'Mumbai Diaries season 2' web series review: Nikkhil Advani's effective show brings hope and horror together

Cast: Mohit Raina, Konkana Sensharma, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Natasha Bhardwaj, Satyajeet Dubey, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Tina Desai, Prakash Belawadi Creator and Director: Nikkhil Advani Language: Hindi The aftermath of a tragedy can be more brutal at times than the tragedy itself. In the second season of Nikkhil Advani’s Mumbai Diaries 26/11, it’s the aftermath of arguably the most barbaric terrorist attack in history. The first season explored the hideousness with which the attacks were planned and executed, how lives were lost, blood poured like water, the media was restless and relentless, and hospitals were filled with unending crisis. Dr. Kaushik Oberoi (Mohit Raina) is now accused of murder and a case is filed against him in court. The first episode of season two explores the conflict his character goes through. He did save 49 lives but is also guilty of killing one, and he doesn’t utter a word about it. The camera only pans closely at his panic, the silences of people around him, and the screeches that surround him, thanks to the media and India’s youngest anchor Mansi (played by Shreya Dhanwanthary ). All the barbarism this time lies inside people’s minds and souls. The violent and visceral shots of the tragedy are now imbedded in these characters’ consciousness. And the constant amplification by the media only adds salt to the deep wounds. They say time heals everything, but these creatures continue to cannibalise the darkest of times to meet their own ends.

In one scene, Mansi argues with her boss about the story the channel wants her to focus on. She wants justice for Mrs Kelkar ( Sonali Kulkarni ), her boss wants to focus on the rains. Every tragedy for media is new means for TRPs. Here, when Oberoi returns to where he belongs, he looks lost and worn out, the charisma and confidence, the flawlessness and fluidity have gone for a toss. He stutters about the basic things, is being haunted by the case that hangs around him, the room goes dark which is nothing but a metaphor for what his future could look like. Then there is Dr. Chitra Das ( Konkona Sensharma ), who has her own demons to battle. An old wound has shown up and she’s bruised again. Director Nikkhil Advani has established season two around these people’s heads, and how they are going to get more chaotic amid the floods that cripple the city. But unlike season one, the briskness of the narrative and the pulsating tension deflate, at least for the first few episodes. Getting personal Season two dives into the personal trials of the characters. As stated above, Das is being haunted by flashbacks of her abusive marriage when her husband ( Parambrata Chatterjee with a curious accent) shows up at her hospital. There’s Satyajeet Dubey, who plays Dr. Ahaan Mirza who’s distracted by the idea of watching _Love Aaj Kal_ with her. In a tense scene, he’s told the tickets for the weekend are expensive and can’t be refunded either. Amid the overwhelming calamity, some people in the show find time for humour. Hope and horror Just like the 2009 film 2012, this is a show about disaster, both literally and metaphorically. The doctors in the hospital have patients and pandemonium. The atmosphere in Mansi’s news room reeks of tension and anger. In one of the most grieving scenes, a cameraman is crushed in a stampede followed by a bridge that collapses on him. He doesn’t even know whether he’ll survive or succumb. He’s one of the only humans working in a culture dominated by blood-curdling vultures. Not all hope is lost as Kaushik and his wife Ananya’s (Tina Desai) child is alive. _Mumbai Diaries 26/11 Season 2_ is a show where Nikhil Advani makes us smile and sulk, and chooses to portray tragedy that brings hope and horror together. Mumbai Diaries 26/11 season 2 is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video IN

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