Ram Kapoor leads this light detective series with charm, but the show plays it too safe to leave a lasting impression.
A Familiar Premise, Now With an Indian Twist
Mistry is India’s take on the beloved American show Monk, which was known for its quirky charm, emotional depth, and clever storytelling. The concept is similar here: Armaan Mistry, played by Ram Kapoor, is a brilliant ex-cop with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who now works as a private consultant, solving tricky crimes that others can’t crack.
While the idea remains strong, the execution feels a bit too polished, and the show lacks the heart and grit that made Monk so special.
Fast Crimes, Fast Resolutions
Each episode of Mistry runs for about 30 minutes and introduces a new case—whether it’s a murdered politician, a dead celebrity agent, or a wealthy businessman who meets a suspicious end. Mistry observes the smallest details, connects the dots, and solves the mystery—often very quickly.
That’s where the problem lies.
The cases are mildly interesting but are solved so fast that there’s no time for real suspense or drama. The episodes don’t allow viewers to get involved, guess along, or even enjoy any twists. Sometimes, Mistry glances at a photo or video and suddenly knows exactly what happened—leaving the audience feeling left out and confused.
A World That’s Too Perfect
Another big issue is the setting. Everything looks too clean. Whether it’s a crime scene, a police station, or someone’s house, it all feels like a film set. There’s no mess, no grit, and definitely no sense of danger or realism.
Crime shows usually shine when the world feels real and lived in. In Mistry, everything feels scrubbed down and staged. This clean look takes away the tension and mood that a detective show needs to pull viewers in.
A Strong Lead Cast Saves the Day
Despite the weak storytelling and rushed cases, the show is held together by its cast—especially Ram Kapoor. As Armaan Mistry, he brings a perfect mix of intelligence, vulnerability, and dry humor. Whether he’s straightening a board game to calm his OCD or noticing a small clue others miss, Kapoor makes it all believable.
Shikha Talsania plays Sharanya, Mistry’s assistant and emotional support system. She’s a single mom who not only helps solve cases but also helps keep Mistry grounded. Her role could’ve used more depth, but she still leaves a mark.
Mona Singh, as ACP Sehmat Siddiqui, plays the firm but fair officer who believes in Mistry’s abilities. Their relationship feels genuine and gives the show a nice emotional core.
One of the surprise standouts is Kshitish Date as Inspector Bunty. He’s the comic relief—goofy and light-hearted—but manages to be funny without being over the top. His presence adds some much-needed balance to the otherwise serious tone.
A Personal Story Beneath the Surface
Running quietly in the background is a more personal story—Mistry’s unresolved pain over his wife’s death in a car bombing. This emotional thread appears briefly throughout the season, and it finally takes center stage in the finale. This deeper story adds some weight to the series, giving Mistry’s character more depth and making us care a little more.
There’s also his quiet desire to return to the police force. Though he’s on leave due to his OCD, his heart is still in the job. This emotional angle gives the show a little soul, even if it’s not explored as fully as it could be.
Binge-Worthy, But Not Memorable
Mistry is clearly made for quick consumption. You can jump into any episode, follow along easily, and finish it in one sitting. It’s light, breezy, and doesn’t demand too much attention.
But that’s also what holds it back.
Because it doesn’t dig deep or take risks, Mistry feels forgettable. It’s the kind of show you might enjoy with dinner or during a short break—but not the kind you’ll keep thinking about once it’s over.
Mistry: A Missed Opportunity With Good Performances
In the end, Mistry is a show that plays it too safe. It has a great lead in Ram Kapoor, a strong supporting cast, and a fun premise. But it lacks the tension, grit, and clever writing needed to truly stand out as a detective series.
If the creators had spent more time building the cases, adding twists, and creating a more realistic world, this could’ve been a truly engaging mystery show. Instead, we get a shiny, snack-sized version that’s easy to watch—but just as easy to forget.
