'Mistry' Review: Ram Kapoor Shines In This OCD-Fueled Crime Comedy You Didn't Know You Needed

Indian streaming audiences are no strangers to crime thrillers, but Mistry adds a unique flavour to the genre with its mix of charm, humour, depth, and an eccentric lead. Directed by Rishab Seth, Mistry is the official Hindi adaptation of the American hit series, Monk. It stars Ram Kapoor in the titular role alongside Mona Singh and Shikha Talsania. With eight episodes and a compelling central performance, Mistry walks the fine line between detective drama and character study with almost successful results.

Mistry is about Ram Kapoor detecting crime and fighting dust.

Ram Kapoor plays 'Armaan Mistry', a former Mumbai Police officer whose career was derailed by the tragic and unsolved death of his wife in a targeted bombing. The trauma leaves him battling with intense obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This forces him into isolation and away from active duty. But his brilliant mind for detail and his ability to literally 'smell' the culprit at crime scenes eventually lead him back to working with the police, particularly with 'ACP Sehmat Siddiqui', who is played by Mona Singh.

Every episode of Mistry sees 'Armaan' tackling a new case, which is seemingly simple on the surface but always has something more profound hidden beneath. Alongside 'Armaan' is his endlessly patient and practical assistant, 'Sharanya', played by Shikha Talsania, who manages his phobias and eccentricities with a mix of exasperation and affection. While solving crimes, 'Armaan' also continues to seek closure for his wife's death, lending the show an emotional undercurrent.

Critical Reception of Mistry

According to crtics, Ram Kapoor delivers a standout performance. His tics, neuroses, and compulsions are portrayed with care, giving OCD the narrative weight it deserves. The same review critiques the overemphasis on the character's OCD in specific episodes, suggesting that while the psychological elements are well-executed, they occasionally overshadow the crime-solving aspects. 

While Mistry is far from perfect, it's certainly engaging. The critics praised the chemistry between Kapoor and Talsania, likening their dynamic to a modern-day 'Holmes' and 'Watson'. Ram Kapoor's performance was delightful. Equal parts irritating and endearing, he played Mistry with a balance of restraint and eccentricity. Some critics argues that the show trades suspense for warmth, offering satisfying yet straightforward mysteries and a protagonist who is hard not to root for, even when he's sanitising door knobs mid-interrogation. They call Mistry, a fun, breezy watch led by an actor who enjoys being back in the spotlight." On average critics gave the series 3.5 stars out of 5. However, some even gave it 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Audience Reaction towards Ram Kapoor's Mistry

Viewers have responded positively to Ram Kapoor's comeback, with many taking to social media to appreciate his transformation and the show's light-hearted tone. Many praised the actor for his splendid acting. A user on X/Twitter commeted, " Yet another W for @JioHotstar with this crime investigation series ticking all the right boxes. The 8 episode series are highly engaging with a new case for each episode." Fans are already waiting for season 2, YouTube user commented, "Bhai ye series aapko atech karke rakhegi ye series zaru dekhnaa maza agyga."

However, many are disappointed at how much of a copy the remake is. A Twitter user commented ,"The Mistry show on hotstar is total rip off of Monk. While Monk was well-scripted and characters were brilliant, this series is not. Showing character suffering with OCD was not convincing at all. Ram Kapoor failed to achieve the way Tony Shalhoub did justice with Monk."  While some viewers had a mixed reaction towards the series, they appreciate the effort but still think it was no way near the original series. A user on X/Twitter said,"It's an homage, I guess? But some originals are just too iconic to clone without feeling like you're watching a dress rehersal. Respect for trying tho..."

Final Verdict: Is Mistry worth watching?

Mistry may not revolutionise the detective genre, but it comfortably carves out a niche for itself. It is not a deep dive into forensic science or criminal psychology but rather a character-driven mystery series laced with empathy, wit, and just enough drama to keep you watching. If you're looking for an edge-of-the-seat thriller, this might feel too soft, but for those who enjoy detective stories with heart, humour, and an offbeat central figure, Mistry is a refreshing detour.

Have you watched Mistry yet? Let us know your thoughts!

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