Because several readers appreciated the recommendation of Informer last Thursday, I now invite you to turn your attention to a riveting Indian drama, Dahaad, an eight episode series also on Prime. Cowritten by two women, their show studies patriarchy and caste politics through the lead character of Anjali Bhaati, a police inspector proving herself in a man’s world, defying the tradition of an arranged marriage. A young woman goes missing in the small town of Mandawa, presumably for an inter-caste marriage to her boyfriend. While trying to solve this case, Anjali finds out about other missing women. Many were anonymous corpses in the morgue, seemingly dead by suicide. She declares a serial killer on the loose.
Comparisons to The Fall come to mind: viewers know the perpetrator early on and then follow a cat-and-mouse plot as a resolute female detective tries to capture the male perpetrator. Just as Paul Specter is a family man, social worker and unlikely psychopath, so too Anand Swarnakar, a soft-spoken husband, father, college lecturer.
Anand finds, courts and then murders women from the lower caste. (No violence alert necessary.) His victims are in their late twenties or early thirties, unmarried, from poor families who can’t afford a dowry. When the women secretly leave home to elope with Anand, their parents seldom report them missing. Sadly, shockingly, escaping the burden of a dowry relieves the parents’ shame of a runaway daughter.
In the genre of police procedural, Dahaad delivers a penetrating critique of societal ills in northwestern India. The series deserves a top rating of ♦♦♦♦♦.
P.S. Out of curiosity, I looked up the translation of Dahaad: “a Hindi word that means roar in English. It is a strong and loud noise that either humans or animals make to indicate their strength, power, or hostility.” I leave it to you to determine what the title reveals about the show.
Catherine Mccallum says
Thanks for the tip. I have been enjoying Deadloch on Prime. A slightly goofy crime show out of Australia. So far 6 episodes have been released out of 8.
Pam McPhail says
Thank you for suggesting a series, Cathy. The word “goofy” may discourage my partner (he doesn’t much like comedies) but you never know…
Christine says
I’m looking forward to seeing this. This made me think of the Mexican film Noise.
There was a couple on my tour, in SEA, from London. When he was ‘the age to marry’ his family set up a meeting in India to select a bride. She said she had a say as well. They liked each other and have been together for about 45 years. In one conversation he said how important a match within their level of society (caste was not mentioned) because of all the things they have in common which will strengthen their marriage. He was very strong in defending this belief. I learned a lot from them.
Pam McPhail says
Thanks for relating a story of a successful arranged marriage, Chris, and glad you learned from them. I will look up Noise for possible viewing.
Patricia Britton says
Your recommendations are the best Pam. Keep them coming.
Pam McPhail says
Thanks for the vote of support, Pat.
Ian Wallace says
Thanks for this new recommendation, Pam. Isn’t it great that we are able to view top quality drama from around the world?
Pam McPhail says
I agree, Ian, that it’s a privilege to watch top quality movies and shows from around the world. They are often enlightening as well as entertaining.
Linda W. says
My type of show Pam. Thanks for the recommendation.
Marie McLean says
Thanks for the recommendation. We’ll be sure to check it out.
Ken McLean says
Thanks Pam, I don’t know this one. We did try one from India, Mirzapur, and found it too violent, but his sounds very good.
Marilyn says
Thanks for the tip! Keep them coming.