Web Series Title: Asur
Creator: Gaurav Shukla
Direction: Oni Sen
Cast: Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Anupriya Goenka, Amey Wagh, Ridhi Dogra
Music: Dharam Bhatt
Cinematographer: Sayak Bhattacharya, Sakyadeb Chowdhury, Lalitha Prasad Kalluri
Editor: Charu Takkar
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Mystery
Rating: ∗∗∗∗
What is it about: It’s an Indian thriller web series follows the story of a forensic expert Nikhil Nair (Barun Sobti) who returns to CBI and along with his former mentor Dhananjay Rajpoot (Arshad Warsi) finds himself caught in a mind bending game with a brutal serial killer. The series is created by Gaurav Shukla and directed by Oni Sen.
Among the competitive race of OTT’s enters another premium content platform VOOT Select. They’ve been in business for a considerable period of time. But their content was earlier free to access. But VOOT Select will offer premium content which includes their Originals. ASUR is one among the first to stream on this newly revised platform.
Gaurav Shukla’s writing was brilliant he had knack to narrate the dark material in a poised way which doesn’t make you flinch with irk.
Since its release, it has been in the news for its brilliant making. It took some time for me to get to ASUR. Thanks to the current scenario of lockdown, I’m hooked to any one of the OTT’s for sure. ASUR didn’t disappoint me at any level. It had my attention right from the first episode. Their pilot episode prepares your well for what follows in the next 7 episodes. The series is on the lines of Zodiac, Seven and Bone collector. But it doesn’t dwell into them rather makes a space of its own with amazing character building which I haven’t seen for a long time when it comes to suspense thrillers. Gaurav Shukla’s writing was brilliant he had knack to narrate the dark material in a poised way which doesn’t make you flinch with irk. Despite being a serial killer subject it was derived meticulously to invest the audience than to disgust them with violence.
We’ve mostly seen Arshad Warsi in comical roles. But in ASUR he brings a different shade and plays it with utmost diligence. Barun Sobti was brilliant he was the star performer of the series and did a great job. Anupriya Goenka and Ridhi Dogra were commendable. You can’t miss Sharib Hashmi as Lolark, he was brilliant. There were two young characters in the series were outstanding, Vishesh Bansal as Subh and Amey Wagh as Rasool.
The cinematography by Sayak, Sakyadeb and Lalitha was very good and the editing by Charu Takkar’s seamless editing. Being thriller background score plays a vital role; Dharam Bhatt did a fantastic job in scoring it.
Verdict: Oni Sen did a fantastic job with his direction along with Gaurav Shukla’s water tight writing. The series keeps you invested throughout the 8 episodes and leaves you wanting for more. I’m sure the makers are in for the second season. The mythology factor was beautifully induced into a thriller which elevated the experience. Don’t miss this hidden gem; it’s currently streaming on VOOT Select.
