This is an archive article published on June 2, 2023
Scoop review: Powerful retelling of a real-life crime, this show puts the spotlight on media and mafia
Scoop review: Director Hansal Mehta zooms in on a spine-chilling murder case that uncovers a complex web involving the media, underworld and the Mumbai Police.
Scoop review: Powerful retelling of a real-life crime, this show puts the spotlight on media and mafia
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It’s the thrill of chasing a possible Page 1 byline or a ‘scoop’ that keeps most newspaper reporters going in spite of the risks involved. These risks range from sacrificing family time, long hours at work to flirting with danger. Based on the memoir by former crime reporter Jigna Vora, Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison, a new web-series on Netflix, titled Scoop, is a tale of the complex world of print journalism, murky underworld of Mumbai and the role of the police.
Director Hansal Mehta, with the web-series Scam 1992 (2000), has already shown how a real-life story should be told. The story of stockbroker Harshad Mehta, set in Bombay during the 80s and 90s, was dramatised but never exaggerated while creating a gripping narrative or a world that drew the audience in. This time around, Mehta, ably aided by his competent team, tells the story of an ambitious and enterprising Jagruti Pathak (Vora’s name is changed in the show), who is the deputy bureau chief at Eastern Age, a newspaper published in Mumbai.
Following the killing of Jaideb Sen (played by Prosenjit Chatterjee, this character is based on famous crime reporter J Dey who was shot in 2011), Pathak is framed and arrested as one of the main suspects in his murder case. She is in jail for nearly eight months before she is granted bail. In the case of Vora, it took her seven-year-long legal battles to have the charges against her dropped. This human drama is powered by its talented ensemble cast, which add to the show’s texture and tone. Almost all of the performances are notable, be itKarishma Tanna (as Pathak), Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Harman Baweja or Tannishtha Chatterjee.
Supposed to be the first installment of telling stories from the fascinating world of crime under a new franchise – Scoop — this six-part series explores the inner workings of a daily newspaper, professional rivalry, journalistic ethics, the job of telling the truth and how that’s compromised in the pursuit of grabbing eyeballs. Scoop largely gets these things right. Just the way, Scam 1992 did. There are no loud news anchors, glammed-up journalists or unnecessary use of expletives. The show ticks several pertinent boxes: it sticks to facts, gives an accurate picture of print media warts and all, and, most importantly, tugs at the heart without being melodramatic. This is the best approach while recounting a series of sensitive and sensational incidents that shook Mumbai.
The show does make a statement about the biases and perceptions around “strong women” and how they make people around them feel threatened. There is a price that these women often have to pay. Yet, the writers (Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul & Mirat Trivedi) manage to infuse some positivity into the story. Even when Pathak is going through her darkest hours, she still has the support of her family and fellow journalists, who believe in her. One minor quibble though: In an effort to join the dots, the show packs too much information in the last episode that a viewer might find overwhelming
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
