INTRODUCTION
Tanaav is the Indian adaptation of the hit Israeli web series Fauda, set in the conflict-ridden region of Kashmir. The show follows the story of a retired Special Task Group officer, Kabir Farooqi (Manav Vij), who is asked to rejoin his duty for an important mission - to capture the dreaded terrorist Umar Riaz (Sumit Kaul) who was thought to be dead but is actually alive and planning something big in Kashmir.
SYNOPSIS
Kabir Farooqi is shocked when he learns that Umar Riaz, who was presumed dead, is actually alive and planning something big in Kashmir. STG Head Vikrant (Arbaaz Khan) asks Kabir to immediately resume his duty as no one knows Umar AKA Panther better than him. After being hesitant initially, Kabir takes on the secret mission. Kabir and his team go undercover when they get information about Umar attending his younger brother's wedding in Kashmir. But their mission fails even though Kabir comes close to capturing Umar. From thereon, the 12-episode show is like a hide-and-seek game between Kabir and Umar.
STORY REVIEW
Story wise, Tanaav is almost the same as Fauda except that the latter was set against the Israel-Palestine conflict and the former is set in Kashmir. Kabir is so desperate to catch his enemy that at one point, he goes rogue after he loses someone close to him because of the mission. The show raises important questions about the conflict in Kashmir and the sacrifices made by the soldiers fighting in the region.
POSITIVE ASPECTS
Manav Vij, who plays the central character of Kabir, is commendable, but he is lacking in emotional sequences. Waluscha De Sousa, playing Umar's wife, and Zarina Wahab, playing Umar's mother, are probably the only actors who excel when it comes to emoting. Ekta Kaul, who plays Dr Farah, has a brief role, but she nails it. Rajat Kapoor is fabulous as the Indian intelligence group chief Malik. The show also features Arslan Goni, Satyadeep Misra and Amit Gaur, but none of them stand out.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS
The problem is the same with the other actors too, making it difficult for you to connect with them. Sumit Kaul as the antagonist is average, as is Shashank Arora as his right hand Junaid. Though Shashank does add a bit of intrigue and mystery with his performance, he only gets your attention towards the end when he finally rises to the occasion. Arbaaz Khan doesn't fit into his character at all and neither does he leave a good impression.
PERFORMANCES
Manav Vij, Waluscha De Sousa, Zarina Wahab, Ekta Kaul, Rajat Kapoor and Shashank Arora have put in decent performances. Sumit Kaul and Arbaaz Khan's performances are average.
TECHNICAL POINTS
The overall production values and execution is where Tanaav is a let down. The makers have failed to take the advantage of a place like Kashmir, which could have been a character itself, adding a lot of depth. There are no amazing action scenes or stunts that you usually expect from an espionage thriller. Tanaav could have been crisper with thrills and action elements.
FINAL VERDICT
Tanaav is a decent watch that keeps you engaged for the most part, but it falls short in.