Glory Review: A bruising family saga that keeps throwing wild punches

Glory

Now streaming on Netflix

Cast: Pulkit Samrat, Divyenndu, Suvinder Vicky, Jannat Zubair, Kashmira Pardeshi, Sayani Gupta, Kunal Thakur, Vishal Vashishtha, Ashutosh Rana, Yashpal Sharma, Zakir Hussain & more

Directed by: Kanishk Varma, Karan Anshuman

Written by: Karmanya Ahuja, Karan Anshuman

Rating - ***1/2 (3.5/5)

When does it stop being about actual glory in a sporting sense and begin morphing into something far more personal, far more bitter, driven by ego, vendetta, revenge and a desperate need for validation? It is a layered question, perhaps even an exhausting one to follow, but it somehow captures the essence of Glory rather neatly.

This is a show that constantly piles on emotions, conflicts and narrative threads, almost daring itself to go overboard. Across seven episodes, it keeps adding, stacking, complicating and twisting until you are left wondering whether it will all collapse under its own weight or somehow come together.

We meet two brothers who are estranged, though not entirely disconnected from each other. Ravinder Singh, played by Pulkit Samrat, and Devender Singh, played by Divyenndu, are living vastly different lives, both struggling in their own ways yet strangely comfortable in their isolation.

What binds them is not affection in the traditional sense but a shared distance from their father, Raghubir Singh, played by Suvinder Vicky. A boxing coach consumed by ambition, Raghubir’s pursuit of Olympic glory has left behind a trail of broken relationships and emotional wreckage that his sons are still navigating.

A Family Torn Between Love and Damage

The emotional foundation of Glory lies in this fractured family dynamic. The father is not just flawed but almost tragic in his obsession, a man who chose ambition over affection and now finds himself dealing with the consequences. The sons, meanwhile, reflect two different responses to that trauma. Ravi carries a quiet restraint, an internalised struggle that simmers beneath the surface, while Dev is volatile, impulsive and often unpredictable. It is a fascinating contrast that gives the narrative its early momentum.

At the heart of their fragile bond is their younger sister Gudiya, played by Jannat Zubair. Her presence becomes the emotional glue that brings the brothers back together, but also the trigger that sets the larger conflict into motion. An unfortunate incident involving her pulls them back into their past, forcing them to confront their father and the unresolved tensions that have been festering for years.

Performances That Carry the Weight

One of the show’s biggest strengths is its performances, particularly from its central trio. Pulkit Samrat delivers what is easily one of his most convincing performances to date. Physically, he fits the role of a boxer with ease, but what truly stands out is the emotional depth he brings to Ravi. There is a calmness to him that feels earned, a sense of someone constantly battling inner demons while trying to maintain control.

Divyenndu, on the other hand, thrives in the chaos of Dev. His performance is raw, unpredictable and filled with a restless energy that makes him impossible to ignore. He leans into the character’s rough edges without reducing him to a caricature, adding layers that make Dev both frustrating and compelling. Together, the two actors create a dynamic that anchors the show even when the narrative begins to spiral.

From Familiar Territory to Narrative Overdrive

At its foundation, Glory opens on terrain that feels strikingly familiar. A fractured family dynamic sits at the centre, surrounded by a revenge fueled trajectory, a sporting world as its backdrop and rivalries that seem instantly identifiable. In those initial moments, it is easy to assume you can map where the story is headed and how each beat will unfold. There is a sense of déjà vu that settles in, almost inviting you to predict its next move. But just as that comfort begins to take hold, the show pulls the rug from under your expectations.

Creator and director Karan Anshuman steers the narrative into far more unpredictable territory. What begins with a grounded approach soon spirals into something far more chaotic, with twists and developments that may feel indulgent at times but are rarely uninteresting. The storytelling resists staying confined, constantly shifting tone and direction in ways that feel both thrilling and overwhelming.

Twists, Turns and Controlled Chaos

The show’s approach to storytelling is not subtle. It thrives on big moments, shocking reveals and dramatic turns that push the boundaries of believability. The investigative elements, in particular, often rely on convenient clues and sudden breakthroughs that might frustrate viewers looking for realism.

And yet, there is an undeniable charm to this chaos. The show embraces its own excess, leaning into a tone that occasionally borders on theatrical. Some twists feel almost absurd, but they are presented with such conviction that you find yourself going along for the ride. It is messy, yes, but it is also consistently engaging.

Darkness That Pushes Boundaries

One of the most striking aspects of Glory is its willingness to embrace darkness. As the series progresses, it delves into themes and situations that are deeply unsettling. The final episodes, in particular, push the narrative into territory that feels almost uncomfortably intense.

This darkness is not always easy to digest. For some viewers, it will be the show’s biggest strength, adding depth and unpredictability. For others, it might feel excessive, even indulgent at times. But there is no denying the intent behind it. The show is committed to exploring the darker side of its characters and their choices, even if it means making the audience uncomfortable.

A Finale That Leaves You Wanting More

The narrative steadily works its way toward a finale that feels both fulfilling and deliberately open ended. The cliffhanger does not come across as a last minute gimmick or a desperate attempt to stretch the story further. Instead, it grows organically out of the choices made along the way, leaving just enough threads hanging to spark curiosity while still wrapping up the immediate emotional arc with a degree of satisfaction.

For all its imperfections, Glory remains consistently engaging right until the closing moments. It falters at times, pushes itself a little too far in certain stretches and occasionally trades logic for heightened drama, yet it rarely loses its grip on the viewer. There is an energy to the storytelling that keeps it alive even in its weaker moments. Much like a relentless boxer, it continues to throw punches, missing a few but landing enough to stay in the fight and ultimately make an impact.

An Ensemble That Expands the World

Beyond the central characters, Glory introduces a wide array of supporting players, each contributing to the larger narrative. Performances from Kashmira Pardeshi, Sayani Gupta and Vishal Vashishta add texture to the story, giving it a sense of scale and complexity.

There are also smaller roles that leave a mark, including Kunal Thakur and Ankit Mohan. However, with such a large ensemble, the show struggles to give every character the attention they deserve. Gudiya, despite being central to the plot, often feels underdeveloped, which is a missed opportunity. Similarly, certain arcs drift into familiar territory, losing the sharpness that defines the show at its best.

The Verdict

Glory is not a perfect show, and it never pretends to be one. It is messy, ambitious and often chaotic, but it is also bold, engaging and difficult to ignore. It may not land every punch cleanly, but it throws enough of them with conviction to leave an impact. In its own unpredictable way, it manages to win you over, even as it tests your patience.