Choona is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language heist comedy drama series streaming on Netflix. Created, written and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra and produced by Flying Saucer, the series stars Jimmy Shergill, Aashim Gulati, Arshad Warsi, Vikram Kochhar, Namit Das, Chandan Roy, Gyanendra Tripathi, Monika Panwar and Niharika Lyra Dutt.
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Heist thrillers hold a unique allure in the realm of entertainment, with even the most mundane of them often delivering an adrenaline-pumping experience. This is because they demand skillful writing to make on-screen crime succeed, and they typically come with a package of slick action sequences and a delightful mix of incorrigible characters whose interactions and dynamics are an absolute joy to behold. ‘Choona,’ the newest series created by Pushpendra Nath Misra, capitalizes on these genre conventions with finesse.
Spanning eight gripping episodes, ‘Choona’ puts viewers on a rollercoaster trip of vengeance and turmoil as a resilient squad of underdogs band together to settle the score with the fearsome politician Shukla Ji, portrayed with perfection by Jimmy Shergill. This desi-heist-centric drama strikes an artful balance between humour, revenge, and action, ensuring that every episode packs a punch.
Adding a layer of intrigue and wit to the narrative is Arshad Warsi, who serves as the series’ narrator. His narration enhances the storytelling, making it even more interesting. Writer-director Pushpendra deserves praise for his skillful character development, deftly weaving the past and present of each character to paint a vivid picture of their motivations and the crises that have brought them to this pivotal moment in their lives.
Jimmy Shergill’s portrayal of ‘Calculator Shukla’ is nothing short of picture-perfect and poignant. He embodies the power center teetering on the brink of collapse with chilling precision, calculating every move with a menacing charm. The gang of opportunists plotting against Shukla is the icing on the cake. They are absolutely mesmerizing as they pursue their revenge, with each member bringing their own unique talents to the table.
Contractor JP (Vikram Kochhar), once formidable but now struggling with alcoholism, adds depth to the group, as does Baankey (Gyanendra Tripathi), whose career was ruthlessly ruined by Shukla. Ansari (Aashim Gulati), the local goon, injects street smarts and muscle into the team, while Triloki (Namit Das), a thug with a knack for jugaad (innovative solutions), introduces an element of unpredictability. Bishnu (Chandan Roy), Shukla’s brother-in-law, offers access to the inner sanctum of power, and Pandjit Ji (Atul Srivastava), the spiritual guide with a dark side, adds a mystical dimension to their audacious scheme. The leading ladies, Jhumpa (Niharika Lyra Dutt), the object of Triloki’s affection, and Bela (Monika Panwar), Baankey’s sister, play their roles with aplomb, with Bela particularly shining in her action sequences.
However, ‘Choona’ is not without its flaws. Some elements in the story appear a bit too conveniently placed for the gang, and a few more unexpected twists and turns could have injected even more depth into the narrative. Nevertheless, this series is a finely crafted desi heist drama that unfolds at a measured pace, keeping viewers riveted until the last act.
Overall, ‘Choona’ is a thrilling journey through a whirlwind of vengeance and chaos, where an unlikely team of underdogs takes on a formidable foe. While the show may not achieve the iconic status of ‘Money Heist,’ it is an enthralling desi version that offers a generous dose of entertainment. If you relish heist thrillers with slick action, unforgettable characters, and a dash of humor, ‘Choona’ is unquestionably a series to watch.
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Choona 2023: Release date, trailer, cast, and more
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