Jio Cinema recently released its new medical thriller drama titled Pill, which is Riteish Deshmukh’s OTT debut series. The eight-episode series is now streaming; read the full review of Pill here.
Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Pavan Malhotra, Anshul Chauhan, Akshat Chauhan, Kunj Anand, Baharul Islam, Neha Saraf
Director: Rajkumar Gupta
Streaming On: Jio Cinema
Language: Hindi
Runtime: 35 Minutes To 45 Minutes
(Photo Credit –Instagram)
The silent and slow release of Riteish Deshmukh’s OTT debut series Pill has intrigued audiences, yet it leaves viewers wanting more. Have you ever started watching a show with great excitement because it ticks all the boxes you enjoy in a story, only to be left with a lukewarm feeling? That’s the experience with Jio Cinema’s latest offering, Pill. The show boasts a solid story foundation, an acclaimed director, a versatile actor, and a platform accessible to millions, but it loses its hook and edge somewhere down the line.
Pill is an eight-episode series that premiered on Jio Cinema on July 12th. The show’s trailer received mixed to positive responses, as it intriguingly didn’t reveal too much. The story follows Prakash Chauhan, an ordinary man who dares to go up against those with power, money, and influence, exposing the corruption in the big pharmaceutical industry. It’s a gripping tale of deceit and manipulation, showing how deep the industry’s ruin goes.
As the story unfolds, this medical drama grips you with emotion and intrigues you with its thrilling plot. However, despite these elements, it struggles to maintain its initial momentum. The series leaves viewers with a lingering question at the end, which might not be satisfying for everyone. Pill has all the makings of a great watch on paper, but it somehow fails to fully deliver on its promise.
Pill Review: What’s It About?
The Pill is a captivating medical thriller that delves into the lengths powerful industrialists will go to manipulate their way to success, often at the expense of human lives. This series marks Riteish Deshmukh’s bold debut in the OTT space, setting a compelling tone for his new venture. Filled with mystery and an air of malice, Pill unfolds as a thrilling game of cat and mouse, devoid of any cages or traps.
The narrative exposes the dark side of the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on the ethical dilemmas faced within it. The story centers around Prakash, an Indian whistleblower working for the Medicine Authority of India. Prakash’s journey takes a dangerous turn as he decides to expose a global pharmaceutical company involved in unethical clinical studies, putting his career—and life—at risk.
Directed by Rajkumar Gupta, known for his impactful film Raid, Pill is produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP. The series combines intense storytelling with thought-provoking themes, challenging viewers to confront the moral complexities surrounding the pharmaceutical industry and the human cost of corporate greed. With its gripping plot and bold premise, Pill aims to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, making it a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.
(Photo Credit –YouTube)
Pill Review: Star Performance & Highlights:
While debuts often come with immense pressure and audience expectations, Riteish Deshmukh delivers a stellar performance in his first foray into the world of OTT platforms with “Pill.” This debut stands out even amidst the release of another digital film for Deshmukh.
Deshmukh portrays an ordinary yet remarkably honest man caught in a complex situation. He beautifully portrays the character’s struggle to do the right thing, all while incorporating his signature humor. However, in this case, his wit takes on a more sophisticated tone. The humor often arises from his bewildered reactions to chaotic situations, a stark contrast to the slapstick roles he’s known for.
This performance marks a clear shift for Deshmukh. After both “Ved” and “Pill,” it’s evident that he’s embracing a more serious side, proving his versatility as an actor.
The series also boasts exceptional performances from other cast members. Pavan Malhotra delivers a chilling portrayal of a menacing industrialist – a man of power who stops at nothing to achieve his goals. His subtle yet effective performance has an unsettling air, making him a truly formidable antagonist. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to cross paths with him.
But the most refreshing performance comes from Akshat Chauhan, who plays Noor Khan, a budding journalist who stumbles upon a pharmaceutical industry’s dark secret and ignites a chain of events. Chauhan’s portrayal is a breath of fresh air, injecting much-needed humor into what could otherwise be a heavy series. His witty one-liners and indie quirks add a comedic touch, but his character also possesses a strong moral compass. At times, Chauhan even steals the spotlight with his unwavering integrity.
