In the era of digital streaming, filmmakers have been quick to jump on the bandwagon, exploring new narratives and pushing boundaries. However, there’s a downside to this digital revolution. The excessive reliance on stereotypes, gratuitous content, and a fascination with gangsters has become an all too common trope. “Sultan of Delhi,” director Milan Luthria’s foray into the world of over-the-top streaming, is a case in point.
Expectations were set remarkably high when Milan Luthria, known for delivering the gripping “Once Upon A Time In Mumbai” over a decade ago, announced his new series, based on Arnab Ray’s 2016 book. It was seen as a potential game-changer. Unfortunately, “Sultan of Delhi” leaves much to be desired.
The series opens with Arjun (Ricky Patel), who, during the Partition, witnesses a gruesome massacre of his family. This horrific event propels him on a journey to Delhi, seemingly setting the stage for a promising narrative. Yet, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that this fresh start is anything but.
The refugee camp portions, ripe with potential for an engaging storyline, feel more like a checklist of clichés than an exploration of Arjun’s survival instincts. The narrative misses a golden opportunity to delve into how Arjun learns to adapt and thrive in this tumultuous world. This glaring oversight raises questions about the series’ storytelling.
Enter Tahir Raj Bhasin, who effortlessly exudes charisma as he steps into the role of Arjun. With suave body language and a sharp appearance, Bhasin holds the promise of a captivating performance. However, the narrative severely restricts his character’s depth, failing to tap into the potential of this talented actor.
The series introduces a convoluted and illogical illegal ammunition trade, which leads to the unnecessary deaths of policemen. These events beg for an explanation, yet the series offers none. It’s as if the questions raised are better left unanswered, leaving viewers in a frustrating state of ambiguity.
The characters, including Arjun’s nemesis Rajinder Pratap Singh and the manipulative mistress Shankari, are shallow and stereotypical. It’s evident that the series lacks the desire to unravel the complexities of these characters, ultimately squandering their potential for growth.
In its desperate attempt to shock and awe, “Sultan of Delhi” introduces sequences that border on the absurd. For instance, the inclusion of Mouni Roy as a cabaret dancer in a Calcutta nightclub adds little to the plot and culminates in a ridiculous bank robbery scene. Arjun’s audacious strip-down act, aimed at proving his allegiance, feels out of place and is jarringly contrived.
As the series progresses through its nine episodes, one begins to lose interest. The potential for a gripping gangster drama gives way to clichés, over-the-top sequences, and a lack of depth in character development. In the end, “Sultan of Delhi” becomes a disappointing adaptation that barely manages to redeem itself with a lackluster denouement.
In a world where viewers are increasingly seeking innovative and engaging content, “Sultan of Delhi” stands as a stark reminder of the pitfalls of falling back on stereotypes and clichés. It’s a missed opportunity in the vast landscape of digital storytelling, leaving audiences craving substance and originality. Milan Luthria‘s latest offering, though promising on the surface, fails to deliver on its potential, ultimately succumbing to the sea of formulaic narratives and outlandish moments that have become all too predictable.