Delhi Crime - 2019

What is Delhi Crime Web Series about?

Delhi Crime is a critically acclaimed Indian web series that premiered on Netflix in 2019. Based on true events, the series delves into the 2012 Delhi gang rape case investigation, which shook the country and sparked nationwide protests. The show is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the events that took place and highlights the systemic issues that lead to such crimes. The series has received widespread praise for its sensitive handling of the subject matter, powerful performances, and unflinching depiction of the harsh realities of crime and justice in modern India.

Table of Contents

• Details
• Plot
• Release
• Cast
• Crew
• Character Analysis
• Predictions
• Seasons
• Behind the scenes
• Controversy
• IMDB Rating
• Awards
• Conclusion

Details

Plot

The show is based on the true events that took place in Delhi in 2012 when a young woman was brutally gang-raped and murdered. The series's first season explores the aftermath of the horrific incident and the investigation that followed.

The show follows the investigation of the case by the Delhi Police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Vartika Chaturvedi (played by Shefali Shah). Vartika and her team are tasked with tracking down the six men responsible for the crime and bringing them to justice. The team faces numerous challenges as the investigation unfolds, including bureaucratic red tape, public outrage, and political pressure. The series also highlights the societal and cultural issues that contributed to the crime, such as the prevalent patriarchy, corruption, and lack of education.

In the second season of Delhi Crime, the story follows the investigation into a new high-profile case in India, this time involving a gang that robs family members posing as beggars, magicians and sometimes labourers. The Delhi police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Vartika Chaturvedi, must navigate a complex web of suspects, including a wealthy business person and a group of young men from a nearby slum. The investigation takes a toll on the police team, as they face opposition and interference from various sources. The second season of Delhi Crime is a gripping and emotionally charged tale of crime, justice, and how such cases can impact those involved.

Release

The first season was released on Netflix on 22nd March 2019. All seven episodes of the first season were on the same day. The second season was released on 26th August 2022, with five episodes. 

Cast

Crew

• Director - Richie Mehta and Tanuj Chopra
• Executive Producer - Aaron Kaplan, Jeff Sagansky, Florence Sloan, Apoorva Bakshi, Pooja Kohli, Sanjay Bachani, John Penotti, Kilian Kerwin, and Michael Hogan.
• Cinematographers - Johan Heurlin Aidt and David Bolen
• Composer – Andrew Lockington and Ceiri Torjussen
• Editor- Beverly Mills
• Written By- Richie Mehta
• Casting Director – Mukesh Chhabra

Character Analysis

• DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (played by Shefali Shah): Vartika is the show's lead character and Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Delhi Police Force. She is a strong-willed and empathetic woman who is deeply committed to bringing justice to the victim of the brutal gang rape in the show. She is also a devoted mother, and her compassion and vulnerability are often displayed throughout the series.
• Neeti Singh (played by Rasika Dugal): Neeti is a junior police officer determined to help Vartika and the rest of the team solve the rape case. She is portrayed as a bright and idealistic young woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to find the perpetrators of the crime. Her emotions run high throughout the show as she becomes increasingly invested in the case and develops a deep connection with the victim.
• Jai Singh (played by Yashaswini Dayama): Jai is a young constable working with Neeti who is passionate about bringing rapists to justice. She is portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, and somewhat naive and inexperienced. Her character is a foil to Neeti and Vartika, highlighting the generational and experiential differences among the police officers working on the case.
• Kumar Vijay (played by Rajesh Tailang): Kumar is a senior police officer who serves as Vartika's right-hand man in the investigation. He is an experienced and astute detective who can use his intuition and knowledge of the criminal underworld to help crack the case. He is also a father to a young daughter and is shown to be deeply affected by the brutal nature of the crime.

Predictions

There has been no official announcement regarding a third season of the Netflix original series Delhi Crime. However, the end of the second season points towards a hint that there could be another season, and Netflix has not officially cancelled the series. It's also possible that the show could shift its focus to a new set of characters or explore different themes related to the criminal justice system in India. However, without official confirmation or announcement, it's difficult to say what direction the show might take in the future.

Seasons

Behind the Scenes

Play

• Tanuj Chopra, the director of the series, revealed how the team worked relentlessly to find locations all over the city, which would help portray the cases as authentically as possible.
• The aim behind finding these locations was to display the underbelly, the dark side of the city, for an accurate depiction of people's struggles. 

Controversy

Delhi Crime has caused quite a stir in the Indian media. It is based on the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape case and has been criticised by many for its insensitive portrayal of the victims. Many have argued that the series perpetuates the idea that police are the only saviours of a crime-ridden society when in reality, systemic issues like sexism and patriarchy are at the root of the problem. Others have argued that the series is an essential reminder of the gravity of the crime and serves as a warning to other perpetrators. It has sparked a much-needed conversation about gender-based violence and the need for a more robust criminal justice system.

IMDB Rating

The show has garnered a lot of attention and controversy since it was released, but the audience has also shown much appreciation of the show by rating it 8.5 out of 10 on IMDB. The total rating was based on 24,000 ratings.

Awards

Asian Academy Creative Awards, 2019

Bollywood Life Awards, 2020

International Emmy Awards 2020

Conclusion

Overall, Delhi Crime is a poignant and powerful series that provides a chilling portrayal of a real-life tragedy. The show offers a nuanced and sensitive exploration of the investigation, the legal process, and the broader societal issues that led to the crime. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, social justice, and human rights.