Review: The Freelancer

Plot

The Freelancer follows the story of a young Mumbai woman, Aliya, who finds herself trapped in Syria with her radicalized husband and in-laws. The series delves into the reasons behind the attraction of young people to militant Islam and the sacrifices that individuals make for their cause. The plot revolves around Avinash Kamath, a former cop turned mercenary, who embarks on a mission to rescue Aliya from her IS-infested situation.

Acting

The performances in The Freelancer are generally satisfactory, with Kashmira Pardeshi standing out as Aliya. She portrays the transformation of her character, from a happy bride to a desperate woman seeking escape, with conviction and emotional depth. Mohit Raina portrays Avinash Kamath as a stoic and determined character, but lacks impact in the emotional scenes. The rest of the cast, including Sushant Singh and Ayesha Raza Mishra, deliver decent performances.

Cinematography

The cinematography in The Freelancer effectively captures the dark and chaotic atmosphere of the settings, particularly in Syria. The visuals in Morocco, where the series was filmed, contribute to the overall grim and stifling tone of the show. The scenes featuring Aliya, as she struggles to survive in her dangerous environment, are particularly gripping and create a sense of fear and desperation.

Direction

Bhav Dhulia's direction in The Freelancer is commendable, as he successfully creates a dreadful and intense world for the viewers to immerse themselves in. The pacing of the show keeps the audience engaged, despite some predictable moments in the plot. However, the character development of Avinash Kamath and Dr. Khan could have been better, leaving the audience wanting more depth and screen-time for these characters.

Conclusion

The Freelancer is a workman-like thriller series that explores the subject of Islamic terrorism. While the plot and performances are generally satisfactory, the series struggles to offer anything new or groundbreaking on this familiar topic. The gripping portrayal of Aliya's plight and the intense atmosphere contribute to the overall impact of the show. However, the lack of character development for some key characters detracts from the overall experience.