Created and directed by Rohit Shetty, this action-thriller police procedural web series stars Siddharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty, and Vivek Oberoi in lead roles as cops in Delhi tackling a terrorist attack that leaves the Indian capital shaken. Along with them, the series also stars Shweta Tiwari, Nikitin Dheer, Isha Talwar, Mukesh Rishi, Mayyank Taandon, and others. With 7 episodes, the series marks Shetty’s digital directorial debut.
When Indian Police Force starts, you can’t help but realise that this is a Rohit Shetty venture, even if you previously had no idea. The series feels like a Shetty production from the moment you start watching it, which can be a good or bad thing – I don’t know which it is yet. Either way, for lovers of action-thrillers who want to sit back and watch something light that doesn’t have much to think about, then this might just be the series to dive into. The series is moderately long, with a ton of action sequences and cars burning here and there – a Rohit Shetty classic.
Regardless, the storyline is simple and repetitive enough; you know exactly where it is going from the start, and there’s an odd kind of comfort of watching a popcorn entertainer that goes down the exact routes you’d expect them to. Sidharth Malhotra is the protagonist we follow, and Shilpa Shetty sometimes pops in, more so later on in the runtime. There are moments in the series that are high-octane and fun, and although there is simply no thrill here, it’s definitely a mindlessly entertaining ride throughout.
Audiences won’t find themselves bored at any point in this 7-episode series, and the peppy and action-packed background score makes sure to remind you to be having a blast at every moment. The uber-nationalistic storyline is meant to inspire and make you hope; you dream about the good things that the police can do if they are honest and interested in doing their duties. There isn’t a moment in this series wherein any of the police officers resemble the reality of India, but it does make us proud of what could’ve been.
When it comes to the dangers that the country faces in the series, Zarar feels like a boy in love who sometimes murders people. His romantic storyline is a very integral part of the series, and I guess that makes him a grey and rather unbelievable character. I refuse to believe that people who are capable of pulling off such violent actions of this magnitude have happy and romantic home lives where they are the calmest people around. Plus, their wives all know nothing about what they are up to, which is also a little unbelievable. But, of course, I don’t have first-hand experience in the matter, so maybe terrorists are very romantic; who knows!
Jokes aside, Zarar’s character brings forth no fear or immediacy in the minds or hearts of the audience because he feels too flowery. Having a personal life is fine, but breaking down every facet of his romance takes a little bit away from his character and the fear one might have felt had the series gone a different way. The series also feels quite convenient in the way certain plots solve themselves. Considering this is a matter of national security, one might think the Delhi police will have no jurisdiction, but it’s interesting how Malhotra and Shetty’s characters and their henchmen are the ones who are trying to solve this from the get-go.
It’s also interesting to note that in spite of diving into the web series sphere, Rohit Shetty doesn’t try to reinvent himself in any way. It’s more the same thing over and over again, both on the big screen and now in our home as well. I guess the director really likes these storylines where Indians look at hot police officers with awe and admiration as they walk down the road in slow motion – more power to him for thinking of a better India. But how realistic or palatable is that notion in the country right now? With the rate of crimes and the apathy of the law increasing day by day, the series feels utopian and unnecessary and sticks out like a sore thumb.
Either way, Indian Police Force isn’t really interested in answering many of the questions that it leaves us with and is all brawn and no brain. The protagonists have a good backstory, with some female characters who have hardly anything to do other than cry. Shilpa Shetty, in spite of being a cop, also has very little to do, but she does land a few punches, so we are taking that as a win. Malhotra constantly has one expression on his face, but it makes sense this time since his character asks for it. He doesn’t emote much, but Shetty’s movies (well, show) hardly ever call for much anyway.
Indian Police Force Review: Conclusion
In the end, the director leaves us with a promise of more punches for the future. I guess that’s good, sometimes everyone needs something silly and light to watch. Is there anything to take away from this series? Well, no. But… it’s Rohit Shetty, so you know. But the action sequences are smooth, entertaining and fun and make up for a storyline that doesn’t even try to be anything but mediocre and repetitive.
Indian Police Force is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.