Ali Fazal, who was previously seen in, has just had a release with the Prime Video series Raakh. Directed by Prosit Roy, the show has Ali playing SI Jayprakash who leads the investigation after two teenagers go missing. Recently, the actor spoke about the role, and its challenges.
Speaking about why he consciously rejected the ‘macho cop’ template in the gritty series, Fazal said, “My first question going into the show was how we could make this character feel different because there’s already a very fixed idea of what a cop looks and behaves like on screen. They’re often portrayed as macho, loud, larger-than-life figures who command every room they walk into. With JP (Jayprakash), I wanted to move away from that template completely.”
Further talking about what drew him to the character, Ali added, “It was his introvertedness, his quietness, the tenderness he carries beneath the surface and his ability to see things from a perspective of a common citizen. He isn’t someone who wears his emotions openly, but they inform every decision he makes. I was far more interested in exploring the vulnerability, empathy and emotional weight he carries than simply playing a figure of authority.”
Alongside Ali Fazal, Raakh stars Sonali Bendre and Aamir Bashir in key roles, along with Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav, Divya Sharma, Vivaan Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, Rakesh Bedi, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles.
The 8-part series is created, written and co-directed by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket. Produced by Endemol Shine India in association with BhaDiPa, the series began streaming on June 12.
