Lootere Series Review: A competent hijack-thriller with exceptional filmmaking

Right from the opening frames of Jai Mehta’s Lootere, it becomes clear that it is not a typical series. We get right into action with the chaotic and pulsating energy of the Somalian pirates, running towards the sea to get to their boats. Even in these brief moments, there are attempts to humanize these hooligans, as we take fleeting glimpses inside their homes. The images crafted by cinematographer Jall Cowasji carry a stunning resonance that pulls you into its world. The first time that we meet Vikrant Gandhi (Vivek Gomber) is in the dead of the night. He wakes up and a tint of yellow light puts much of his face into obscurity. We hear his voice as he introduces himself and explains how he took over the business from his father-in-law. As he sits across on the bed, the room is dark with a faint light outlining his body, as he rationalizes his decision to stay in a polarising country like Somalia by saying, “Jannat me naukar banne se achha, nark me raja bano (Instead of becoming a slave in heaven, become the king in hell)”. The title music fades in and what follows in the next episodes is an amplification of this glorious opening with rich, saturated visuals, smart writing and visceral performances.

Showrunner: Hansal Mehta

Directed by: Jai Mehta

Starring: Vivek Gombar, Rajat Kapoor, Martial Batchamen, Amruta Khanvilkar, Gaurav Sharma, Athenkosi Mfamela, Harry Parmar, Chirag Vohra, Aamir Ali, Gaurav Paswala, Chandan Roy Sanyal

Streamer: Hotstar

At the centre of its plot is the conflict between ‘naukar’ and ‘raja’ which is reflected among all the characters in different capacities, there is a constant fight with authority that everyone goes through. It is first seen on the ship when Captain AK Singh (Rajat Kapoor) ruins the birthday celebration of a crew member by giving orders to stay on guard and check security protocols in the ship as it enters Somalian waters. Someone particularly irked with Singh is Zafar, a Pakistani engineer on the ship. Here, although there is some disappointment with authority, there is no ambition to stage a rebellion, something which is seen boiling among the pirates. Their leader, Barkat (Martial Batchamen), is met with some animosity from another hyperactive pirate who wants to take up his position and do things his own way. Further, Gandhi has a subordinate, Gupta (Chirag Vohra) who he treats like a punching bag, hurling abuses and insults on every small occasion. This ‘slave’ and ‘king’ dichotomy takes a larger political meaning as the writers highlight the plight of the oppressed Somalian people who are caught in the middle of things that people like Gandhi do in collaboration with the government and police.

Among the major triumphs of the writing is the meticulous focus on each character. Right from the pregnant woman in the crew to Gandhi’s wife, Avika (Amruta Khanvilkar) and her quest to find Ismail, the son of their house help, who disappeared 2 months ago. The screenplay is dense with moments of tension, an amalgamation of the smaller conflicts that add to the larger goals. Moreover, writers Vishal Kapoor and Suparn Varma add layers to the screenplay that make some actions have a deeper meaning. In a crucial scene, Barkat opens up about how his people are dehumanized, which forces them into violence and piracy. Along with showing the painful experience of the crew, we are also shown the tragedy of the pirates, who have been rendered heartless due to troubling conditions in their homeland.

Such layers in the writing are wonderfully matched by the performances which breathe life into the world of Lootere. After playing subtle, sensitive and quieter roles in some of his earlier films including Court (2014) and Sir (2018), Gomber transforms into a menacing figure in the show. He is fierce and manipulative and manages to bring authenticity to the character with his husky voice and expressive demeanour. His confrontation scene with the equally brilliant Amruta Khanvilkar later in the show is powerfully performed with rare honesty. Moreover, Rajat Kapoor is unforgettable as the captain and gives you a lot to take along with his screen presence. Just a look on his face is enough to gauge the tension that is sprawling in the air.

Showrunner Hansal Mehta and director Jai Mehta have cracked the code for effective long-format storytelling. The emotional beats in the show find a release through clever aesthetics that bring out the core without making it seem obvious. Adding on to that is the pertinent use of music which when coupled with sharp editing, keeps the thunder alive in the storytelling. Finally, all the elements come together and work like a charm. In the ocean of possibilities, Lootere is a ship that sails with silent grace.