Search: The Naina Murder CaseOverview
Director: Rohan Sippy
Cast: Konkona Sen Sharma, Surya Sharma, Shiv Panditt, Shraddha Das, Iravati Harshe, Sagar Deshmukh
Language: Hindi
Streaming on: JioHotstar
Format: 6 Episodes (45 mins each)
Rohan Sippy’s Search: The Naina Murder Case begins with all the makings of a thrilling procedural drama, but like a dish that cools too soon, it loses flavor quickly. Despite its potential and an excellent lead performance by Konkona Sen Sharma, the series ends up being another formulaic crime show that forgets to leave an emotional mark.
Search: The Naina Murder Case Plot Summary
Inspired by the acclaimed Danish show The Killing, the Indian adaptation follows ACP Sanyukta Das (Konkona Sen Sharma), a seasoned police officer who relocates in an attempt to save her marriage. Just as she begins settling in, she’s assigned to investigate the shocking murder of Naina, a college student whose body is discovered in a politician’s car.
The investigation soon spirals into chaos — suspects multiply, motives blur, and politics muddy the waters. As the case unfolds, Search: The Naina Murder Case attempts to explore deeper social themes like parental pressure, social media obsession, and moral decay, but never digs beyond the surface.
Search: The Naina Murder Case Script & Direction
Rohan Sippy’s adaptation opens with promise — a tight setup, a strong female lead, and a topical murder mystery. However, the screenplay gradually slips into the comfort zone of Indian crime tropes. The first episode wastes time on unnecessary subplots before diving into the main narrative.
While the show touches on several relevant issues, it does so superficially. Each episode introduces new suspects and red herrings, but the lack of emotional depth prevents viewers from truly investing in Naina’s story or feeling the weight of her loss.
Search: The Naina Murder Case Performances
Konkona Sen Sharma is, without a doubt, the heart of the series. As ACP Sanyukta Das, she delivers a performance layered with vulnerability and quiet determination. Her ability to convey exhaustion and empathy, often in the same frame, elevates even the weakest scenes.
Iravati Harshe brings genuine pain as Naina’s grieving mother, grounding the story in much-needed emotion. Surya Sharma and Shiv Panditt add some edge to their respective roles, though their arcs suffer from flat writing and predictable turns.
Search: The Naina Murder Case What Works
- Konkona Sen Sharma’s commanding performance
- Iravati Harshe’s heartfelt portrayal of a mother’s grief
- Slick production and decent pacing in the first few episodes
- What Doesn’t Work
- Predictable writing with cliched suspects and twists
- Forced subplots like marital tension and professional friction
- Weak emotional connection to the central murder case
- Underdeveloped supporting characters and unresolved arcs
Search: The Naina Murder Case Verdict
Search: The Naina Murder Case had the potential to be a gripping, character-driven murder mystery led by a powerhouse performer. Unfortunately, it ends up being a showcase for Konkona Sen Sharma’s brilliance trapped inside a formulaic script.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Verdict: Watch it only for Konkona’s performance — the rest feels like déjà vu in the world of Indian crime dramas.
FAQs About Search: The Naina Murder Case
1. What is Search: The Naina Murder Case about?
The series follows ACP Sanyukta Das as she investigates the murder of a college girl named Naina, uncovering a web of political corruption and personal secrets.
2. Who stars in Search: The Naina Murder Case?
The show features Konkona Sen Sharma in the lead, alongside Surya Sharma, Shiv Panditt, Iravati Harshe, and Shraddha Das.
3. Is the show inspired by another series?
Yes, the series takes inspiration from the Danish crime drama The Killing, adapted with an Indian setting and cultural context.
4. Where can I watch Search: The Naina Murder Case?
It is available for streaming exclusively on JioHotstar.
5. Is it worth watching?
Yes, if you’re a fan of Konkona Sen Sharma and character-driven performances. But if you’re looking for a tightly written thriller, it might leave you disappointed.
