Brown review: Karisma Kapoor's comeback is dark, messy and magnetic

Brown series review: Karisma Kapoor returns in a psychological crime drama that looks beyond the murders. More than a mystery, Brown is a story of loss told through the eyes of a broken cop.

In Short

• Karisma Kapoor makes a strong OTT comeback as troubled cop Rita Brown
• Rita returns to duty while battling alcoholism, grief and constant scrutiny
• The series favours emotional fallout over shock twists or surprise reveals

There is always something disturbing about crime thrillers. More often than the crime itself, it is the emotional baggage that the characters carry that stays with you. Director Abhinay Deo's latest series, Brown on Zee5, is steeped in sadness, with grief and loss casting a shadow in almost every frame. Rather than focusing only on unmasking the killer, the show also explores how tragedy and heartbreak shape the lives of those caught in its aftermath.

Set in a dark and gloomy Kolkata, the story begins with the shocking murder of Ahana Jaiswal (Vaibhavi Malhotra), the daughter of one of the city's richest businessmen, Dheeraj Jaiswal (Ajinkya Deo). Her body is found at her home, in what is described as a disturbing crime scene. Soon after, another woman, Usha Jain(Jayashree Venkatramanan), is found murdered in a similar way, raising fears that a serial killer is on the loose. To solve the case, troubled police officer DCP Rita Brown (Karisma Kapoor) is brought back to duty.

Adapted from Abheek Barua's novel City of Death, Brown is less about surprising viewers with the killer's identity and more about the emotional struggles of the people involved in the investigation. The seven-episode series looks at themes of grief, guilt and second chances, while slowly unfolding the mystery.

At the heart of the story is Rita Brown, once among Kolkata's finest police officers, now grappling with alcoholism and the lingering trauma of a devastating personal loss. Karisma brings both strength and vulnerability to the role, making Rita easy to root for despite her flaws.

Much like at many workplaces where women in positions of power are constantly scrutinised, Brown explores the challenges faced by Rita Brown as she leads the investigation. Her troubled past is repeatedly brought up, her competence is questioned, television debates put her under the spotlight, and she is even pushed to step away from the case and is replaced by a male officer.

Whether she is interrogating a suspect, struggling with memories of her late husband – played by singer Shaan in a brief cameo – or managing her relationship with her mother, Janice Brown, played by Soni Razdan, Karisma brings both strength and vulnerability to the role.

It is this emotional honesty that makes Rita the heart of Brown.

She is expected to bow down to the system and those around her. However, as the investigation progresses, Rita's sharp instincts and knack for reading a crime scene prove why she is the best person for the job. Despite being an alcoholic, she knows best how to navigate through personal turmoil and work hard to deliver justice.

While the show sometimes feels a little too heavy because of its consistent emotional tone, it keeps you invested with strong performances, an engaging mystery and a haunting atmosphere.

Brown may not be a fast-paced thriller, but it offers a thoughtful and gripping look at people trying to heal while chasing a dangerous killer.

Deo sets the tone right from the opening episode, creating a world where the darkness extends beyond the murders and into the lives of the people investigating them.

Other than Rita’s character, another hero of the show remains the writing. It does a good job of slowly revealing clues about the murderer and the events leading up to Ahana's death without giving away too much.

The investigation unfolds at a steady pace, allowing the suspense to build naturally instead of depending on frequent twists and turns.

One of the biggest strengths of the series lies in the way it uses Kolkata as more than just a backdrop. The city's narrow, weathered lanes, old-world charm and the subtle use of Rabindranath Tagore's music with references to Bengali culture add authenticity, making the setting feel alive and deeply connected to the narrative. Casting Bengali actors for key roles turns out to be one of the show's smartest decisions. Their effortless command over the language and cultural nuances added a layer of authenticity to the show.

After delivering a remarkable performance in Undekhi, Surya Sharma once again impresses as Inspector Arjun Sinha, the head of the homicide squad, who teams up with Rita to solve the crime.

Like Rita, Arjun is weighed down by his own grief and guilt, but Sharma ensures the character has a personality and journey of his own. Far removed from the loud and unpredictable Rinku Paaji that made him popular, he brings sincerity to Arjun.

Jisshu Sengupta also leaves a lasting impact as therapist Sandip Chakrabarty. Although his role unfolds gradually, he becomes an important part of the story and adds another emotional layer to the narrative.

It is always said that no story is complete without the supporting cast and that’s exactly where Brown stands out. Consisting of seasoned actors, the cast adds depth to the world of Brown, even if some characters do not get enough screen time.

Soni Razdan is quietly effective as Rita's mother, bringing warmth and stability to the story. While her role is not explored much, whatever she does makes every scene count. Helen, on the other hand, plays Rita’s grandmother, Aunt Bertha, who lends a sense of comfort to the narrative.

While a little is explored about Karisma and Shaan’s story, some light on their relationship or maybe a timeline, could have added more meat to the story, making the viewers understand Rita’s emotional journey in depth.

There are moments when the story feels slightly stretched and could have been tighter. But that is also the nature of a good crime thriller; it slowly pulls you into its world. The challenge for the director is to maintain that balance, and for the most part, Brown manages to keep the audience engaged without letting the pace become dull.

Brown works best as a psychological crime drama that relies more on its characters and mood than on shock value. Its haunting Kolkata setting, strong performances and well-paced mystery keep you invested throughout, even if the constant emphasis on grief and trauma can feel a little repetitive at times.

- Ends
3.5 out of 5 stars for Brown