The Naina Murder Case Review: A Gripping Mystery That Keeps You Hooked

BY SHANTISWAROOP TRIPATHI

• Rating: 3
• Produced by: Applause Entertainment and Highgate Entertainment
• Writers: Shreya Karunakaran and Radhika Anand
• Director: Rohan Sippy
• Cast: Konkona Sen Sharma, Surya Sharma, Shiv Pandit, Dhruv Sehgal, Varun Thakur, Shraddha Das, Iravati Harshe, Sagar Deshmukh, Chandasi Kataria, Kabir Kachru, Anmol Rawat, Atiya Naik
• Duration: Six episodes of 30–43 minutes each, approximately 3.5 hours
• OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar

From 10 October, the web series ‘Search: The Naina Murder Case’, inspired by the popular Danish series Forbrydelsen (The Killing), has been streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. The series begins with a bang, hinting at workplace rivalries, conflicts, and marital tensions, but before the first episode ends, it evolves into a purely murder mystery.

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The Naina Murder Case Story: A Twisted Tale of Politics & Lies

ACP Sunita (Konkona Sen Sharma) is all set to return to Ahmedabad from Mumbai to be with her husband Bhishma (Mukul Chaddha). Meanwhile, ACP Jai (Surya Sharma) joins at her office. Suddenly, the murder of college student Naina Marathe, daughter of Payal (Iravati Harshe) and Uddhav (Sagar Deshmukh), comes to light. Sunita’s investigation delays her departure, angering Bhishma. Sunita’s boss, Rathi (Naved Aslam), pairs her with newcomer Jai, a headstrong, egotistical cop who prioritizes instinct over procedure. Sunita, confident, composed, and forensic-minded, contrasts sharply with Jai, yet the two must work together on Naina Marathe’s murder case.

Meanwhile, Tushar Surve (Shiv Pandit), a college trustee and president of the “New Thinking Party,” is trying every trick to win an election. However, Naina’s body is found near the party’s campaign vehicle, raising many questions, though Tushar remains outwardly calm. Ambitious and idealistic, Tushar promises women’s safety, better governance, and a new political vision, yet underneath hides anxiety, secrets, and moral dilemmas.

On the election’s eve, Tushar is preoccupied with his friend Sahil (Dhruv Sehgal) and girlfriend Raksha (Shraddha Das), while trying to clear allegations connecting him to Naina (Chandasi Kataria). During the investigation, ACP Sunita and ACP Jai discover that several students—Naina, her best friend Lavanya, Ojas, and Arav—went missing during the college fest. Eventually, only Naina remains missing. As the investigation progresses, Naina’s friends Ojas (Kabir Kachru), Arav (Anmol Rawat), Lavanya (Atiya Naik), and teacher Randhir (Varun Thakur) become suspects. The inquiry later points to Uddhav’s friend Vineet. Meanwhile, Jai is seen collaborating with Tushar Surve on a hidden agenda.

Simultaneously, Sunita’s personal life struggles are revealed—her daughter Mahi (Pari Tonk) and Bhishma’s complaints about her repeated delays returning to Ahmedabad. Naina’s grieving parents, Payal and Uddhav, await justice.

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The Naina Murder Case Review: Thriller With Missed Potential

Watching ‘Search: The Naina Murder Case’, it feels like the writers are stuck in the past. Ignoring social media, mobile phones, dark web apps, and teenage drug culture, the series lacks novelty. The murder investigation method feels conventional, as do the politics and police relationships. At times, it even seems haunted by the unsolved mystery of Sushant Singh Rajput ’s secretary Disha Salian, despite being set in a college environment.

Director Rohan Sippy attempts to explore politics, gender bias, and morality alongside the murder mystery. He addresses women’s safety, the persistence of rape culture, and the gap between institutional empathy and real justice. The series also comments on urban youth’s changing social fabric, increasing dependence on social media, drug influence, evolving dating culture, and the generational divide between tradition and modernity. Some additional research could have improved authenticity. The initial spark of witty banter and energy in the first episode isn’t consistently maintained. After Naina’s death, the series largely remains silent about the grief of her parents. Nevertheless, ambition, ethics, political drama, and media frenzy keep viewers engaged and entertained, despite occasional sluggish moments.

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‘Search: The Naina Murder Case’ disappointingly ends when the story reaches its fastest pace, leaving viewers mid-thrill after six episodes—likely a setup for a second season.

A weak point of the series is that clues in the murder case appear in a storm but disappear just as quickly. Rohan Sippy portrays young leader Tushar Surve not as a villain but as a man struggling between image and intent, though by the series' end, he hints at something more.

The Naina Murder Case: Konkona Shines in Lead Role

Konkona Sen Sharma delivers a compelling performance as ACP Sunita Das, a dedicated officer struggling to protect her marriage while investigating her teenage daughter’s life. Her fatigue, sharp intuition, and internal conflict are convincingly portrayed. Surya Sharma shines as ACP Jai, while Shiv Pandit fits Tushar Surve’s role perfectly. Veteran actor Govind Namdev performs well as experienced politician Pradeep Bhosale. Iravati Harshe and Sagar Deshmukh handle their roles convincingly. Kabir Kachru, Anmol Rawat, Atiya Naik, Dhruv Sehgal, Varun Thakur, Shraddha Das, and Chandasi Kataria deliver decent performances.

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