The Night Manager web series is a thrilling adaptation of David Farr’s acclaimed series that drew from John Le Carre’s novel, brought to life in the Indian version by Sridhar Raghavan. Marrying style with substance, this is one of the few adaptations of international franchises where text and context come together to create a stimulating experience.
This espionage thriller is laced with powerhouse performances, a dose of sharp humour, and languid sensuality, but it’s the smart treatment of the predictable portions that keep us invested.
Set in Bangladesh, The Night Manager web series opens with a gripping story of a child bride struggling to find a way out amidst the forced migration of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. The strapping manager with a ticking heart, Shan Dasgupta, becomes her unlikely ally as she blows the whistle on her tormentor, an eccentric Bangladeshi tycoon Freddie Rehman.
However, as the story unfolds, we learn that Rahman is just a front for Shailendra Rungta, an arms dealer disguised as a business magnate with a share in every land that is being cultivated for terror and unrest.
The series is a four-part first season that centers around how Shan infiltrates Rungta’s gang with the support of RAW officer Lipika Saikia. Sridhar takes his cues from Carre but adds a lot between the lines to bring the inspiration closer to home.
The way he sets it up in Dhaka ensures that viewers are sucked into the whirlpool of emotion and intrigue. Showrunner Sandeep Modi, who also worked on Aarya, shows a deft hand at handling textured stuff and smoothly navigates through the layers of intrigue and intricate emotions.
The Night Manager Web Series Cast Performances
Anil Kapoor is at the top of his game as the double-faced tycoon who deals in terror. Anil Kapoor effortlessly chews the scenery but also internalizes the insecurities of a man who has blood on his hands.
His performance is a delight to watch, and he finds his match in Tillotama Shome, who plays Lipika Saikia, an intelligence officer who is cornered by her own system. She delivers a light touch and plays her urge to succeed with ease.
Aditya Roy Kapur delivers a performance that matches his personality. The writing demands a certain emotional gravitas from him, and he delivers. His equation with the two child actors gives the tense thriller some tender moments.
Sobhita Dhulipala, who plays Rungta’s trophy wife, is more than just eye-candy. She plays the cold sensation that raises our blood every time she is on-screen.
The pacing of the series is one of the highlights, as scenes and situations don’t linger on beyond a few episodes. The Night Manager is an explosive moment on screen where art meets popular appeal. We cannot wait for the second season.
The Night Manager is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.