Charlie Chopra and The Mystery Of Solang Valley review: Sleuthing on slow track
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Writer-director Vishal Bhardwaj, with an impressive resume, has long established himself as a master of literary adaptations on screen. With his first web series, an official adaptation of Agatha Christie novel, The Sittaford Mystery, he gives the classic detective story an Indian setting while being true to the source material, mostly.
Set in present-day Manali, which has cable car service and ski resorts, the six-episode series is the story of a newbie sleuth coming of age. As the series’s titular protagonist, this is also Wamiqa Gabbi’s chance to showcase her potential to headline a show, especially since its ensemble cast has several seasoned actors. Gabbi, who caught the viewers’ attention as Nilofer Qureshi in Jubilee, grabs this opportunity.
Going for a direct approach, the series opens with a séance. Such a setting is often a precursor to an impending disaster or tragedy. When Brigadier Meherbaan Singh Rawat (Grover) is found dead, his nephew Jimmy Nautiyal (Vivaan Shah) becomes the prime suspect. His fiance, Charulata ‘Charlie’ Chopra (Gabbi) steps in to prove his innocence. After arriving at Jimmy’s family home in Solang Valley, Charlie uncovers the strange circumstances of the murder. She finds an ally in Sitaram Bisht (Painyuli), a local reporter in search of sensational news. As she goes sleuthing around, family secrets, old grudges, fugitives, stories of loyalty and pettiness tumble out of the closet.
Indian viewers are familiar with unofficial screen adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels such as Gumnaam (1965), Dhund (1973), and Shubho Mahurat (2003). With Agatha Christie Limited on board as co-producer, the series stays loyal to the tropes associated with the author’s writing. Those who have watched Rian Johnson’s Knives Out movies or the recent release, Neeyat, will find these tropes and twists familiar.
Charlie keeps breaking the fourth wall and delivers her lines while looking directly at the camera, a la Fleabag-style. But it’s not that effective, in spite of the show giving us glimpses of the past trauma that she’s trying to cope with. The script by Bhardwaj, Jyotsna Hariharan, and Anjum Rajabali falls short of building intrigue and adding layers. As a result, the thrill that one experiences when a sleuth ties up the loose ends in a murder mystery is missing. That’s a pity because the Solang Valley, covered with a thick layer of snow, serves as a perfect backdrop for a chilling crime story.
However, the cinematography by Tassaduq Hussain and music by Bhardwaj, with Rekha Bhardwaj rendering some soulful songs, give the show an alluring vibe. The show ends with the acknowledgment that a new detective is amidst us and hinting at the possibility of her returning with a new case. One hopes that the team should be able to fix a few niggling problems in the next season.
Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley Director: Vishal Bhardwaj Cast: Wamiqa Gabbi, Priyanshu Painyuli, Naseeruddin Shah, Lara Dutta, Neena Gupta, Ratna Pathak Shah, Gulshan Grover, Paoli Dam, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Imaaduddin Shah, Vivaan Shah
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
