Delhi Crimes (2019)
Miniseries, Netflix
It is often said that there is goodness in each one of us. Correspondingly, is evil also a permanent resident within us or is there an external force that lures us into creating mayhem and entropy?
Is evil an inborn trait that dwells within us, only to unleash when our guards are down? Is it a learned experience over the generations and is imprinted in our DNA to help us survive? Are we cursed with the original sin committed by our forefathers, and we, as pallbearers of their act, suffer? Are we lured by the charms of prompting by Satan and his helpers?
Others would argue that good and evil are a spectrum of a continuum. One is not mutually exclusive of the other. Everything is a cycle; good and evil are part of an array of an entity. The Universe and its passage in the space of time are not human-centric or animal-centric. We are mere accidental participants in this cosmic accident and collateral damage in the passage of time.
Is there a reason why the Supreme Being, the all-good, the all-knowing, all-powerful force who is capable of repressing evil from our lives failing to do so? Evil and pain make us stronger, hence is it necessary? Maybe at a macro level, it makes sense, but to an individual who is brutally traumatised and in the cusp of death, all these do not make sense. Nature has the capacity to perform miracles but why is it sporadic?
Does it all boil down to us? That we should utilise our intellect, which is said to be part of the higher intelligence which controls 'the theory and functionality' of everything. The same metallic device called knife slices bread to satiate our hunger is the same one that carves an aesthetically pleasing figurine or pierces through the vital organs fatally wounding someone in that fit of rage. It is all how we use it. It is like fire and water too.
This Netflix miniseries is all-Indian production of retelling of the infamous 2012 Delhi rape-murder case of Nibarya, a physiotherapist student. It was told from the viewpoint of the police team that investigated and caught the six perpetrators in record time. This police procedural drama is so compelling that no episode of 'Law and Order SVU' can ever do. The setting, lighting (lack of), the close camera shots, the weaving of lens through of the Indian streets and countrysides really highlight the near-impossible situation that the Indian Police (Delhi Police in this case) seems to be working under. It is difficult to stay dedicated.
Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police, Vartika, is tasked or rather takes it upon herself to investigate a gruesome gang rape aboard a moving bus. The police, with the reputation that they have, get brickbats from all quarters for apathy, lethargy and incompetence. There had an earlier complain by a member of the public about robbery aboard the same bus but was ignored. The concerned general public, NGOs, media, politicians and leaders are all breathing down on the police for blood. Some also have self-interest on their agenda for their outbursts. Using mobile phone call tracking methods and informants trace their suspects all the way to Rajasthan, Delhi slumps and to the fringe of the country ruled by Naxalites where even police officers need protection.
With 245 million people watching online video monthly, India is shaking up the global entertainment business. And if filmmakers can make such gripping no frills dramas like this, with no flashy props, big actors' names or pyrotechnics and unnecessary exposure of flesh to captivate the audience, the sky is the limit where the Indian dream merchants are going.
[N.B. This offering is a gem of sorts for students of psychology, philosophy and drama. Some may be drawn to the field of existentialism as well, as every frame peels more and more the chaos in which the people in the story lead their lives, albeit, as a matter-of-factly. One particular scene that moved me was how the accused was boasting and detailing to the investigating officer his heinous crime. One could see the glee in his eyes as he recounted the events when he exerted his toxic masculinity. In another scene, as he is placed in custody, he was cursed by the wardens for his deeds and was told that his mother had committed suicide at the shame of giving birth to such a son. The accused was so taken aback by this that he attempted suicide himself. Surprising to see how the charged viewed the victim, a woman, with disdain for 'talking back' and being 'promiscuous' in his definition. He, however, placed his mother (another woman) so high up on a pedestal that he cannot imagine hurting her! It goes on to say that rules and regulations only apply to others. When it comes to our own flesh and blood, the bar is changed.]
https://asok22.wixsite.com/real-lesson
Miniseries, Netflix
It is often said that there is goodness in each one of us. Correspondingly, is evil also a permanent resident within us or is there an external force that lures us into creating mayhem and entropy?
