Can Fiction be 'less stranger' than Truth ? :::: Women protagonists are now in the midst of 'crime' serials - both as psychological victim and cops

If someone says - True justice is born in the hands of those who refuse to give up; there is every chance the focus could be women. It is the 'women' who have across the board an image of crusaders against injustice or any wrongdoings. 

Describing a woman could be easy when we use words such as charismatic, independent, resilient, intelligent and compassionate.  No wonder in the entertainment world there is a growing trend. The web series based on stories “inspired by true events”. 

Can Fiction be  anyway 'less stranger' than Truth ?   

Kohrra-Season 2 : Offers a unique plot about a woman cop, her investigation and her 'devastated' family life 

But there may be another version. There has been a tendency especially among feminists to go into denial about women’s capacity for cruelty and heartlessness. But there are women who commit crimes as terrible as any committed by men. 

The new entertainment-world is now familiar with the abbreviation OTT. The 'OTT' stands for Over-the-Top. It refers to streaming services that deliver film, television, and audio content directly to users over the internet, bypassing traditional cable, broadcast, and satellite television platforms. Examples include Netflix, Prime Video. 

As we discuss these and reflect upon some of the new desi OTT releases; it may be natural to discover that 'women protagonists' have stepped into complex and psychologically intense roles.

The bodies of the characters are presented with their soul rediscovered. The roles now place women at the centre of crime and power.  

The new crime thriller 'Daldal' in Prime Video starring actress Bhumi Pednekar perhaps over emphasises the idea of a bold female-centric narrative.  

Some say the new Indian web series have started focusing on the 'psychology' behind the crimes rather than the crimes themselves. 

Some of it is certainly a new trend. 

Daldal 

But there is also a global trend. There have been few western productions wherein women characters realise that while restricted to patrolling parks and calling for backup in the event of anything untoward, the female officers find that their male bosses (or colleagues) have zero intention of giving them any genuine power. 

Truly, the OTT offers a unique platform for all kinds of subjects. In 'Accused' (film) released on Prime Video; Dr Geetika Sen (played by actress Konkona Sen) is accused of 'sexual misconduct'. The protagonist has 'past' ties with a former intern Natasha and another friend Sophie. 

But the probe reveals she was clean as far as the anonymous complain goes. The charges against her are dropped and she is again offered the Deanship. But Geetika declines acknowledging her personal shortcomings.

 

 In Kohrra- season 2; though the Hindi version is also available on Netflix; the Punjabi version is more attractive. 

Simple Punjabi words - 'keda' or 'daso' make things more intimate especially for the audience in north India. 

Two cops played by Barun Sobti and his senior Mona Singh work on a complex murder plot. But both have personal lives devastated. Mona Singh (character Dhanwant Kaur) has lost her son and her husband is an alcoholic and he also goes missing for a while.

The one-liner from Dhanwant to her senior on 'commitment' is a special attraction no doubt.  

The story revolves around the murder of an NRI influencer, Preet Bajwa, whose body is found in a barn. Amarpal Garundi (Barun Sobti) and Dhanwant Kaur (Mona Singh) investigate, uncovering themes of land ownership, family conflict, 'bonded labourers' issue in Punjab and the systemic exploitation.

 There are a few good English (western) OTT series too.

A few would deal with gripping crime drama and probes by secret agents who are seen navigating a world of corruption, secrets, and danger.

There are a number of story plots those reveal that corruption and collusion between police authorities and influential figures often prevent the truth from being revealed.  

For years, screens showed women as emotional anchors, but perhaps no longer. 

In 'Daldal' actress Bhumika recalls her childhood when her cop-mother punishes her for her growing interest in singing. The paradox of life takes several turns and she becomes Mumbai's youngest DCP. But she has not forgotten the 'injury' marks perpetrated on her by her mom. 

The society and hence the screen writers have started looking at women from a much broader perspective. 

Dreadful crimes by both women and men often challenge humanity's belief in fundamental goodness !!

ends