Delhi Crime series tells the grim stories of anarchy from the world of crime in the national capital region (NCR) of India. So far, it has focused on the most terrible crimes in NCR.
Delhi – this historical city in modern India displays two contrasting sides of the power and poverty equation. On one side are politically powerful and extremely wealthy people who live in the lap of luxuries. Meanwhile on the other side are politically powerless people and people living below the poverty line, who struggle to make ends meet daily.
Synopsis of the Delhi Crime (S1 & S2) Series
Following the police force as they investigate high-profile crimes in Delhi, this series has seasons inspired by both real and fictional events.
Key Details about the Delhi Crime (S1 & S2) Series
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Original language | Hindi |
| Creator | Richie Mehta |
| Age-restrictions | UA (16+) |
| Seasons | First (1st) Season – March 2019 Second (2nd) Season – August 2022 |
| Episodes | Seven (7) Episodes in Season (S1) One Five (5) Episodes in Season (S2) Two |
| Main Cast | Shefali Shah (DCP Vartika Chaturvedi), Rasika Dugal (Neeti Singh – IPS Trainee), Rajesh Tailang (Inspector Bhupendra Singh), Anurag Arora (Sub-Inspector Jairaj Singh), Adil Hussain (Kumar Vijay – Police Commissioner), Gopal Datt (Sub-Inspector Sudhir Kumar), Sidharth Bhardwaj (SHO Subhash Gupta), etc. |
| Other Cast (S2) | Tillotama Shome (Lata Solanki), Jatin Goswami (Bablu), Deipak Sampat (Jugnu), Charu Shankar (Anita Arora), Suraj Rikame (Azad), etc. |
| Network | Netflix |
Spoilers Free Review of the Delhi Crime (S1 & S2) Series
The introduction
This kind of inequality and disparity – which even permeates to accentuates the existing social hierarchy in the capital city of the world’s largest democracy, often leads to grim crime. As the daily life battles between the haves and haves-not continue unabated in the murky streets of the country.
However, allow us to clarify that we are not trying to justify the criminal acts by talking about political, economic and social discrimination here. To be completely honest, the men-folks of our Indian society will have to change our deeply engrained patriarchal attitude towards ladies, only then things will improve in India for the women-folks.
Is crime a reflection of society?
Just like this show, we are also trying to take a holistic approach to understanding the harsh ground realities of India. We hope that after watching this series, you will also try to figure out the kind of society we are presently living in. Maybe these stories will help you get the complete pictures of these shocking crimes as shown in this series.
Its two seasons are inspired by a real-life high-profile police case as well as a fictionalized case version inspired by the true crimes happening in the NCR Delhi region of India. It narrates the most heinous and shocking tales of crimes happening in Delhi – the capital city, the seat of political power in India.
Crimes in the national capital region of Delhi
We must admit the fact that we spent my childhood and college days in Delhi. We have seen New Delhi grow into the NCR Delhi region over the last few decades. To be brutally honest, Delhi city remains an unsafe city for women folks and older folks, more so nowadays. So, many of us have witnessed first-hand, the deteriorating law and order situations in this mega-city. Imagine policing a big city with a population of more than 3 crores with a Delhi police force of nearly 1 Lakh employees. Is it humanely possible?
Ever-widening gulf between the Rich and Poor
We do not like this bitter but harsh truth about Delhi. The widening gulf between the wealthy class and the poor section of Indian society is not helping the matter. The ever-growing inequity and inequality in society are acting as catalysts for criminal activities. Maybe, our society needs to rethink and reboot – our old ways.
The conclusion
Find newer ways to avoid the ongoing ‘Ghettoization’ in the bigger cities of India, like Delhi. Only then, the historical mega-city of Delhi will not be clubbed with heinous crimes against the womenfolk. As the crimes in NCR Delhi continue unabated; let’s hope and pray – although these seldom work.
Delhi Crime (Season One/2019) Show
Synopsis of the Delhi Crime (S1/2019) series
This series covers six days, the period from 16 December to 21 December, from the incident to the final arrest. The heinous crime shocked and enraged the entire nation. Its story follows the unfailing determination of DCP Varthika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah), the investigating officer, to find the perpetrators of the crime. This tale is based on the case files of the Delhi Police and this time, the hunt is personal for the police.
