Indian Police Force | Review

Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Vivek Oberoi, Shilpa Shetty, Mayyank Tandon
Directors: Rohit Shetty and Sushwanth Prakash
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Introduction:
Rohit Shetty, known for his blockbuster cop sagas, ventures into the OTT space with “Indian Police Force.” Starring Sidharth Malhotra, Vivek Oberoi, and Shilpa Shetty, the series unfolds over seven episodes, aiming to replicate the high-octane action and drama characteristic of Shetty’s cinematic repertoire. However, the transition from the big screen to the digital domain doesn’t necessarily bring a nuanced shift, as the series relies on familiar tropes with minimal exploration of depth.

Plot Overview:
“Indian Police Force” revolves around Kabir Malik (Sidharth Malhotra), a Delhi Police officer, and his team’s pursuit of a terrorism mastermind, Indian Mujahideen Zarar alias Haider (Mayyank Taandon). The narrative spans across Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, and Dhaka, featuring the team’s encounters with challenges, losses, and political intricacies. The series explores themes of injustice, hate, and manipulation within the backdrop of counter-terrorism operations.

Surface-Level Action Extravaganza:
In typical Rohit Shetty style, “Indian Police Force” encompasses the familiar elements seen in his cinematic ventures – action, car chases, crashes, and larger-than-life sequences. The series attempts to replicate the formula that has worked for Shetty in his blockbuster cop sagas like “Singham,” “Sooryavanshi,” and “Simmba.” The use of recognizable locations in Delhi serves as visual shortcuts, reinforcing the signature Shetty style.

Character Dynamics and Performances:
While the series features an ensemble cast, including Sidharth Malhotra, Vivek Oberoi, and Shilpa Shetty, the character development remains on the surface. The roles of the lead actors are embedded within the familiar khaki uniforms and trademark glares, with occasional romantic duets to fill the extended runtime. Shilpa Shetty stands out with a more dynamic and action-oriented role, while Vivek Oberoi’s potential appears underutilized. Sidharth Malhotra’s portrayal of Kabir Malik struggles to align with the violence the character is required to unleash.

Lack of Depth and Familiar Formula:
Despite efforts to introduce broader elements such as personal backgrounds, tragic pasts, and familial connections, “Indian Police Force” retains the signature Rohit Shetty style—largely superficial with minimal depth. The series is described as a drag, lacking the quick pace associated with Shetty’s movies. The surface-level storytelling and reliance on well-worn formulas lead to a sense of predictability and familiarity, potentially hampering the overall impact.

Conclusion:
“Indian Police Force” attempts to bring Rohit Shetty’s cop universe to the digital realm but falls short of offering a fresh or nuanced perspective. The series might appeal to fans of Shetty’s cinematic style, but its reliance on established tropes and lack of depth make it less engaging for those seeking a more immersive and novel OTT experience.