Revisiting Asur: The Indian Web-Series Unleashing the Dark Side of the Human Psyche
Enter the gripping world of “Asur,” where forensic science meets ancient mythology in a thrilling crime webseries. Follow Nikhil Nair, a forensic expert, as he teams up with his mentor to hunt down a ruthless serial killer in Varanasi. With secrets, twists, and stunning visuals, “Asur” is a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and captivating mysteries.
Asur: Crime Thriller Webseries Blending Forensic Science and Ancient Mythology
Asur is an Indian Hindi-language crime thriller web series, produced by Tanveer Bookwala for the then video-on-demand platform Voot. The series stars Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Anupriya Goenka, Riddhi Dogra, Sharib Hashmi, and Amey Wagh in lead roles. The series is set in the context of a modern-day serial killer with religious ties. Arshad Warsi made his OTT debut through this series.
The series premiered on Voot on 2 March 2020. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the cast, the direction, the writing, and the production values. The series was also a commercial success, becoming one of the most popular web series in India. And no doubt the fact that the audience waited for Asur season 2 with wide-open eyes.
Well, Asur season 2 is now streaming for FREE on Jio Cinema but before we jump into the most dark and captivating series, let’s take a recap of Asur season 1.
Plot of Asur:
Asur is set in the backdrop of the mystical city of Varanasi. The story follows Nikhil Nair (Barun Sobti), a forensic expert turned teacher, who returns to his roots at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and along with his former mentor Dhananjay Rajpoot (Arshad Warsi), finds himself caught in a cat-and-mouse game with a brutal serial killer.
The killer, who calls himself “Shubh” (Vishesh Bansal), is a young man who believes that he is possessed by the spirit of a demon. He murders his victims in a ritualistic manner and leaves behind clues that point to his connection to Hindu mythology.
Nikhil and Dhananjay must race against time to stop Shubh before he strikes again. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a dark and disturbing truth about the city of Varanasi and the forces that are at play.
Main Characters of Asur:
- Nikhil Nair:
Nikhil is a forensic expert who is called back to the CBI to help investigate the murders. He is a brilliant investigator, but he is also haunted by his past. He lost his wife and daughter in a car accident, and he has never been able to fully move on. - Dhananjay Rajpoot:
Dhananjay is Nikhil’s former mentor and partner. He is a seasoned investigator who is known for his no-nonsense approach. He is also a good friend to Nikhil, and he is determined to help him catch the killer. - Shubh:
Shubh is the serial killer who is terrorizing Varanasi. He is a young man who believes that he is possessed by the spirit of a demon. He is intelligent, brilliant with an IQ of 146, and extremely cunning, and he is always one step ahead of the CBI.
The Intricate Web of Serial Killings:
What sets “Asur” apart is its intricate plot line that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Each episode unravels a new layer of the mystery, delving deeper into the psyche of the characters and exploring the dark aspects of human nature. The series skillfully explores themes of revenge, obsession, and the constant battle between the forces of good and evil. As the investigation unfolds, the characters’ personal demons come to light, further blurring the lines between the hunter and the hunted.
Character Study: Flawed Heroes and Complex Villains
The success of “Asur” can be attributed to its well-drawn characters. Barun Sobti delivers a power-packed performance as Nikhil Nair, a former forensic expert haunted by his past. His character embodies the complexities of human nature, oscillating between his demons and his pursuit of justice. On the other hand, Arshad Warsi portrays Dhananjay Rajpoot, as a brilliant but eccentric forensic expert. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable and adds depth to the storyline.
Additionally, the show presents a gallery of intriguing supporting characters. Anupriya Goenka shines as Naina, a data analyst who becomes an integral part of the investigation. Amey Wagh impresses Rasool Shaikh, an enthusiastic hacker with his unique quirks. Each character brings their own nuances to the table, making the series a delight for character-driven storytelling enthusiasts.
Technical Brilliance and Visual Aesthetics
The technical brilliance of “Asur” elevates its storytelling to new heights. The direction, cinematography, and editing are top-notch, immersing viewers in a world where every frame contributes to the overall atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The use of dark and gritty visuals aptly complements the show’s theme, while the background score creates an ominous ambiance, adding to the tension.
Cultural and Mythological Significance
One of the standout aspects of Asur is its seamless integration of Indian mythology and cultural references. The series draws inspiration from ancient Indian texts and philosophies, intertwining them with a contemporary crime thriller narrative. This unique blend of mythology and modern storytelling not only makes Asur a distinctive viewing experience but also offers insightful commentary on the timeless battle between good and evil.
For instance, one victim’s death is inspired by the concept of the “asuras” (demons) from Indian mythology, adding a layer of depth to the narrative and highlighting the show’s exploration of ancient wisdom in a contemporary context
Impact and Reception of Asur:
Upon its release, Asur received critical acclaim for its fresh approach, engaging storytelling, and powerful performances. The series successfully captivated audiences, garnering a dedicated fan base. It opened up new avenues for Indian web series to explore unconventional themes and narratives, setting a benchmark for quality content in the digital space. Asur not only entertained but also ignited conversations about the depths of the human psyche and the battle between good and evil.
Now Let’s Go into a little recap episode by episode:
Episode 1: The Dead Can Talk
The Dead Can Talk Introduces the two main characters, Nikhil Nair (Barun Sobti) and Dhananjay Rajpoot (Arshad Warsi). Nikhil is a forensic expert who works for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Dhananjay is a senior forensic expert who is investigating a series of murders in Varanasi. The two men are brought together when they realize that the murders are connected to a mythological creature called Asur.
The episode also introduces the concept of “Asura Vidya,” a dark and ancient science that is used to create Asur. Asura Vidya is based on the belief that there is a dark side to human nature and that this dark side can be used to create powerful weapons.
