DIRECTED BY: Ajay Bhuyan
PRODUCED BY: Juggernaut Production
CAST: Shriya Pilgaonkar, Kamya Ahlawat, Ragini Dwivedi, Tuhina Das, Yahhve Sharma, Pranay Pachauri, Smaran Sahu and Anuj Sachdeva
STREAMING ON: ZEE5
RATING: 3/5
Tejal Sinha
Plot
Set in a small town in Madhya Pradesh, Chhal Kapat – The Deception follows the sudden death of Shalu (Yahhve Sharma), a popular social media influencer, during a destination engagement. Initially assumed to be a suicide, the incident soon draws suspicion. SP Devika Rathod (Shriya Pilgaonkar), newly appointed in Burhanpur, is called to the scene and begins a methodical investigation. The haveli, where the incident occurred, becomes a closed circle of suspects—each with secrets, motives, and emotional baggage. As the investigation progresses, the layers of each character begin to unravel, revealing that the bonds of friendship may not be as pure as they seemed.
Highlights
The series thrives on its old-school whodunit structure—complete with red herrings, hidden pasts, and timed revelations. What makes it engaging is its compact storytelling; with episodes running around 20 minutes each, the show wastes little time in moving the plot forward. There’s a gradual build-up of tension that holds attention, and the confined setting of the haveli adds to the claustrophobic intensity. The mystery plays out like a game of psychological chess, where the viewers, like the protagonist, are forced to question every character’s intentions. It also integrates a domestic abuse subplot subtly, giving a social context to the psychological stakes.
Drawbacks
Despite its watchability, Chhal Kapat doesn’t offer anything particularly novel. The writing sticks too close to genre tropes and avoids narrative risks that could have made the mystery more dynamic. The subplots, especially SP Devika’s troubled backstory hinted through flashbacks, remain underdeveloped. Some investigative breakthroughs—like blood reports or financial trails—come into play too late, reducing their narrative impact. Small technical oversights (such as an IPS officer being called an “inspector”) also affect the credibility of the show. A more layered approach or earlier integration of clues could have elevated the storytelling.
Technical Aspects
The series makes good use of its location. The old haveli with its creaky corridors and rustic charm creates an eerie yet grounded atmosphere that suits the narrative. The cinematography is tight and functional, often focusing on facial expressions to amplify suspense. The pacing is sharp thanks to the short episode lengths, though this occasionally leaves little room for deeper character exploration. The background score is minimal but well-timed, helping build mood without overwhelming scenes. Directionally, the show plays it safe, sticking to a linear format and relying on genre familiarity rather than innovation.
Performances
Shriya Pilgaonkar is the standout performer as SP Devika Rathod. Her composed, no-nonsense demeanor anchors the show and lends credibility to the investigative arc. She effectively balances strength with restraint, giving her character authority and depth. Kamya Ahlawat, Tuhina Das, Ragini Dwivedi, and Yahhve Sharma, who play the group of friends, perform adequately but aren’t given enough emotional range to make a lasting impression. Interestingly, it’s the male characters—particularly Anuj Sachdeva as the politically connected Vikram—who add to the simmering tension, playing their parts with measured ambiguity.
Verdict
Chhal Kapat – The Deception doesn’t break new ground, but it doesn’t need to. It functions well as a quick, tightly-packaged murder mystery that leans on classic storytelling devices. While it lacks bold twists or standout writing, the series benefits from strong pacing and a committed lead performance. It’s a decent pick for viewers who enjoy traditional whodunits that deliver closure without demanding too much emotional investment.
