Review : Murshid : Kay Kay Menon Breathes Authenticity into a Gritty Gangster Drama

In the iconic #AmitabhBachchan starrer #Deewar, writers Salim-Javed brought to life a gangster saga with a soul-stirring humane touch. Fast forward to the digital era, and gangster dramas have found a thriving home on OTT platforms, with Mumbai—once Bombay—serving as the unforgotten hub of underworld legends. Among the many tales vying for attention is Murshid, a gripping portrayal of an underworld don’s reluctant return to the bloody corridors of crime. At the heart of this intense narrative is #KayKayMenon, who, with his understated brilliance, breathes authenticity into the titular role.

Murshid Pathan (Kay Kay Menon), a ‘retired’ don, is pulled back into the murky world he left behind, when his former ally turned bitter foe, Farid (Zakir Hussain), threatens the life of his son. To protect his child, Murshid once again finds himself entangled in the dark web of crime. Aiding him in this treacherous journey is his adopted son Kumar Pratap (Tanuk Virwani), a police inspector walking a tightrope between law and loyalty. The stakes escalate as political figures, including the Chief Minister and his power-hungry son (Anang Desai and Rajesh Shringarpure), manipulate these gangsters to cement their grip on power. The unfolding of this high-stakes power play is where the story truly takes flight.

Writer-director Shravan Tiwari once again proves his prowess when it comes to capturing the intricacies of the underworld. Known for his compelling work in Aazam, Tiwari’s research and storytelling here feel grounded in reality, weaving a complex web of relationships and betrayals around the central characters. What sets Murshid apart is the layered human element—each character is fleshed out, their vulnerabilities on display, making the drama more relatable and engrossing. Tiwari’s direction shines as the series unfolds, tightening its grip with every episode. The atmosphere, replete with gritty authenticity, is further enhanced by solid technical execution across departments.

But, it is Kay Kay Menon who stands tall. His quiet intensity, his restrained yet powerful portrayal of Murshid, captures the viewer’s attention in every frame. His performance is a masterclass in underplaying emotion, proving once again why he is one of the most respected actors in the industry. Zakir Hussain, too, holds his own, delivering a performance that oozes menace and conviction. The supporting cast complements the leads admirably, adding depth to the overall narrative.

Murshid, while following the familiar beats of a gangster tale, stands out for its exceptional performances—especially Menon’s magnetic presence—and its well-crafted storytelling.

Rating : ***1/2

By Keerti Kadam