Murshid Review: Kay Kay Menon Shines as the Fearsome Underworld Don ‘Murshid’ – A Must-Watch Gangster Drama
In the 1990s, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) was often embroiled in gang wars. Newspapers of that era frequently focused on the violent clashes within the underworld, making it a time when crime and chaos ruled the city.
The web series Murshid, directed by Shravan Tiwari, transports viewers back to this turbulent era, telling the story of a notorious criminal who once escaped the underworld but finds himself drawn back into its deadly grasp years later.
The narrative revolves around Murshid (played by Kay Kay Menon), a once-powerful mafia don who turned to social work after experiencing a profound change in his life. However, when his son’s life is threatened, Murshid is compelled to return to the criminal world.
Set against the backdrop of a chaotic Bombay underworld, this seven-episode series delves into the gangster wars of the 1980s and 1990s, a time when the city was crippled by crime, and even the police struggled to contain the mafia dons.
With a cast including Tanuj Virwani, Zakir Hussain, Rajesh Shringarpure, Karamveer Choudhary, and Anang Desai, Murshid explores the complex interplay of politics, manipulation, family turmoil, and the ever-changing face of Mumbai.
Plot Overview
The plot of this gangster drama centers around Murshid Pathan (Kay Kay Menon), a notorious underworld don from the 1990s. Despite having two children, he decides to adopt Kumar Pratap (Tanuj Virwani), an orphan who grows up to become a police inspector.
Murshid, haunted by guilt over his elder son’s death, decides to leave the underworld behind. However, circumstances lead Farid (played by Zakir Hussain) to take Murshid’s place and establish his own reign over Mumbai.
Things take a dark turn when one of Murshid’s sons joins Farid’s gang and becomes embroiled in serious trouble. Faced with the fear of losing his second son, Murshid returns to the Mumbai underworld.
As Farid rises to power, now at the same level Murshid once was, the story intensifies. Will the battle between these two gangsters ever end? Will Murshid be able to save his son? The answers lie in this gripping series.
Direction and Writing
It’s evident that writer and director Shravan Tiwari has invested significant effort into presenting this story in a straightforward yet impactful manner. Each actor has been given a role that fits them perfectly, ensuring that the audience remains engaged.
The series draws heavily from historical events, with the story oscillating between the past and the present. The unexpected twists and turns are sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
While there are several intense action sequences that might send chills down your spine, some scenes may feel a bit stretched and tedious. However, as each episode ends, it successfully hooks you to start the next.
The dialogues and punchlines are remarkably well-crafted. Despite being centered around a mafia don, each character contributes effectively to the storyline.
Acting Performances
Kay Kay Menon once again proves his mettle as an actor, delivering a stellar performance as the gangster Murshid Pathan. His portrayal of the character is so powerful, from his dialogue delivery to his commanding presence, that it becomes impossible not to applaud his work.
He truly excels in his role. Tanuj Virwani also impresses with his acting skills, winning over the audience. However, as expected, Menon overshadows the entire star cast with his exceptional performance.
Supporting actors like Anang Desai, Rajesh Shringarpure, Karamveer Choudhary, Zakir Hussain, and others also deliver commendable performances, adding depth to the series.
Overall Verdict
From the characters to the dialogues, Murshid is a well-crafted gangster drama that showcases Shravan Tiwari’s dedication to the genre.
The combined talents of Tanuj Virwani, Kay Kay Menon, and Zakir Hussain form the backbone of the series, leaving no stone unturned in captivating the audience with their outstanding performances.
If you’re a fan of gangster dramas, this series is a must-watch. You can stream Murshid on ZEE5.
