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Inside Edge (2017)

I’d forgive people for giving up on Inside Edge after its first two episodes. Despite not being boring, it feels like the kind of show devised by MBA’s rather than creative writers, with superfluous scenes ostensibly devised only to elicit sharp reactions from viewers. Subtlety is far from the show’s strong suit, with overt references leaving no doubt as to which real-life personalities the characters are supposedly embodying (never more apparent than when the bad boy of Indian cricket walks out wearing the #18 jersey).

However, if you (like me) are a big cricket fan, and you stick with the show past the first couple of episodes, some genuinely smart writing does come to the fore. Each character has a credible, unique personality and voice, and is provided with a well-designed personal arc. These arcs dovetail into the broader narrative cohesively, and make for an enjoyable viewing experience. The writers also deserve credit for their meticulous planning and research, with many real-world events blending naturally into the story and almost every episode ending on a cliffhanger which makes you immediately want to jump to the next one.


The series assembles a good ensemble cast who fit into their roles well.

Angad Bedi justifies his lineage by demonstrating what is perhaps the most classical and authentic batting technique in TV history. He’s comfortable in the off-field scenes too, and renders respectability to the role of stoic captain Arvind Vashisth. He shares a good partnership with an in-form Sanjay Suri.
Despite not having many scenes, Aahana Kumra makes a mark with a powerful, unbridled performance as Arvind’s estranged alcoholic wife Shahana.
What Tanuj Virwani lacks in facial-expression range, he makes up in flamboyance. His lost-boy looks make Vayu Raghavan a compelling character, and his on/off relationship with my fellow Oman-representative Sarah Jane Dias offer some refreshingly sweet scenes (especially the one over filter-coffee).
The most memorable character on the show is the foul-mouthed, venal Devender Mishra, portrayed brilliantly by Amit Sial. His bawdiness has surely contributed a phrase or two to the colorful lexicon of Hindi abuses.
Surprisingly, it is Inside Edge’s stars that deliver under-par performances. Vivek Oberoi hams throughout as the cartoonish, all-controlling, all-knowing businessman Vikrant Dhawan (a.k.a. Hindu Grey). He is unbearable in practically every scene. And even if one gives Richa Chadda the benefit of doubt for her inability to enunciate English lines, she still deserves flak for a largely insipid performance.
Ultimately, Inside Edge is a show I had a lot of fun binge-watching. It keeps you hooked throughout, delivering many a cheap thrill along the way, and offers a standard of storytelling that’s a notch above what we’re accustomed to with the mainstream offerings in India.