Rohan Sippy’s latest streaming offering, ‘Search: The Naina Murder Case,’ commands audience attention in a way few shows do today. This gripping crime thriller, anchored by a powerhouse performance from Konkona Sen Sharma, manages to pull viewers away from distractions and immerse them in its intricate plot. Sharma stars as ACP Sanyukta Das, a seasoned detective facing a personal crossroads as she contemplates a move to cybercrime. However, a disturbing teenage murder pulls her back into the thick of a complex investigation just as her replacement, the brash ACP Jai Kanwal, arrives. The series plunges directly into the mystery, unraveling layers of intrigue with a politician’s involvement and the victim’s parents’ own desperate search for answers. Sharma delivers a nuanced portrayal of a Gen X parent grappling with work-life balance and the anxieties of raising teenagers in a technologically advanced world. Surya Sharma complements her performance as the ambitious yet relatable Jai Kanwal. The emotional core of the series is powerfully conveyed through Iravati Harshe and Sagar Deshmukh as the grieving parents, while Shiv Pandit offers a solid turn in a familiar role. Despite its strong start and compelling performances, ‘Search’ succumbs to common streaming tropes, with a narrative that meanders towards its conclusion and an unresolved ending that leaves much to be desired.
