She Season 2 Review: Misses the Mark with Sexism and Sleaze

Plot

Imtiaz Ali's web series She follows police constable Bhumika Pardeshi, who goes undercover to infiltrate a drug lord's gang. The second season sees Bhumi lead a double life, leaving her struggling to decide which one she should choose. The show's main premise was supposed to be about women's empowerment and a woman's awakening, but it falls flat, becoming a sleazy and sexist take on what women ought to be.

Acting

Aaditi Pohankar gives an outstanding performance as Bhumi, despite the limitations of the writing. Kishore as Nayak is menacing and pained, and Vishwas Kini as ACP Jason Fernandez's role starts promisingly but falls into the stereotype of the super-cop seen on Indian OTT platforms.

Cinematography

The show has its moments, with some scenes of extreme violence, action-packed police raids on criminal hideouts, and drug warehouses resulting in high body counts. While the action sequences are riveting, the show's cinematography is marred by sleazy and voyeuristic takes on Bhumi's story.

Direction

Arif Ali tries to capitalize on Imtiaz Ali's concept and moral dilemma of the set-up, but it squanders the opportunity of making something great due to its inherent male gaze. The show treats women like objects instead of powerful individuals and reduces Bhumi to a seductress, portraying her confusion at times when the men around her are largely confident in their skins.

Verdict

She had promise. Though the show had an exciting premise about a woman regaining her confidence and identity, it missed the mark with its depiction of sexism and sleaze. While there are some bright spots, the show lags and loses the plot at times. She Season 2 is an Aaditi Pohankar show all the way, but it falls short with its portrayal of women and toxic views of masculinity and femininity.

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