The Freelancer

The Freelancer is an Indian Hindi-language action thriller television series created and witten by Neeraj Pandey, with Bhav Dhulia serving the direction.Produced by Shital Bhatia under the banner of Friday Storytellers, the series features Mohit Raina, Anupam Kher and Kashmira Pardeshi as lead casts along with other famous actors. It premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on 1st September 2023. The series is based on Shirish Thorat's book "A Ticket to Syria," former police officer Avinash Kamath (Mohit Raina) is forced to vanish and become a mercenary for hire. When he's not busy caring for his elderly wife Fadnnis or carrying out dangerous operations in dangerous international hotspots, he's drawn back to Mumbai by the untimely death of dear friend and former employee Inayat Khan (Sushant Singh). Aliya Khan (Kashmira Pardeshi), the daughter of Khan, has been kidnapped by her husband and his family and radicalized before you can blink by, yes, a hijab-clad harpy blowing fire and brimstone at 'na-paak' Musalmaans who wear western dress and makeup.

Table of Content

• Details 
• Plot
• Release
• Episode 
• Cast
• Crew
• Character Analysis 
• Spoilers
• Review
• How to book a personalised celebrity video message on Tring?

Details

Plot

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Based on the book 'A Ticket to Syria', mercenary-turned-ex-cop Avinash Kamath undertakes the difficult mission of rescuing Aliya, a recentlywed captive in war-torn Syria amid the backdrop of rising ISIS terrorism. 

The series “The Freelancer,” which is based on Shirish Thorat’s book “A Ticket to Syria,” tells the tale of former police officer Avinash Kamath (Mohit Raina), who is compelled to disappear and work as a mercenary for hire. When he’s not busy performing risky operations in perilous international hotspots or taking care of his frail wife, Fadnnis, he is lured back to Mumbai by the tragic passing of beloved friend and former coworker Inayat Khan (Sushant Singh). Khan’s daughter Aliya (Kashmira Pardeshi) has been abducted by her husband and his family and radicalized before you can blink by, yes, a hijab-clad harpy who blows fire and brimstone at ‘na-paak’ Musalmaans who wear western clothing and makeup.

The Freelancer Part 1 ends with Aliya heading to Raqqa with her husband Mohsin, brother-in-law Khalid, and his wife Asar. Unbeknownst to her, her brother-in-law and his wife were going to commit a suicide bombing inside a crowded market in Raqqa to make a statement on behalf of the terrorist outfit they represent. Mohsin was more than happy to see his family become martyrs, but Aliya, for the first time, understood the magnitude of this visit and the catastrophic event she had just witnessed.

Aliya has not been rescued yet, but Avinash is hatching an elaborate plan to make sure she comes back to India safely. Avinash is trying to cut a deal with the CIA in the hope of receiving some aid from them. The CIA is interested in capturing the pilot, Mohsin’s brother Sameer, rather than rescuing Aliya, who is providing crucial information to them about their movements. A montage of what could happen in Part 2 is seen as an epilogue in the last episode.

Release

The series was announced on Disney+ Hotstar by Friday Storytellers. The series is available on Disney+Hotstar and was released on 1st September 2023. 

Episode

Cast

Mohit Raina: Mohit Raina is a highly acclaimed actor in the Indian television industry. Known for his exceptional acting skills and striking good looks, Raina first stepped into the spotlight with his Bollywood debut film, Don Muthu Swami in 2008. However, he is most recognized and loved for his portrayal of the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva, in the highly successful television series, Devon Ke Dev - Mahadev.

Anupam Kher: Anupam Kher is undoubtedly one of the pillars of the Indian film and television industry. With a career spanning over three decades, Kher made his acting debut in 1982 with the movie Aagman. He is known for his diverse acting roles, showcasing his versatility in a range of different characters. Kher's celebrated work includes his roles in hit films such as Saaransh, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and Special 26. On television, he is widely recognized for his role in the sitcom Khichdi.

Kashmira Pardeshi: Kashmira Pardeshi is an emerging talent in the Indian film and television industry. She primarily works in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films. Pardeshi made her acting debut with the Marathi film Boyz 2 in 2018. She gained recognition for her role in the Telugu film Nartanasala which catapulted her popularity in the Telugu cinema.