Is evil an inborn trait that dwells within us, only to unleash when our guards are down? Is it a learned experience over the generations and is imprinted in our DNA to help us survive? Are we cursed with the original sin committed by our forefathers, and we, as pallbearers of their act, suffer? Are we lured by the charms of prompting by Satan and his helpers?Others would argue that good and evil are a spectrum of a continuum. One is not mutually exclusive of the other. Everything is a cycle; good and evil are part of an array of an entity. The Universe and its passage in the space of time are not human-centric or animal-centric. We are mere accidental participants in this cosmic accident and collateral damage in the passage of time.
Is there a reason why the Supreme Being, the all-good, the all-knowing, all-powerful force who is capable of repressing evil from our lives failing to do so? Evil and pain make us stronger, hence is it necessary? Maybe at a macro level, it makes sense, but to an individual who is brutally traumatised and in the cusp of death, all these do not make sense. Nature has the capacity to perform miracles but why is it sporadic?
Does it all boil down to us? That we should utilise our intellect, which is said to be part of the higher intelligence which controls 'the theory and functionality' of everything. The same metallic device called knife slices bread to satiate our hunger is the same one that carves an aesthetically pleasing figurine or pierces through the vital organs fatally wounding someone in that fit of rage. It is all how we use it. It is like fire and water too.
This Netflix miniseries is all-Indian production of retelling of the infamous 2012 Delhi rape-murder case of Nibarya, a physiotherapist student. It was told from the viewpoint of the police team that investigated and caught the six perpetrators in record time. This police procedural drama is so compelling that no episode of 'Law and Order SVU' can ever do. The setting, lighting (lack of), the close camera shots, the weaving of lens through of the Indian streets and countrysides really highlight the near-impossible situation that the Indian Police (Delhi Police in this case) seems to be working under. It is difficult to stay dedicated.
Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police, Vartika, is tasked or rather takes it upon herself to investigate a gruesome gang rape aboard a moving bus. The police, with the reputation that they have, get brickbats from all quarters for apathy, lethargy and incompetence. There had an earlier complain by a member of the public about robbery aboard the same bus but was ignored. The concerned general public, NGOs, media, politicians and leaders are all breathing down on the police for blood. Some also have self-interest on their agenda for their outbursts. Using mobile phone call tracking methods and informants trace their suspects all the way to Rajasthan, Delhi slumps and to the fringe of the country ruled by Naxalites where even police officers need protection.With 245 million people watching online video monthly, India is shaking up the global entertainment business. And if filmmakers can make such gripping no frills dramas like this, with no flashy props, big actors' names or pyrotechnics and unnecessary exposure of flesh to captivate the audience, the sky is the limit where the Indian dream merchants are going.
[N.B. This offering is a gem of sorts for students of psychology, philosophy and drama. Some may be drawn to the field of existentialism as well, as every frame peels more and more the chaos in which the people in the story lead their lives, albeit, as a matter-of-factly. One particular scene that moved me was how the accused was boasting and detailing to the investigating officer his heinous crime. One could see the glee in his eyes as he recounted the events when he exerted his toxic masculinity. In another scene, as he is placed in custody, he was cursed by the wardens for his deeds and was told that his mother had committed suicide at the shame of giving birth to such a son. The accused was so taken aback by this that he attempted suicide himself. Surprising to see how the charged viewed the victim, a woman, with disdain for 'talking back' and being 'promiscuous' in his definition. He, however, placed his mother (another woman) so high up on a pedestal that he cannot imagine hurting her! It goes on to say that rules and regulations only apply to others. When it comes to our own flesh and blood, the bar is changed.]
https://asok22.wixsite.com/real-lesson
Haven't watched the movie. I think evil is as integral a part of the human makeup as goodness. Some nurture one, others the other. The environment plays an important role. One may not expect much goodness to flourish in a slum, for instance. What about a country that encourages hatred?
ReplyDeleteIn my humble opinion, goodness as well as evil, for that matter can develop anywhere - be it in slums or the royal court yards. Scriptures are abundant of plots to outclass successions and finding love in the most unexpected of places. The lily grows in, despite of, its murky surroundings!
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