Crime Beat Review: Saqib Saleem & Saba Azad Struggle in a Thriller That Needed Better Investigation

ZEE5’s latest crime thriller, Crime Beat, was expected to be a gripping investigative drama. Starring Saqib Saleem, Saba Azad, Rahul Bhat, and Sai Tamhankar, the ZEE5 web series follows a rookie journalist who gets caught in a dangerous web of secrets. Directed by Sudhir Mishra and Sanjeev Kaul, the series had the right ingredients for an engaging story but fails to keep up the thrill.

While Crime Beat brings an exciting concept, it doesn’t do justice to the crime genre. The storytelling feels weak, the execution lacks energy, and the performances do not leave an impact. For a ZEE5 web series marketed as a gripping crime thriller, the show struggles to deliver real intensity.

A Crime Thriller With More Misses Than Hits

The ZEE5 web series introduces Saqib Saleem as Abhishek, a young journalist looking for his big break. He stumbles upon a dark secret in the city but soon realizes he is in over his head. Along the way, he finds help from a cop, leading to a series of twists and turns. However, while the idea sounds exciting, the screenplay lacks the sharpness expected from a true crime thriller.

One major flaw in Crime Beat is its slow pace. Instead of building tension, the story feels stretched. The ZEE5 web series fails to create the urgency required in a crime thriller. Some episodes drag on without any real suspense, making it difficult to stay hooked. Even when the story tries to pick up, the lack of unexpected twists makes it predictable rather than thrilling.

A Lackluster Performance

In Crime Beat, Saqib Saleem plays an ambitious journalist, but his portrayal lacks depth. His expressions and delivery do not match the intensity needed for a crime investigation. His character, who is supposed to uncover dangerous truths, often comes across as dull and unconvincing. Saba Azad, who plays a key role, also does not get enough scope to shine. Despite being a talented actress, she is not given powerful moments that could make her character stand out.

Rahul Bhat and Sai Tamhankar bring some solid performances, but they are not enough to save the crime thriller web series. Their roles are well-written, but the weak storytelling limits their impact. For a crime thriller, the characters should have been more layered and compelling. Instead, they appear one-dimensional, making it hard for viewers to emotionally invest in their journey.

What Works and What Doesn’t

The core concept of investigative journalism in a crime thriller is intriguing. The show tries to explore how journalists risk their lives to expose corruption and crime, which could have made for an exciting narrative. The cinematography also adds a dark and mysterious vibe, giving the show the right look and feel for a ZEE5 web series of this genre. However, despite these strengths, Crime Beat struggles to make an impact.

Saqib Saleem and Saba Azad struggle to bring depth to their roles. Their performances fail to capture the intensity needed for a crime thriller, making it hard for the audience to connect with their characters. The story also lacks gripping suspense, which is crucial for any ZEE5 web series about crime. Instead of keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, the show’s predictable twists make it less engaging. The pacing is another major issue, as many scenes feel unnecessarily stretched, reducing the overall impact of the story.

Final Verdict

Crime Beat had the potential to be a top crime thriller, but it falls short. The ZEE5 web series fails to create enough tension and excitement. If you love investigative dramas, you can give it a try, but it does not match the intensity of great crime shows.

For a show that revolves around uncovering secrets, Crime Beat itself needed better execution. With a tighter script and stronger performances, it could have been a solid ZEE5 web series. Unfortunately, it remains an average watch that fails to leave a lasting impact.

Rating:

**1/2 (2.5/5) stars