Shailesh R. Singh's "Lootere," now showing on Disney+Hotstar, throws us into the thrilling yet tumultous life of Vikrant Gandhi, portrayed by Vivek Gomber. Gandhi is an intriguing anti-hero who talks a big game but often falls short when it comes to following through. Once married into Somali royalty, he's now grappling with the decline of his empire, showing a mix of ambition and impatience that reflects actor Gomber's journey.
Check out the trailer of the show here:
Jai Mehta directs, with Hansal Mehta steering the ship as showrunner. Set against the backdrop of the Somalian coast in 2016, the show unfurls a gripping tale aboard a hijacked cargo ship, turning into a complex tale of survival and cunning. While it nods to epic Hollywood adventures like "Black Hawk Down" and "Blood Diamond," "Lootere" stands out with its unique storytelling and insightful character explorations.
The plot thickens as Gandhi aims to secure his position as president of the Mogadishu port trust amidst a tangled web of politics and crime, with his enigmatic ally Gupta, played by Chirag Vora, adding to the unpredictability. Gandhi's brashness and Gomber's nuanced acting might seem rough around the edges at first but slowly unravel a compelling mix of boldness and vulnerability.
"Lootere" doesn't just focus on Gandhi; it dives into the harrowing experiences of the ship's crew and their pirate captors, shedding light on the psychological impacts of their ordeal. With standout performances by Rajat Kapoor as Captain A.K Singh and Naina Sareen as Engineer Aisha, the series captures the intense pressures and moral dilemmas faced by all involved.
The series' music, crafted by Achint Thakkar, perfectly sets the scene, mixing Afro-pop with the gritty vibes of '70s Bollywood. The action scenes, drawing parallels to Hansal Mehta's "Faraaz," are tight and engaging, marking a departure from the director's earlier, more straightforward narratives in "Scam 1992" and "Scam 2003" by presenting a protagonist with depth and flaws.
Sidharth Malhotra recently took to his Instagram Story to express his amazement and praise for Hansal Mehta's series "Lootere," which was released on OTT on March 22. Sharing a picture where "Lootere" can be seen playing on his TV, Sidharth wrote, "Absolutely amazed by #Lootere! It's the perfect weekend watch." He further extended his appreciation to the remarkable team behind the series, including Hansal Mehta, Jaime Mehta, Shailesh R Singh, and Disney Plus Hotstar.
For those eager to dive into this saga, "Lootere's" first two episodes are out on Disney+Hotstar, with more to come, weekly.
