Chhal Kapat The Deception REVIEW (Episode 1-2): Even Shriya Pilgaonkar’s Prolific Act Can’t Save This Dull
Game of Deceit

Film:
Chhal Kapat The Deception

Chhal Kapat Director: Ajay Bhuyan

Cast: Shriya Pilgaonkar, Anuj Sachdeva, Smaran Sahu, Pranay Pachauri, Kamya Ahlawat, Ragini Dwivedi, Tuhina Das, Keshav Lokwani and Yahhve Sharma

Platform: Zee5

Runtime: 8 episodes of approximately 20 mins each

Storyline

The series starts by introduction of SP Devika Rathod who gets transferred to Burhampur, UP where she is tasked to investigate Shalu’s murder mystery. It all begins when Shalu, a popular influencer attends her friend Alisha (Kamya Ahlawat) and Jugal’s engagement ceremony with other friends Ira (Tuhina Das), Mehak (Ragini Dwivedi) and her husband Vikram (Anuj Sachdeva). The joyous moment turns grim when Shalu’s body is found dead in a pond. In no time, Devika begins her investigation and finds out the death was a murder and not suicide. She then confines all the nine suspects present there for investigation. Can Devika uncover the mystery behind Shalu’s death or she will fall prey to deception? Check out our review of Chhal Kapat to know more

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What Works

This series wastes no time plunging into scandal and takes is directly into the gritty world where everything is all over the places. The best part of the series is concise duration which unfurls things easily making it for an easy watch. In all, crisp editing has been the saviour of this murder mystery which otherwise fails to engage.

Apart from this, it’s Shriya Pilgaonkar’s towering presence that keeps us excited to look forward to the series. She breathes life into her character and that’s quite palpable. However, at times her character lacks depth and the arc is not fully explored which leaves us disappointed. SP Devika suffers from PTSD but the clear reason behind it is never explores. When is comes to other actors like Kamya Ahlawat, Ragini Dwivedi and Anuj Sachdeva among others, they have played their parts decently.

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What Not

This crime thriller is easily passable as it is formulaic- A crime happens, suspects are interrogated, investigations with some twists and turns take place and that’s it. What could have been a tense, edge-of-the-seat thriller quickly devolves into a painfully slow narrative that struggles to hold attention. Even though the episodes are short, the show does not have a single moment that will make you gasp. The tension build-up required for murder mystery to keep one hooked is completely lacking. Instead of drawing viewers in, the plot meanders without direction.

Conclusion

Chhal Kapat ultimately suffers from poor pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of engaging storytelling. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, thrilling binge, this one might not make it past your watchlist.

Also Read: Chhal Kapat The Deception Trailer Out! Shriya Pilgaonkar To Solve The Mystery Of A Murder At Wedding – Watch

Aakruti Bagla

With over 4 years of experience, Aakruti Bagla is a Bollywood and Television enthusiast working as a content writer and anchor in Bollywood Bubble. Whether reporting on red carpet moments or diving into long-form features, she aims to tell stories that resonate with readers and reveal the people behind the personas.