into Jigna Vora’s personal experience of being targeted by the Mumbai Police and enduring nearly nine months in Byculla Jail. Notably, Jigna Vora had previously exposed the controversial encounter involving Pradeep Sharma, a once-celebrated figure in the Mumbai Police.
Scoop Review Netflix: ‘Scoop’ of Karishma Tanna performance, Hansal Mehta’s series taking news from news makers | Vegamovies
Producer: Sarita Patil and Diksha Jyoti Routray
Director: Hansal Mehta
Writer: Mirat Trivedi, Mrinalayali Lagoo Vaikule, Karan Vyas and Anu Singh Chowdhary
Artists: Karishma V Tanna, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Harman Baweja, Tanmay Dhanania, Inayat Sood, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Deven Bhojani
Release: 02 June 2023
Watch SCOOP Trailer : 👉 CLICK HERE 👈
“Mumbai’s renowned journalist, Jigna Vora, remains relatively unknown to people outside her state and abroad. She gained attention when she was arrested as a means to divert public focus from another journalist’s murder, causing a significant uproar. In the gripping web series called ‘Scoop,’ directed by Hansal Mehta, we delve into Jigna Vora’s personal experience of being targeted by the Mumbai Police and enduring nearly nine months in Byculla Jail. Notably, Jigna Vora had previously exposed the controversial encounter involving Pradeep Sharma, a once-celebrated figure in the Mumbai Police. While the series may not explicitly highlight this pivotal episode in its narrative, it does conclude by showcasing Jigna Vora alongside those who have been outspoken critics of authority and governance. These individuals’ names and pictures are featured in the end credits of the final episode. Through this series, we witness a disturbing trend—a rapid increase in incidents of journalist harassment in India over the past two decades.”
The Hidden Realities of Mumbai’s Underbelly
The memory of J Dey’s gruesome daylight murder still sends shivers down the spines of journalists who once plied their trade in Mumbai. As the chaos ensued, another journalist, Jigna Vora, found herself ensnared in the midst of the uproar. Slapped with charges under the stringent MCOCA, she was thrown behind bars, becoming a single mother burdened with the responsibility of being the family’s sole breadwinner. However, after a protracted seven-year legal battle, she was ultimately acquitted of all accusations.
In the captivating web series, the initial four episodes chronicle the events leading up to Jigna’s arrest, while the last two delve into her life within the confines of Byculla. Portraying Jigna Vora’s character in the series is the talented actress Karishma V Tanna. Personally, as the Maharashtra Regional Editor of the esteemed publication ‘Nai Duniya’ in 2011, I had a front-row seat to witness these gripping incidents. During that period, news of the intricate web between the Mumbai Police and the underworld was rife, with Chhota Rajan often making headlines. However, the prevailing haze of ambiguity deterred journalists from seeking the truth.
Indeed, the arrest of Jigna Vora had a chilling effect on the crime reporting landscape, causing a steep decline in investigative scoops and revelations about the Mumbai Police’s connection to the underworld. Now, through the engrossing fictional tale of the web series ‘Scoop,’ the harsh realities of that era are resurfacing on our screens, reminding us of the perilous depths beneath the city’s glimmering facade.
Intricate Web: Mumbai Police and Underworld Nexus
During the early years of the new decade, reports of alleged collusion between the Mumbai Police and the underworld, coupled with instances of the police overlooking the commendable work of IB officers, garnered significant attention. At that time, the state was under the governance of the Congress party, with Arup Patnaik serving as the Mumbai Police Commissioner. It was widely speculated that a group of three police officers operated under his command, effectively running the Mumbai Police camp.
While the average film critic may not recall these details while watching the series, as a crime reporter with a longstanding fascination for such incidents, these stories have always captivated my interest. Interestingly, I came across a comment suggesting that Karishma Tanna’s performance in the series was lacking. It is disheartening to witness the public undermining the hard work of an actress. The relentless practice of diminishing the confidence of external talents and pushing them to the periphery remains prevalent in the Mumbai film industry. Jigna Vora experienced something akin to this. Her knowledge, intelligence, and bravery surpassed the boundaries of her profession. Irrespective of one’s occupation, the gatekeepers of any domain resist anyone attempting to infiltrate their established territory.
In the vast landscape of the series, these subtle nuances may not be immediately apparent to the casual viewer. Nevertheless, the underlying complexities of power dynamics and personal struggles persist, compelling us to examine the concealed layers beneath the surface.
Deepu Sebastian’s Remarkable Research
The series weaves a captivating narrative inspired by Jigna Vora’s memoir, ‘Behind Bars in Byculla My Days in Prison.’ While the book serves as the foundation, the true backbone of this project lies in the extensive research conducted by journalist Deepu Sebastian Edmond. His diligent investigation forms the essence of the story, taking us on a compelling journey that spans across various facets of life.
From a humble middle-class family in Mumbai to the influential world of renowned builders, from the authoritative figures within the police force to the family court in Gujarat, and even to a boarding school in Panchgani—the series encapsulates the diverse experiences that culminate in the harrowing existence of undertrials within the confines of Byculla Jail.