Sushant Singh: Sushant Singh is an Indian film, television, and stage actor, known for his deep and intense performances. He made his acting debut with Ram Gopal Varma's 1998 horror film Satya, portraying the character of 'Pakya'. Singh's vibrant acting career is full of diverse roles including the popular biographical film, The Legend of Bhagat Singh. On television, he won hearts and critical acclamation for his role in the crime show, Savdhaan India.

Ayesha Raza Mishra: Ayesha Raza Mishra is a popular Indian film and television actress known for her incredible acting prowess. She made her acting debut with Dil Dosti Etc in 2007. Over the years, Mishra has established herself as a versatile actress with her performances in films such as Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and Veere Di Wedding. Her work in the web series Permanent Roommates has also been much appreciated.

Supporting Cast:

• Navneet Malik as Mohsin Fazal
• Geeta Agrawal Sharma as Asar Fazal
• Hardika Sharma as Child Aliya
• Edward Sonnenblick as Burt Raphael
• Danny Clifford as Buzz Jones
• Mario Silva as Sheikh Khaleel
• Balaji Gauri as Farhat Khala
• John Kokken as Raghavendra Sethu
• Aakkash Dabhade as Wilson
• Sairi Salma as Nadia
• Sangay Tsheltrim as Gurung
• Jalila Talemsi as Amena
• Anouar Akerrmann as Ritchie
• Sami Fekkak as The Photographer
• Youssef Tounzi as Registration officer 1
• Faycal Zeglat as Registration officer 2
• Varun Pande
• Shahid Lateef

Crew

Character analysis 

Mohit Raina as Avinash Kamath

Avinash Kamath, portrayed by Mohit Raina, As a skilled mercenary, Avinash is experienced in executing dangerous missions without asking many questions. Initially, Avinash is not concerned about politics or motives behind his missions, focusing only on completing the task at hand. As the series progresses, he begins to question the political implications of his actions and the consequences they carry for the people involved. His personal growth and development become evident as he takes on a mission to rescue Aliya driven by a sense of responsibility rather than just being another assignment. Avinash's courageous nature, intelligence, and resourcefulness make him a hero in the series, though his unorthodox professional background may sometimes lead to his sacrifices being overlooked.

Kashmira Pardeshi as Aliya Khan

Aliya, played by Kashmira Pardeshi, is a central figure in the series as the character in need of rescue by Avinash Kamath. Aliya is strong-willed, independent, and determined to escape her grim situation at the hands of her captor, Mohsin, and his family. When her escape plan is discovered, she faces severe abuse and confinement that push her to the brink of despair. Aliya demonstrates courage and persistence in her attempts to escape, even under the most daunting circumstances, showcasing her resilient spirit. Her unexpected friendship with Nabeela, a fellow captive, reveals her compassionate side, as she tries to persuade Nabeela to join her in fleeing from their grim fate. Ultimately, Aliya's harrowing experience and her eventual rescue by Avinash leave her grappling with PTSD and the emotional scars of her ordeal, further indicating her depth and complexity as a character.

Anupam Kher as Dr. Arif Khan

Dr. Arif Khan, brought to life by the versatile Anupam Kher, is a significant yet enigmatic character in the series. His profession and exact role within the series remain a mystery, adding intrigue to his character. Despite his somewhat elusive role, Dr. Arif Khan plays a pivotal part in driving the plot forward, especially with respect to providing Avinash Kamath with vital information. He depicts craftiness and knowledge, and his character is seen as a potential assigner of hazardous jobs, as in the case of Avinash's rescue operation. Whether as an ally or a grey character, Dr. Khan adds an exciting element to the overall narrative.

Ayesha Raza Mishra as Sabeena Khan

Ayesha Raza Mishra portrays Sabeena Khan, a character whose detailed profile is not explicitly covered, demanding a broader context for an extensive analysis. Based on other roles that Mishra has played in her career, we can anticipate that she brings her unique blend of emotive prowess and depth to Sabeena Khan's character in the web series. 

