Mukhbir: A Spy Drama That Falls Short

Plot

Mukhbir follows the story of Harfan Bukhari/Kamran Bakhsh, a skilled spy sent to Pakistan to prevent an attack on India and collect sensitive information. The storyline is inherently compelling and has twists and romance elements that one would expect from the spy genre. However, the writing falls short, and most scenes feel rushed, making it difficult for viewers to empathize with the characters.

Acting

Despite the shortcomings in the writing, Zain Khan Durrani shines as Harfan Bukhari whose vulnerability and confidence make him relatable. His performances add a new dimension to his character by showing the tactics he uses to dupe people and how he maneuvers through difficult situations. Satyadeep Mishra's portrayal of another spy hits hard and dominates the climax, while Veena Mehta also makes a lasting impression as a doting grandma to Zain's Harfan.

Cinematography

The show does a great job of bringing Delhi of the 60s to life, with its vintage cars and scooters and the infusion of ghazals in the plot. The visual appeal is accentuated by the way the show uses different camera angles, lighting, and color to create ambiance and mood.

Direction

The directors of Naam Shabana and Special Ops do a decent job of blending action, romance, and vulnerability into the plot. However, the slow burn approach at the beginning may appeal only to those who enjoy such an approach. The pace picks up in the later half, but one may wonder why Harfan wasn't trained in combat despite his crucial mission.

Overall impression

Mukhbir may be a one-time watch for most viewers, but it has its moments. The show deserves applause for not walking down the jingoism lane and not creating a superhero out of any character. Instead, it offers an authentic portrayal of a spy drama while adding an emotional depth that may resonate with some viewers. Mukhbir is another win for ZEE5, and it seems the streaming platform is slowly entering the race to excel in the OTT space, one show at a time.

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