The masterful storytelling of Mirat and Mrinalayai breathes life into every aspect of this tightly woven screenplay. Paying meticulous attention to detail, Karan Vyas has crafted sharp and witty dialogues that impeccably reflect Jigna’s Gujarati heritage. Additionally, Anu Singh Chowdhary’s contributions as an additional screenwriter ensure that no crucial element is overlooked.
Completing the creative team, Mukesh Chhabra has skillfully handpicked actors who bring these characters to life on-screen. His team’s exceptional casting choices have given depth and authenticity to the roles of Sadhvi, Jagtap, and Vashishtha, enhancing the overall impact of the series.
True Brilliance of Performances
Karishma Tanna and Zeeshan Ayub have delivered exceptional performances, standing out as the shining stars of the series. The portrayal of a female crime journalist is nothing short of an intriguing enigma in itself. Especially when she continually climbs the ladder of success based solely on her exceptional work, transitioning from one newspaper to another. Her close rapport with the editor becomes the talk of the office, fueling gossip. Taking on such a multifaceted character, comprehending her moods, and seamlessly embodying the role of a mother on-screen pose initial challenges. However, the real test of charisma lies in her portrayal as an undertrial.
In the gripping scenes just before removing a fallen soap between the drains, we witness the transformation of a person accustomed to a comfortable life into a mere insect struggling to survive. Words fail to capture the intensity of these moments. Yet, Karishma’s exceptional performance in these scenes establishes her as a truly remarkable actress. The character’s nuances come to the forefront, particularly in the final episode, where we witness shades that further elevate her artistry.
Karishma Tanna has impeccably embodied these expressions throughout the series, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. If this series were to make its way to the esteemed Emmy Awards on Netflix, her recognition would undoubtedly be well-deserved.
Captivating Essence of Powerful Performances
In addition to the undeniable ‘charisma’ exuded by Karishma’s stellar portrayal, Zeeshan has displayed remarkable acting prowess in his role as the editor in the web series ‘Scoop.’ With his activist persona, Zeeshan effortlessly embodies such characters. Tannishtha Chatterjee, as the editor, also leaves an indelible mark in the tense scenes, showcasing her talent and depth. This series astutely tackles the system that thrives on exploiting the hopes and aspirations of junior journalists, striking at the very core of its flaws.
Inayat Sood delivers a commendable performance as the envious journalist, effectively becoming one of the key pillars in Tanmay Dhanania’s remarkable series. However, it is Deven Bhojani’s portrayal of the maternal uncle that truly leaves us stunned. Known primarily for his comedic roles, Deven’s heartfelt depiction of a character who confronts his own childlessness while protecting his sister from selling her jewelry, treating his niece as his own daughter, evokes genuine emotions and moves us to tears. Furthermore, Harman Baweja delivers an impressive performance as a police officer, leaving a lasting impact.
These talented actors, each contributing their unique skills, breathe life into their respective characters, captivating us with their performances throughout the series. Their collective artistry elevates ‘Scoop’ to new heights, ensuring an unforgettable viewing experience.
Hansal Mehta: Unmasking the System Once Again
Let’s talk about director Hansal Mehta, who has yet again revealed the true face of the system. Previously inclined towards mainstream masala films, Hansal Mehta took the initiative of bringing marginalized heroes into the limelight with his film ‘Shahid.’ This commitment to highlighting important stories continues in this series. It is not a typical crime thriller with a victorious hero; rather, it is a reflection of reality. Through a fictional narrative, Hansal Mehta holds up a mirror to society, inviting us to confront our true selves.
The true triumph of this series lies in its ability to challenge society to face its own image in this mirror. Matchbox Shots, represented by Sarita Patil and Deeksha Jyoti Routray, deliver their second offering on Netflix after ‘Monica O My Darling.’ It takes immense courage and hard work to bring forth stories that even trouble individuals like Chhota Rajan, currently behind bars, fearing exposure. While the media has the responsibility to unveil the truth, in this era, fictional stories often serve as the conduit through which the truth within newspapers and the system is brought to light. This is the reality we face.
In one scene of the series, a former editor advises the new editor who has taken over his position, saying, “There is little time to speak the truth, and this is the time to support the truth!” These words resonate deeply, emphasizing the urgency to stand up for the truth and support its revelation.
Hansal Mehta’s vision and dedication shine through in this thought-provoking series, which serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of uncovering the truth and holding a mirror to society’s complexities.
https://araventertainmenthub.com/jackie-chan/
Rating : 3.5/5
Author: Sangeeta Verma
Sangeeta Verma is highly experienced professional with a Master’s degree in Mass Communication. With over 10+ years of experience in the field, Sangeeta Verma has established themselves as a respected blogger, film critic, and freelance reviewer. Their in-depth knowledge and understanding of the entertainment industry, coupled with their exceptional communication and writing skills, make them an asset to any project. Sangeeta Verma has a keen eye for detail, and their insights and analysis have been published in numerous well-respected publications. Her passion for the work is evident in everything she does, and committed to delivering high-quality content that engages and informs the audience.