As Delhi reels in the aftermath of a gang rape, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi leads a painstaking search for the culprits. Inspired by the 2012 Nirbhaya case.
So, the season one of this show is based on the real-life ‘Nirbhaya gang rape case’ which took place on 16 December 2012.
Poster of the Delhi Crime (S1/2019) series
Ratings of the Delhi Crime (S1/2019) series
| FM’s rating | 4.25/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes ratings as of the date | 94% Tomatometer and 93% Audience Score |
| Critics Consensus / Rotten Tomatoes | With precision and grace, Bowen, Bruce, and Richie deliver a well-balanced and refreshing new thriller that vehemently examines the true crime tragedy heard around the world. |
Short Review of the Delhi Crime (S1/2019) series
Season 1 of this series’s screenplay is based on the chapter ‘Night of Shame’ from the Khaki Files book authored by Former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar. Neeraj Kumar also worked as a consultant for this series. This Indian Police drama series is grounded in the harsh reality of street life in Delhi, and this series shakes you up. Delhi Crime series depicts – Police acting in a very professional manner and arresting the rapists within a week.
Backed by a tight script, the ensemble cast of this show has done a splendid job, especially the two ladies cops – Madam/Sir DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah) and Madam/Sir Neeti Singh (IPS trainee Rasika Dugal) are top class. You can check their pictures on this article’s featured image. We can state that we loved this world-class crime drama.
Trailer of the Delhi Crime (S1/2019) series
Spoilers Alert – episode summary and about the real-life Nirbhaya case
A peek into the Seven (7) Episodes of the First (1st) Season
First Episode (S1, E1) | 64 minutes
After two victims of a brutal crime are found on a roadside, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi assigns only her most trusted officers to lead the investigation.
Second Episode (S1, E2) | 48 minutes
With few leads to go on, Vartika’s team focuses on identifying the exact bus where the crime occurred. Media leaks trigger a backlash against the police.
Third Episode (S1, E3) | 53 minutes
Disturbing details about the night of the crime emerge when bus driver Jai Singh is interrogated further. The hunt begins for his five accomplices.
Fourth Episode (S1, E4) | 50 minutes
The fourth suspect is captured. As public outrage mounts, Vartika and Commissioner Kumar Vijay must defend the police against rumours of misconduct.
Fifth Episode (S1, E5) | 51 minutes
The pursuit of the final two suspects escalates. Vartika must manage the team’s anger, her child’s fears and her guilt. Kumar faces irate activists.
Sixth Episode (S1, E6) | 45 minutes
Male victim Akash is tempted to speak to the media, to Vartika’s dismay. The chief minister continues with his mission to take down Vartika and Kumar.
Seventh Episode (S1, E7) | 50 minutes
The fifth suspect surprises the police. Protests outside Parliament become riots. The search for the final suspect leads to a chase in Naxal territory.
The fate of the criminals involved in the Nirbhaya case of Delhi (in real life)
All the surviving rapists in the Nirbhaya Case were hanged to death on 20 March 2020, when, all of their appeals were exhausted by the courts. At least, it gave some kind of closure to the Nirbhaya family. “It is based on a true-life investigation about a brutal gang rape in India. The case had an enormous impact, paving the way for the introduction of stricter laws so the victim’s voice will finally be heard in this developing nation,” disclosed Richie Mehta, the creator of this Show.
“Sexual violence is one issue, but inequality in society pervades our families, marriage structures, politics – it all needs to change,” she (Seema) says.
Nirbhaya 10 years on | BBC
Nirbhaya’s mother, Asha Devi agrees that a seismic shift for women’s safety is extremely difficult to bring about.