The supporting cast plays a vital role as well. Anshul Chauhan and Neha Saraf provide a solid foundation for the narrative, allowing Deshmukh’s character to truly shine.
Overall, “Pill” offers a compelling story with strong performances from its lead actors. Deshmukh’s impressive debut, coupled with the chilling presence of Pavan Malhotra and the refreshing performance of Akshat Chauhan, make this series a must-watch for those seeking a suspenseful drama with a touch of humor.
Pill Review: What Works?
Although the first episode of Pill starts slowly, the pace picks up significantly in the second episode. By the third episode, it truly shines with a faster tempo, engaging twists, and a cliffhanger that keeps viewers hooked. While many medical dramas exist, Pill distinguishes itself through its strong performances, high-quality visual production, and the director’s unique style in revealing layers of mystery.
Director Rajkumar Gupta masterfully crafts a thoughtful, personal, and realistically somber narrative, staying true to his storytelling roots, where one character is dedicated to doing what’s right. The show is filled with intriguing moments and subtle comedic scenes that maintain a balanced flow. Riteish Deshmukh’s character undergoes a powerful transformation as he confronts reality and musters the courage to reveal the truth, making it a gratifying experience for viewers.
The series effectively incorporates sudden moments of near misses, enhancing the tension as the truth inches closer to being revealed, creating a captivating rhythm throughout the story.
Pill Review: What Doesn’t Work?
The most significant flaw in Pill is its glaring waste of potential. Despite being surrounded by numerous medical dramas, it had a unique opportunity to stand out with its underlying subplot of corruption. Unfortunately, the story takes too long to engage viewers, which detracts from its overall impact.
Throughout the series, there are many moments where the narrative falters, often filled with unnecessary scenes that dilute the tension and significance of pivotal moments. This overabundance of fillers makes it challenging to maintain a connection with the story, leading to dwindling interest over time. Although the show features some high points, they are often overshadowed by a sea of uninspiring moments, causing the essence of the narrative to slip away.
The pacing is another major issue, as it stretches the storytelling to the point where it feels sluggish and repetitive. Viewers may find themselves losing interest as the plot meanders instead of maintaining a compelling trajectory. While Pill has moments of brilliance, they are too infrequent to salvage the overall experience, making it a difficult watch.
Ultimately, the combination of slow pacing and excessive filler scenes prevents Pill from realizing its full potential. Instead of delivering a gripping narrative that fully explores its intriguing themes, it often falls into mediocrity, leaving viewers wishing for a more impactful and cohesive story. This lack of consistency makes it hard for audiences to fully invest in what could have been a standout series in the medical drama genre.
(Photo Credit –Instagram)
Pill Review: Concluding Words:
Watching Pill, you might find yourself reluctant to stop midway, yet you’re in no rush to finish it. Jio Cinema’s Pill may not be the ultimate medical thriller, but it offers a commendable attempt to explore themes of deceit and corruption, highlighting the struggle against the system. Riteish Deshmukh’s performance carries you through some of the show’s rough patches, while the supporting cast also delivers strong performances, making it a series worth watching.
Directed by Rajkumar Gupta, the series effectively draws you in with its engaging plot, skillfully portraying the challenges faced by the common man as the wealthy and powerful exploit the system for their own gain. This theme resonates throughout the narrative, expressed both subtly and overtly. However, despite its ambitious goals, the show loses momentum midway, struggling to deliver a satisfying conclusion.
Ultimately, you find yourself needing to swallow this pill with a glass of lukewarm water, yet it still leaves a lingering aftertaste. While it may not fully reach its lofty aspirations, Pill remains a thoughtful exploration of important societal issues, making it a noteworthy addition to the medical drama genre.
Stay tuned to Club4Celebs for more updates.
