Raakh: KJo Reviews Ali Fazal's Crime Thriller; Says 'Disturbed As A Parent, Not Sure I Will Recover Soon'

Prime Video’s crime drama Raakh has found a high-profile admirer in Karan Johar, whose late-night reaction to the series has added fresh attention to the show’s growing word of mouth. The filmmaker described the Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre and Aamir Bashir-led series as a deeply unsettling watch, praising its emotional force and performances.

The series, produced by Endemol Shine India under Banijay Entertainment, has been drawing notice for placing a police investigation inside a story of grief, violence and moral collapse. Rather than treating the crime as a plot device alone, Raakh appears to be resonating because of the emotional weight carried by its central characters.

Karan Johar Calls Raakh A Disturbing Yet Powerful Watch

Karan Johar shared his reaction after watching the final episode, saying the series had left him “deeply disturbed”. In his Instagram note, he wrote that he had been trying to take time away from social media, but felt compelled to speak after finishing the show late at night.

“Disturbed as a parent, as a human being, and as a member of society,” he wrote, adding that Raakh explores “the ugliest side of humanity”. Johar also said that the show does not use trauma as an easy explanation for evil, a point that speaks to the series’ darker moral centre.

His strongest praise was reserved for director Prosit Roy and the cast. Johar called Roy’s storytelling “incredible” and highlighted what he saw as a restrained, non-manipulative handling of emotion. He also singled out Sonali Bendre and Aamir Bashir, calling their performances career-defining.

Johar wrote that Bendre and Bashir’s portrayal of parents facing unbearable tragedy left him “awestruck”. He said viewers needed to observe their performances to understand the impact of the series. He also praised Ali Fazal’s “exceptional and solid work” and mentioned Akash Makhija and Ramandeep Yadav for their portrayals.

What Makes Raakh Stand Apart

Raakh is loosely inspired by the infamous Ranga-Billa case, one of India’s most disturbing criminal cases. The series does not position itself as a straight retelling. Instead, it uses the broad shadow of a real-life horror to build a fictionalised narrative about loss, justice and human cruelty.

That approach gives the show a wider canvas than a standard procedural thriller. The investigation remains central, but the emotional aftermath is equally important. The grief of parents, the burden on investigators and the social unease around such crimes form the dramatic spine of the series.

Crime dramas on Indian streaming platforms often lean on shock, speed and twists. Raakh, from the reactions it has received, seems to have connected because it slows down enough to examine the consequences. Its appeal lies not only in what happened, but in what remains after the crime is uncovered.

The cast also gives the series a strong dramatic base. Ali Fazal has increasingly built a streaming presence through intense roles, while Sonali Bendre’s performance has become one of the most discussed aspects of the show. Aamir Bashir’s work, too, has drawn attention for its understated emotional charge.

For the uninitiated, Raakh is directed by Prosit Roy, who has previously worked across atmospheric thrillers and emotionally driven stories. The series is created, written and co-directed by Anusha Nandakumar and Sandeep Saket. Its ensemble cast includes Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Bashir, Akash Makhija, Ramandeep Yadav and Rakesh Bedi.

The show arrives at a time when Indian streaming audiences are responding to crime stories that combine genre tension with social discomfort. Shows based on real or real-inspired crimes often invite scrutiny, especially when they deal with violence and suffering. For that reason, tone and treatment become as important as plot.

Johar’s comments underline that distinction. His note did not frame Raakh as an easy binge-watch. Instead, he described it as “devastating and brilliant in equal measure”, suggesting that the show’s impact comes from discomfort rather than entertainment alone.