After a long hiatus from the screen, Karisma Kapoor is back with a bang in Abhinay Deo’s crime thriller Brown, streaming now on JioCinema. The former queen of Bollywood takes on the role of Rita Brown, a Kolkata police officer drowning in grief and alcohol after the loss of her partner. When a high-profile murder case lands on her desk, she must battle her inner demons and a corrupt system to find the truth. The series, based on the novel ‘City of Death’ by Abheek Barua, benefits greatly from Karisma’s magnetic presence, but inconsistent writing keeps it from being a top-tier thriller.
Karisma’s Comeback: A Powerhouse Performance
Karisma Kapoor constantly rises above the script and delivers a performance that is both powerful and moving. She brings depth to Rita Brown’s trauma and vulnerability, making you root for her even when the story stumbles. This is the kind of comeback that reminds you why she was once the reigning star of Bollywood. Her chemistry with co-star Surya Sharma, who plays Inspector Arjun Sinha, is warm and believable. Surya holds his own as the show’s emotional anchor.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Jisshu U Sengupta makes a late entry as Dr. Sandip but leaves a strong impression. Soni Razdan as Rita’s mother is dependable as always, while veteran actress Helen returns to the screen in a cute cameo as Aunt Bertha. Paresh Pahuja as the brother of the victim delivers a convincing act that leaves a mark. Vaibhavi Malhotra, Aryann Bhowmik, and Kenny Basumatary also contribute effectively, though some characters are underwritten.
Plot Twists and Writing Inconsistencies
The story begins with the brutal murder of Ahana Jaiswal, a rich businessman’s daughter found beheaded in her modest apartment. Rita Brown is yanked from her desk job to lead the investigation alongside Arjun. The suspects include an ex-driver and an ex-boyfriend, but the deeper they dig, the more they realize someone powerful is trying to frame a scapegoat. The screenplay keeps you hooked, but the inconsistencies are hard to ignore. The killer’s identity becomes obvious early on, killing the suspense. Certain side characters appear and disappear without resolution, and the climax feels predictable.
Director Abhinay Deo does a solid job capturing the gritty beauty of Kolkata, especially the Chinatown scenes. But the theme of a depressed lady cop solving a life-changing case has been overused in recent thrillers like The Buckingham Murders and Daldal. The Jaiswal family drama and Arjun’s personal track could have been explored better. Despite these flaws, the show never becomes boring, thanks largely to Karisma’s emotional anchor.
Final Verdict: Watch It for Karisma
If you’re a Karisma Kapoor fan, Brown is a must-watch. She proves she still has the chops to carry a project on her shoulders. The series offers an engaging if not groundbreaking mystery, with enough twists to keep you invested. But if you’re looking for a tightly plotted thriller with shocking reveals, you might feel let down. The dialogues are conversational, and the pacing is steady. Helen’s comeback adds a touch of nostalgia. Overall, Brown is a decent watch that benefits greatly from its lead actress’s powerful act. Give it a chance for Karisma – she deserves more screen time.