Crime Beat, the new eight-episode series on Zee5, boasts an impressive flow of talent but suffers from a few inconsistencies in its storytelling. The show follows crime journalist Abhishek Sinha, played by Saqib Saleem, as he relentlessly chases Page 1 stories. While the series has its strengths, there are noticeable issues in its execution that leave the plot stumbling at times.

A Young Journalist’s Struggles and Ambition

Abhishek Sinha, the protagonist, is a young, ambitious journalist who often takes extreme risks for the sake of his career. His journey is reminiscent of the risks taken by Manoj Bajpayee’s character in Despatch, but Abhishek’s immaturity often overshadows his reckless decisions. The character’s errors in judgment stem from overambition rather than callousness, adding a layer of complexity to his actions.

While Saqib Saleem delivers a decent performance, it is Danish3 Hussain, playing the role of Abhishek’s editor Aamir Akhtar, who stands out. Hussain’s portrayal adds depth to the series, offering a grounded balance to the more chaotic elements. Raahul Bhat impresses as the villain Binny Chowdhary, showing a sinister side that elevates his character. The series also benefits from the strong presence of Sai Tamhankar, who plays a powerful femme fatale role with grace.

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Solid Direction, But Story Lacks Cohesion

Crime Beat is fast-paced and mostly engaging, with its cinematic style making it feel like a big-screen production. The direction by Sanjeev Kaul skillfully shifts between different moods and settings, but the narrative falters when it tries to maintain an intense pace, stretching its eight-episode duration too thin.

Despite its flaws, Crime Beat remains an entertaining watch. The actors, particularly in key roles, give performances that keep the audience hooked, though there are instances where miscasting or forced performances detract from the overall experience. The show succeeds in creating moments of suspense and tension, though it struggles with pacing and direction at times.

In conclusion, while Crime Beat offers an engaging crime thriller experience, its occasional storytelling flaws and stretched plot make it a rollercoaster of highs and lows.