Breathe: Into the Shadows

Directed by Mayank Sharma
Distributed by Amazon Prime, 10 July, 2020

SPOILER FREE!!

Breathe: Into the Shadows is a psychological thriller created by Mayank Sharma having 12 episodes of approximately 50 minutes each. This webseries is also said to be the digital debut of Abhishek Bacchan and Nithya Menon. Mayank Sharma did a fabulous job again after season 1. The love of our parents is unconditional and here he has shown the exact same thing i.e., to what extent parents may go to save their Child.

The creator has managed to beautifully portray the Dissociative personality disorder. It reminded me of Anniyan (Aparichit) – Tamil action thriller movie, directed by S. Shankar, lead played by Vikram.

The script for the doctor to explain this sickness is beautifully written. Also the resemblance you will feel with Raavan is very realistic. Each murder that follows can be associated with the ten negative emotions portrayed by ten heads of Raavan- Anger, lust, fear, betrayal, delusion, attachment, ego, selfishness, pride,greed. No doubt the series is long, but once you feel the intensity of the situation, you will connect yourself with it.

CAST:

1. Dr. Abhinash Sabharwal 

Played by Abhishek Bacchan, a Psychiatrist by profession and presently helps the police with his expertise to solve cases. His daughter Siya, six year old, gets kidnapped during a Birthday party. Later as the series progress, we come to know about his very traumatic past. And how after losing his mother in a road accident, his world turns upside down. He could not bear this trauma and he becomes sick.

2.  Abha Sabharwal

Played by Nithya menon is a dynamic actor as seen from her South movies. She plays the role of a Chef and mother of the kidnapped girl, Siya. She is presented as soft-hearted woman initially, who moves out to uncomfortable zone only to save her daughter, the emotions of losing her daughter and all the pain she underwent, can be felt.

3.  Kabir Sawant

Played by Amit Sadh, a very intelligent police officer, working for Delhi Crime branch, has really done justice to his role. His guilt, for the girl who was handicapped because of him, can be seen in his face throughout the series. He gets the responsibility to solve the murder case and how intelligently he connects all the dots and reach the kidnapper is really appreciable. Each and every detail about investigation is well written and executed.

His two juniors, Prakash Kamble (played by Hrishikesh Joshi) and Jayprakash (played by Shrikant Verma) also played a good supporting role.

4.  Principal Krishnamoorthy

Played by Nizhalgal Ravi. This Character is beautifully written and plays an important role in shaping the future of Abhinash. How he handles the whole situation is a pure genius, you will love this character.

5. Ivana kaur as Siya (six year old girl)

6. Resham Shrivandhan as Gayatri Mishra (nanny for Siya,kidnapped along with her)

7. Plabita Borthakur as Meghna (love interest of Kabir)

8. Kuljit Singh as Pritpal Singh (victim)

9. Shruti Bapna as Natasha Garewal (victim)

10. Pavan Singh as Angad Pandit (victim)

11. Vijay Vikram Singh as Dr. Jehengir (Psychiatrist for Abhinash)

and many small supporting role characters.

PLOT :

Story revolves around a family, Dr. Abhinash , Abha and her daughter. Their six year old daughter gets kidnapped during a birthday party and the rest is what her parents does to rescue her.
For many months they keep searching for her, but were unsuccessful. One fine day after around nine months, they received a parcel with an ipad containing a video of their daughter along with Gayatri(nurse) taking care of her. Abhinash and Abha were very happy to see her safe.

But the kidnapper has asked them to kill certain people if they wanted to see their daughter ever again. They are in dilemma of involving police in this or not, but later both decided not to involve. This state of doubt is beautifully portrayed.

Psychiatrist hu.. aur ek Psychiatrist se better mind games kon samaj sakta hai?” – Abhishek Bachchan

On other hand, Kabir Sawant gets transferred to Delhi and he takes charge of the case. He has his own past story and how he deals with it as well as the case is beautifully portrayed.

The next of the episodes is a combination of tricks Dr. Abhinash plays to save his daughter and also to remain updated with the police to catch the kidnapper. Lies, mind games will follow.

Jab tum muje dekhogi Abha… what you’ll see? A father or a murderer?”
Abhishek Bachchan

As the series reach mid season, the creator will beautifully introduce you to main twist, which will change your perspective for the show.

My Verdict:

All the major characters as well the supporting actors have given justice to their role. They have outperformed. Once you get connected you will feel the pain of parents, the guilt of a Police officer, the strong determination of a girl who lost her legs and everything. The director has done a fabulous job and each character is written bery properly and every nook and corner are taken into consideration for storytelling. The major attention are its Screenplay and Direction.I would give 8.5/10.

The trailer is attached here.