The episode ends with Nikhil and Dhananjay discovering a body that has been mutilated in a way that is consistent with the Asur murders. The two men realize that they are dealing with a dangerous and powerful killer and that they need to work together to stop him.
Episode 2: Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole picks up where the first episode left off. Nikhil and Dhananjay are still investigating the Asur murders, and they are starting to make some progress. They have identified the killer as a man named Shubhrataman, and they have also learned that he is a practicing Asura Vidya practitioner.
Shubhra is a brilliant and dangerous man, and he is determined to continue his work. He believes that Asura Vidya is the key to unlocking the true potential of human beings, and he is willing to kill anyone who gets in his way.
Nikhil and Dhananjay are racing against time to stop Shubhrataman, but they are also facing a number of challenges. Shubhrataman is a master of disguise, and he is able to easily blend in with the crowd. He is also very good at covering his tracks, and it is difficult for Nikhil and Dhananjay to find any evidence that can link him to the murders.
Episode 3: Peek-A-Boo
Peek-A-Boo sees Nikhil and Dhananjay racing against time to stop Shubhrataman before he can kill again. The episode opens with a flashback to 18 years ago when Shubhrataman was a young boy who was taken to see a psychologist by his grandfather. The psychologist is amazed by Shubhrataman’s intelligence, but he is also concerned about his violent tendencies.
In the present day, Nikhil and Dhananjay are still trying to figure out how Shubhrataman is able to evade them. They eventually realize that he is using a network of people to help him, including his wife, Aparajita, and his assistant, George.
Episode 4: Ashes from the Past
Ashes from the Past sees Nikhil and Dhananjay finally catching up to Shubhrataman. The episode opens with a flashback to 11 years ago when Shubhrataman’s father was killed in a ritual sacrifice. The ritual was performed by Dhananjay’s father, who was a priest at the Varanasi Museum.
In the present day, Nikhil and Dhananjay track down Shubhrataman to a remote temple in the Himalayas. They confront him, but he is able to escape. Nikhil and Dhananjay give chase, but they are eventually caught in a snowstorm. They are forced to take shelter in the temple, where they are confronted by Shubhrataman’s followers.
Nikhil and Dhananjay are outnumbered and outgunned, but they are able to fight their way out of the temple. They eventually track down Shubhrataman, and they finally bring him to justice.
Episode 5: The Devil Has a Face
The Devil Has a Face sees Nikhil and Dhananjay finally coming face-to-face with Shubhrataman. The episode opens with a flashback to 11 years ago when Shubhrataman was arrested for killing his father. He was then sent to jail, where he spent the next 10 years studying Asura Vidya.
In the present day, Shubhrataman has escaped from jail and is on the loose. Nikhil and Dhananjay are racing against time to find him before he can kill again. They eventually track him down to a deserted warehouse, where they confront him.
Shubhra demands that Nikhil join him in his quest to create a new world order, but Nikhil refuses. He tells Shubhrataman that he is a monster and that he must be stopped. Shubhrataman is enraged and attacks Nikhil. The two men fight, and Shubhrataman is eventually defeated.
Episode 6: The Firewall
The Firewall sees Nikhil and Dhananjay trying to stop Shubhrataman from carrying out his final plan. The episode opens with a flashback to 1 year ago when a grandfather explains to his grandson the story of Asur Kali, a powerful demon who disguised himself as a human and lived among people. However, he was eventually defeated by Dharma and Satya, two gods who represented good and truth.
In the present day, Shubhrataman has created a firewall that will allow him to access the internet and control the world’s nuclear weapons. Nikhil and Dhananjay are racing against time to stop him, but they are also facing a number of challenges. Shubhrataman has a number of followers who are willing to die for him, and he has also managed to hack into the CBI’s computer systems.
Episode 7: Let There Be Darkness
Let There Be Darkness opens with a flashback to 10 years ago when Nikhil visits Shubh, who is in prison for the murders of his parents. Shubh tells Nikhil a story about the Asuras and the Devtas, and how the Asuras were persecuted and killed by the Devtas. Nikhil apologizes to Shubh for what happened to him, but Shubh says that it is DJ’s fault, not his.
The police search for Nikhil and two officers end up at the right location. However, they are shot and killed. DJ makes an absurd request to Naina: he wants her to add his name to the SIC database so that he can lure the killer to himself.
Episode 8: End is the Beginning
End is the Beginning,10 years prior, Nikhil discovers that DJ framed evidence to wrongly imprison Shubh, leading to Nikhil’s resignation from the CBI.
Nikhil manages to escape and learns there are multiple people posing as Shubh, suggesting Kesar as the mastermind. Meanwhile, a journalist and two preachers are trapped with a limited oxygen supply.
Naina leaves Ria in the care of a house helper. Lolark suspects Rasool and finds drawings similar to Shubh in his notebook. Rasool may be Shubh or his disciple. Kesar forces DJ to confess and self-harm, revealing the captives’ location. Kesar is Shubh’s first disciple.
Shubh contacts Nikhil, who reunites with Naina and finds the captives. DJ collapses but is rescued. Shubh offers Nikhil a choice between Ria and the captives. Nikhil sacrifices Ria, who was killed by a follower. Shubh kills Lolark, and the journalist kills the Islamic preacher. Nikhil and DJ’s rivalry intensifies due to DJ’s past mistakes.
Conclusion:
Asur stands as a testament to the growing quality and diversity of Indian web series. With its enthralling plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, it has left an indelible mark on the digital entertainment landscape. This riveting series proves that Indian content creators are pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional narratives that resonate with global audiences. “Asur” undoubtedly stands tall as a must-watch for fans of intense.
And now we can peacefully watch Asur 2 over the weekend with 1 episode releasing every midnight.