Review: 'Rakshak: India's Braves 2' mainly works owing to being a taut & concise take on a known terror tale

'Rakshak: India's Braves Chapter 2' unfolds as a gripping mini-web series spanning three episodes, delving into a riveting tale of 72 intense hours inspired by declassified army missions. Against the backdrop of the devastating Pulwama attack, a radicalized terrorist sets his sights on orchestrating an assault targeting the Defense Minister and Army Chief of India.

Plot and Screenplay

In this high-stakes narrative, Naib Subedar Sombir Singh, portrayed by the talented Barun Sobti and DSP Aman Thakur, brought to life by Vishwas Kinni, swiftly leaps into action upon receiving crucial intelligence pinpointing Haider Qasim as the mastermind behind the impending threat. Qasim, a seasoned bomb expert, becomes the central focus of the story, unravelling the intricate details of the 72-hour race against time, where the military and police forces collaborate to apprehend the terrorist and ensure the safety of the Defense Minister's impending arrival from Delhi.

Rooted in true events, the storyline follows a linear trajectory, offering a glimpse into the real challenges faced by these brave personnel. While the narrative may lack the embellishments of dramatic twists, it skillfully sustains a captivating pace, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how the dedicated forces navigate the complexities of their mission. The timing of the show proves impeccable, maintaining a concise and engaging format that avoids any sense of unnecessary elongation.

The Hits and Misses

The yearning for deeper family connections echoes loudly in 'Rakshak: India's Braves Chapter 2', where Surbhi Chandna's presence is a fleeting glimpse, gracing the screen for a mere 2-3 minutes at the onset of each episode. Her limited overall screen time leaves a longing for more substantial family involvement.

In an era saturated with narratives surrounding terrorism and attacks, both fictional and non-fictional, 'Rakshak' doesn't necessarily break new ground in this regard. However, it distinguishes itself by earnestly attempting to illuminate the declassified moments rooted in reality. 

The Performances

Barun Sobti consistently proves his mettle as an outstanding actor, seamlessly embodying the Haryanvi demeanor, accent, and the robust Jatt persona required for the role of Subedar Sombir Singh. Whether executing intense action sequences or shouldering the weight of a military uniform, Sobti effortlessly captures the essence of his character. The only noticeable void lies in the chemistry with Surbhi, yet her limited appearance confines any potential collaboration.

Vishwas Kini, portraying DSP Aman Thakur, delivers a raw and commendable performance. While some moments hint at a slightly forced accent, Kini truly comes into his own during the climactic fight scene, taking charge of the plot and leaving a lasting impact. The camaraderie shared with Barun translates well on screen, adding depth to their dynamic.

Surbhi Chandna, in her brief cameo, earnestly embraces her role with a fluent Haryanvi accent. Although her screen time is limited, Chandna leaves a mark with her sincere portrayal.

The Setting

The atmospheric backdrop stands as a formidable pillar in 'Rakshak: India's Braves Chapter 2', immersing the audience in an authentic portrayal of Kashmir, notably in areas like Kangan and Pulwama. Director Karishmaa Oluchi meticulously captures the essence of these locales, paying close attention to the residents, sweeping landscapes, and other intricacies that contribute to an immersive viewing experience.

While the director skillfully navigates the visual tapestry of the narrative, a more profound exploration into the political dynamics could have provided a richer context. 

The Verdict

In the realm of narratives surrounding terrorism and attacks in Kashmir, 'Rakshak: India's Braves Chapter 2' emerges as just another tale but as a riveting account rooted in true events. The distinctive feature lies in its concise and compelling portrayal, bolstered by robust performances.

Rating

*** (3/5) stars