‘Pill’ is a new Indian web series on Jio Cinema. Riteish Deshmukh technically plays the lead role, and it is Rajkumar Gupta’s web series. It is slated to be released on July 15, 2024.
Deep Diving Thriller: Into the Dark Side of the Pharma Industry, Where Big Companies Are Way Too Much Concerned About Money and Not People’s Health. If you are fond of drama-suspense stories with real, relevant world issues—then ‘Pill’ is your story.
The Story:
Setting and Plot:
‘Pill’ is set across the hustling metropolises of Delhi and Punjab in India. The story revolves around Dr. Prakash Chauhan, an upright and honest doctor working at the Medicine Council of India, played by Riteish Deshmukh. He discovers that a big pharmaceutical company, Forever Cure, is coming up with harmful drugs without testing. The whole battle between Dr. Chauhan and this corrupt corporate world gets exciting.
Cast:
Dr. Prakash Chauhan: The protagonist of the film is a righteous doctor appropriately played by Riteish Deshmukh, who fights against corruption.
Brahma Gill: The antagonist, essayed by Pavan Malhotra, he is the ambitious owner of Forever Cure who wants his company to come out as the best, no matter how many lives it takes in between.
Support Cast: There is Anshul Chauhan, who essays the role of an indefatigable medicine inspector, and Kunj Anand, who portrays a whistleblower from the inside of the company, who joins Dr. Chauhan in the battle against the injustice.
Highlights:
Performance of Riteish Deshmukh:
Riteish Deshmukh’s playing of Dr. Prakash Chauhan is done with tremendous thrust. After appearing in multiple comic and other serious roles, Riteish really puts life into the character, making Dr. Chauhan very relatable and positive. His frustration and determination as a doctor are being portrayed so vividly that he pulls the readers in for his battle against the pharma-corrupted world.
Pavan Malhotra as the Villain:
Pavan Malhotra, as the antagonist Brahma Gill, does his job impressively. His performance lends layers to the character, and he does come across suave yet menacing. The seamless shifts that Malhotra as Brahma Gill goes through from a smooth-talking businessman to a ruthless antagonist add tension and intrigue to the series.
Compelling Storytelling:
Such is the case with “Pill,” a show that has been skillfully pieced together to keep viewers at the edge of their seats. There is so much action in the series, only combined with so much emotion—sometimes touching and sometimes appearing pathetic—so that the viewers are glued to the series. The tension is gradually increased from episode to episode as it unravels secrets in the world of pharmaceuticals and personal struggles of the characters.
Cinematography and Production Design:
It’s a really well-put-together series in terms of cinematography and production design. The settings, from the streets of Delhi to suave offices of Forever Cure, are well-done and add to the atmosphere. Lighting and camera work instill a feel of realism and urgency into the narrative.
Shortcomings:
Predictable Plot Points:
While ‘Pill’ is indeed an exciting series, its story development is way too predictable for experienced watchers. The issues about corporate greed and the whistle-blowing methods are no longer innovative, and the series many times take on some sort of formula. Sometimes, therefore, this erodes the surprises that any plot twists might hold, especially to genre veterans.
Character Development:
While the main characters are well-developed, most of the supporting roles could have been worked on a bit more. The characters of Gurjit and Ashish Khanna hold promising roles in the storyline but are not detailed and credible. A better understanding of these characters would have made the storyline much deeper, and their effect on the plot even more so.
Climax and Resolution:
While the climax of ‘Pill’ is very intense and exciting, some elements feel a little too convenient. Long plot threads are resolved very quickly, with coincidences rather than really well-thought-out plot developments. While these issues don’t necessarily degrade the overall experience too much, it might make some viewers question the overall believability of the storyline.
Behind the Scenes:
Casting Choices:
Making an intelligent decision, the makers cast Riteish Deshmukh as Dr. Prakash Chauhan, who does a role that brings credibility to the series. Known for his versatile enacting skills, Deshmukh adds another feather to his cap with a very effective performance. The casting of unknown actors in supporting roles adds a freshness quotient, and it is refreshing to watch most of them turn out powerful performances that add to the making of this series.
Writing and Research:
The writers of the series, Parveez Shaikh and Jaideep Yadav, have done a fine job. The way they have gelled information with the entertainment factor is commendable. A lot of research seems to have been done regarding the pharmaceutical industry so that all relevant processes are portrayed with prowess. This attention paid to the detailing and authenticity is only helping the cause trade with credibility, making the series more relatable and effective.
Director Rajkumar Gupta has done a decent job with “Pill.” Known for his earlier works like “No One Killed Jessica” and “Raid,” Gupta brings his expertise to the OTT space with this series. His direction allows for a smooth flow of the story, maintaining suspense, drama, and social commentary in an equated balance.
Final Score:
Overall Impression:
‘Pill’ is a really intense series and allows room for drama while putting across the social message. It has some good performances, mainly by Riteish Deshmukh and Pavan Malhotra, along with an interesting storyline giving equal weight to entertainment and message. If there are any pedestrian elements or minor weaknesses, indeed, ‘Pill’ really keeps the audiences engaged within the experience.
Critical Reception:
The series has got very encouraging feedback from audiences and critics alike for its engrossing storyline and powerful performances. ‘Pill’ is very often compared to other series within this genre; however, the former does stand a little apart because of the setting within the Indian pharmaceutical industry and very different ways of treating familiar themes.
Recommendation:
For the thriller genre fan and everybody interested in the subtleties of how pharmaceuticals work, ‘Pill’ is a must-see. This series mixes suspense, drama, and social relevance—something very attractive to viewers who would like to be entertained but also inspired by some meaningful content. If you are into stories of justice and moral dilemmas, then definitely include ‘Pill’ on your watchlist.
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10