Manjari Fadnis as Mrunal Kamath

Mrunal Kamath, portrayed by Manjari Fadnis, is a complex and pivotal character in the series. As Avinash Kamath's wife, she shares a deep and intricate bond with him. The emotional layers within their relationship hint at a shared past marred by tragedy, possibly the loss of their child. Mrunal suffers from a condition similar to dementia which adds to her character's vulnerability and complexity. Moreover, her relationship with Avinash evolves throughout the series, affecting his decisions and actions. Although her character arc is intricate, she holds a critical role in the show, shaping Avinash's motivations and influencing his trajectory.

Sushant Singh as Inayat Khan

Inayat Khan, played by Sushant Singh, is a crucial narrative driver in the series. Despite being deceased from early on, his character's actions continue to influence the direction of the plot and the motivations of the characters, particularly Avinash Kamath. Khan's death sparks an investigation that hints at bureaucratic negligence or apathy, and he emerges as a nuanced character who sacrifices himself to draw attention to an urgent matter. His demise is a critical event that triggers Avinash Kamath's involvement in the rescue mission, highlighting his continuing influence on the narrative.

Spoilers

Due to changing political dynamics in Morocco, the CIA may be forced to abandon a rescue operation and a plan to capture a pilot named Sameer. We speculate that India's Intelligence Bureau (IB) may encourage the CIA to do this. The operation isn't allocated by the IB, nor India's external intelligence agency, R&AW, implying that Avinash, the protagonist, isn't technically obligated to rescue an Indian citizen. This unfolds the double standards of Indian intelligence agencies as they neglected to aid Inayat, who had to sacrifice himself to get their attention. Setu, an IB officer investigating Inayat's death, will challenge Avinash to complete his mission successfully.

Avinash will later form a team to infiltrate an ISIS-held region based on information from Dr. Arif Khan. Even though ISIS learns about Avinash's presence, they try to disrupt his mission. Avinash's daring efforts turn him into a hero, and for the first time, he begins to question political matters.

ISIS discovers Aliya's escape plan, and she tries convincing Nabeela, her British friend, to join her. However, Mohsin holds Aliya hostage and abuses her until she loses her desire to escape. It is likely that at the series end, there will be a suicide bombing by ISIS, triggering the CIA and US Army to bombard ISIS regions, potentially killing Mohsin and his family.

Farhat Khalla's role is set to expand, and although her arrest could create ripples in Syria, it appears to be a long time coming. Dr. Arif Khan's role is also expected to grow, and we hope to understand his profession better. Similarly, the truth about Inayat Khan's death might get revealed in the last few episodes. His death might have been a desperate measure to get Avinash to act, and it seems to have worked.

Avinash eventually manages to rescue Aliya with his team, but the process is chaotic, and they face potential pursuit. The series ends on a high note with Aliya - traumatized and dealing with PTSD - being brough back forcefully by the Al Khansa brigade, trying to fight them off.

Avinash, now hailed as a hero, may tragically lose his life ensuring Aliya's safe return, his sacrifice overlooked due to his non-military status. The series' end could go either way - a tragic note with Avinash's death or a happy one with him quitting his mercenary life to be with Mrunal in Morocco. Regardless, his next mission, presumably from Dr. Arif Khan, likely awaits him the moment Aliya is back home.

Reviews

Tring Review

The Freelancer, a Disney+Hotstar web series, is a compelling action drama with a well-executed story that sets it apart from other works in the genre. The plot unfolds with intricate nuances, showcasing exceptional storytelling. It is the slow, deliberate pacing of the show that allows for strong character development and thorough exploration of themes.

Mohit Raina shines in his role as Avinash Kamath, a seasoned mercenary with complex layers, demonstrating his acting prowess with finesse. His captivating performance, along with Kashmira Pardeshi's portrayal of the resilient and multifaceted Aliya, forms the crux of the series. Stellar performances by the supporting cast, including the enigmatic Anupam Kher as Dr. Arif Khan, add depth and intrigue to the narrative.

The series masterfully marries action and drama, delivering suspense and thrill while touching upon social-political issues that broaden the story's spectrum. It may start slow, but it immensely rewards patient viewers with a rich and unfolding narrative, making it a slow-burning yet gripping series.

While its appeal extends to lovers of action and political drama genres, those who appreciate in-depth character arcs and intricate storytelling will particularly enjoy The Freelancer. Despite its pace, the series' complex themes and stellar performances will keep viewers hooked and eagerly awaiting every new turn in the plot.

Tring Rating: 4.2/5

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