Janawaar – The Beast Within: A Gripping Crime Drama on ZEE5

A Busy Police Station in Chhattisgarh

In the fictional town of Chhand, Chhattisgarh, the local police station is bustling with activity. A state legislator's brother has gone missing, a headless body has been discovered, and a man has reported the theft of jewelry intended for his daughter's wedding.

Sub-Inspector Hemant's Challenges

Sub-inspector Hemant, portrayed by Bhuvan Arora, faces numerous challenges, including navigating caste-related verbal assaults. To hide his low-caste origins, he has adopted the common surname Kumar. However, in this small town, where upper-caste individuals flaunt their status, his disguise fails to deceive anyone.

The Investigation Takes a Dark Turn

Kailash, a tea vendor played by Badrul Islam, becomes a suspect in one of the cases. The police resort to their usual, brutal method of extracting confessions: beating him with a nail-studded board. As time runs out, the pressure mounts to produce suspects, regardless of their guilt.

Exploring Themes of Crime and Caste

The Hindi series Janawaar – The Beast Within on ZEE5 features a screenplay by Shreyas Lowlekar and dialogue by Sonalii Gupta Srivastava, capturing the local dialect. Directed and edited by Shachindra Vats, the show delves into a crime narrative that is both shocking and unsettling.

A Mix of Suspense and Social Commentary

While the identity and motives of the murderer are chilling, the portrayal of custodial torture, rampant caste discrimination, and blatant misogyny adds to the horror. With seven episodes averaging around 20 minutes each, the series sometimes feels prolonged. Hemant's superior frequently questions when the case will be resolved.

Character Development and Performances

Despite the suspenseful plot, the series could benefit from stronger character development and a more profound examination of social dynamics. Hemant, who appears in nearly every scene, and the unfortunate Kailash, are compelling characters. The cast also includes Bhagwan Tiwari, Atul Kale, Vaibhav Yashvir, Eshika Dey, and Vinod Suryavanshi.

Bhuvan Arora's Standout Performance

Bhuvan Arora, typically seen in supporting roles, delivers a commendable performance as the committed officer. His personal experiences drive him to adopt a compassionate approach to policing, contrasting sharply with the true beast lurking in plain sight, which is far more terrifying than the actual murderer.

Watch the Official Trailer