Bambai Meri Jaan, the very title, reminds me of an iconic song from the 1956 thriller CID where the protagonist expresses his love for the city of ambitions, Mumbai, despite the prevailing difficulties before him. The luxury and glamour of Mumbai attract many but very few are aware of the conspiracies hidden in its underbelly. The mastermind of such a perfect conspiracy is Dara Kadri. Narrated from the point-of-view of an experienced and dedicated former cop (played by Kay Kay Menon), this high-octane drama sketches the journey of one of the most high-profile gangsters from the slums of Mumbai. Packed with a perfect degree of action and intrigue, this series is brought to life by a strong, captivating script powered by a stellar cast illuminating the screen with their acting finesse. Each episode brings up a new revelation stirring up the momentum which is effectively retained. Every element of the series was well balanced shaping it into a remarkable crime drama. I loved every bit of it. (I liked/didn’t like Bambai Meri Jaan because... September 15)

Aayman Anwar Ali

Bambai Meri Jaan is a 10-episode drama inspired by S. Hussain Zaidi’s Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia, a book that traces the evolution of the underworld through the lens of gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s life. Another iteration of the oft-told story of the rise of Bombay mafia don Dawood Ibrahim in the 1970s and his flight from the city a decade before it became Mumbai, Prime Video’s Bambai Meri Jaan is the first web show that fictionalises the gangster’s early life. The series cuts back and forth in time, showing us the backstories of these goons who rose to prominence with the collusion of the authorities and with the police on their payroll. Bambai Meri Jaan portrays one man’s obsession with power and money. It also delves into the nitty-gritty of the policing of a city in the grip of unstoppable criminal gangs at war with each other.

The series, marred by a surfeit of foul language, rides on the spectacle of cops and criminals in a tight embrace as the city grapples with the depredations of a rampaging underworld. The action-packed period crime drama is buoyed by an exceptional cast of actors who bring authenticity, if not high-voltage star power, to the retelling of a saga that does a reasonable job of presenting an account of a megalopolis’ turbulent past. Kay Kay Menon is compelling both as a disciplinarian and dispenser of sermons. A man of few words, his eyes do all the talking and express the pain he is going through. Menon has several memorable scenes, including the one in which he has a meltdown after his colleague’s death. Avinash Tiwary has proved his versatility as an actor yet again with his portrayal of Dara Kadri. He gets into the skin of his character as he brilliantly shows Dara’s transformation from a notorious youngster to becoming the mafia king. Dara’s confidence, anger and anguish shine throughout the series. Saurabh Sachdeva as Haji Mastan leaves a mark. His stern body language and restrained dialogue delivery add just the right amount of authority that a character like his should command. Bambai Meri Jaan is a treat if you are a fan of underworld stories.

Roshni Ojha

I liked Bambai Meri Jaan directed by Shujaat Saudagar. Firstly, because the story of the Mumbai underworld told in the series was an intriguing one. Secondly, for the brilliant performances of Kay Kay Menon, Avinash Tiwary and Kritika Kamra. They acted exceptionally well as Ismail Kadri, Dara and Habiba, respectively. Plus, the cinematography was impressive and the pace was quite consistent. There’s no doubt that it’s a very well-made show. The thing I didn’t like in the show was the constant barrage of cuss words. Nevertheless, it’s a binge-worthy show and this series is a must-watch for those who love Bollywood gangster dramas.

Sourish Misra