Search: The Naina Murder Case, streaming on JioCinema, is a gripping crime thriller that blends emotional depth with political intrigue. Directed by Rohan Sippy and starring Konkona Sen Sharma, the series unfolds over six real-time episodes, each representing a single day in the investigation of a teenage girl’s murder. Adapted from the Danish series Forbrydelsen (The Killing), it reimagines the narrative within an Indian socio-political context, offering a haunting look at justice, grief, and systemic failure.
Plot Overview
The story begins with the discovery of 18-year-old Naina Marathe’s body in a car linked to a rising political figure. ACP Sanyukta Das, played by Konkona Sen Sharma, is reluctantly drawn into the case on her last day at work. As the investigation progresses, secrets unravel across political corridors, grieving households, and fractured police departments. The real-time format adds urgency, while the emotional stakes deepen with each episode.
Performances
Konkona Sen Sharma delivers a masterclass in restraint and emotional complexity. Her portrayal of ACP Das is quietly powerful-haunted, determined, and deeply human. Surya Sharma as ACP Jai Kanwal brings volatility and ego-driven tension, creating a compelling dynamic with Das. Supporting actors like Shalini Vatsa and Kunal Kapoor add depth, though some characters feel underexplored due to the compressed format.
Direction & Cinematography
Rohan Sippy’s direction is atmospheric and immersive. The series uses handheld camera work, muted color palettes, and tight framing to evoke realism and emotional claustrophobia. The city itself becomes a character-rain-soaked streets, dimly lit corridors, and echoing silence amplify the tension. The visual storytelling is deliberate, enhancing the psychological weight of the narrative.
Writing & Themes
The writing is sharp, especially in its emotional beats. Dialogues are natural and understated, allowing performances to shine. Thematically, the series explores power, corruption, gender dynamics, grief, and the moral cost of truth. It doesn’t rely on melodrama but instead builds tension through silence, conflict, and emotional unraveling. However, some plot twists feel familiar, and the political subplot could have been more nuanced.
Sound Design
The sound design is minimalistic and effective. Ambient sounds-rain, footsteps, distant sirens-are used to heighten tension. The score is subtle, allowing emotional scenes to breathe. Silence is used strategically, often speaking louder than music.
Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, the series has a few shortcomings. The compression of the original 10-episode arc into six leads to pacing issues and underdeveloped subplots. Some twists are predictable, and secondary characters lack depth. The political angle, while relevant, feels underutilized.
Strengths
The series excels in emotional storytelling, anchored by Konkona’s performance. The real-time structure adds urgency, and the visuals create a haunting mood. It’s a female-led narrative that avoids clichés, offering a fresh take on the crime thriller genre. The emotional authenticity and atmospheric tension make it a standout in the OTT space.