Awards won by the Delhi Crime (S1/2019) series
| Names of the Awards | Names of the Awards Winners |
|---|---|
| Asian Academy Creative Awards 2019 | Shefali Shah – Best Actress in a Leading Role Richie Mehta – Best Direction (Fiction) |
| International Emmy Awards 2020 | Drama Series India – This show is India’s first-ever win at the Emmy |
| Bollywood Life Awards 2020 | Shefali Shah – Season 1 – OTT Award – Best Actress Rasika Dugal – Season 1 – OTT Award – Best Supporting Actress |
Delhi Crime (Season Two/2022) Show
Synopsis of the Delhi Crime 2 (S2/2022) series
When a chain of distinctly grisly murders suggests the return of a feared criminal gang, DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah) heads the case under media and public pressure.
With Delhi City in panic mode, DCP Vartika and her squad prepare for the chaos to come.
Poster of the Delhi Crime 2 (S2/2022) series
Ratings of the Delhi Crime 2 (S2/2022) series
| FM’s rating | 4.05/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes ratings as of the date | 82% Tomatometer & 83% Audience Score |
| Critics Consensus / Rotten Tomatoes | This show’s sophomore season lacks some of the resonance that distinguished its predecessor, but handsome production value and cultural insight make this procedural a solid continuation. |
Short Review of the Delhi Crime 2 (S2/2022) series
Season 2 of this series has received lower ratings when we compare it to its trendsetting season 1 series. Still, we believe that even in season 2, this series tells an important crime story about the ongoing rat race to get rich. We could easily identify with the dreams, aspirations, struggles, and motivations of the different characters in this series, whether they are criminals or police personnel.
Once again, backed by a good script, the ensemble cast of this show has done a terrific job, especially the protagonists – two ladies cops – Madam Sir DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah) and Madam Sir Neeti Singh (Rasika Dugal) and not to forget the antagonist – criminal Lata Solanki (Tillotama Shome), all of them are top-class. One of the things to appreciate about this kind of Indian cop show is the fact that almost all of its characters are rooted in real life, as it draws from the harsh realities of Indian society. We loved season two, too.
Trailer of the Delhi Crime 2 (S2/2022) series
Spoilers Alert – Episodes Summary of the Second Season
A peek into the Five (5) Episodes of the Second (2nd) Season
First Episode (S2, E1) | 45 minutes
Vartika and her team are alerted about a gruesome quadruple murder. Evidence points to a crime syndicate not seen in the city for 20 years.
Second Episode (S2, E2) | 38 minutes
After another murder, veteran inspector Viren Chaddha joins the team. As case details leak to the press, Vartika suspects an informant among the police.
Third Episode (S2, E3) | 47 minutes
The team’s investigation of two suspects leads to eye-opening findings. Amid pressure to appease the media and the public, Vartika faces a moral dilemma.
Fourth Episodes (S2, E4) | 36 minutes
Against a ticking clock, Vartika takes the case in a new direction. Neeti finds a common link between the murders. Another tip-off leads to a suspect.
Fifth Episode (S2, E5) | 55 minutes
The team finds the suspects’ hideout. But with Lata still missing, Vartika must determine if she’s running or hiding — and finally uncover her story.
Awards won by the Delhi Crime 2 (S2/2022) series
| Name of the Award | Names of the Awards Winners |
|---|---|
| Hitlist OTT Awards 2023 | Shefali Shah – Season 2 – OTT Series Award – Best Actor – Female Tillotama Shome – Season 2 – OTT Series Award – Best Supporting Actor – Female |
Our FM finale take: This Indian police procedural crime series primarily focuses on solving crimes and apprehending the perpetrators who have committed heinous acts in the capital city. While it aims to depict real-life crime cases in Delhi, it falls short of delving deeper into the underlying social, economic, political, and other issues. Despite successfully capturing the culprits in the Nirbhaya case, crimes against women, including rape, continue to persist. Furthermore, the growing disparity between the privileged and underprivileged in Delhi's NCR region, and India as a whole, may have contributed to the occurrence of such atrocious crimes, as portrayed in its second season. The mindset and attitude have not changed really, hence the crimes continue in Delhi.
If you like this series, then maybe you can check out our FM article about the Kaalkoot series, too.
Featured & Other Images: Delhi Crime | Netflix.