Tushar “Mumbai Diaries Season 2” continues the compelling narrative of doctors working tirelessly in a government hospital amidst a devastating deluge. Following the events of the first season, Dr. Kaushik Oberoi (played by Mohit Raina) faces accusations from Savita Kelkar (played by Sonali Kulkarni), the wife of ATS officer Anant Kelkar, whom he was unable to save. She takes him to court, and matters become more complex when Dr. Diya Parekh (Natasha Bharadwaj) testifies against Dr. Kaushik in a case involving her own mother’s death. The verdict is set to be delivered on July 26, 2009, but due to extreme rainfall, the judge cannot reach the court, postponing the hearing to July 31. Ananya, Dr. Kaushik’s pregnant wife, leaves for Pune to deliver a lecture, leaving him to face the challenges at Bombay General Hospital.
As the hospital admits the first wave of flood survivors, Dr. Kaushik struggles to focus on his work amid relentless media coverage of his case, particularly by News Today, where Mansi Hirani (Shreya Dhanwanthary) launches a campaign against him. Meanwhile, Dr. Ahaan Mirza (Satyajeet Dubey) develops feelings for Chitra Das (Konkona Sen Sharma) but is hesitant to ask her out. Chitra, haunted by her traumatic past, is shocked to encounter her abusive ex-husband, Dr. Saurav Chandra (Parambrata Chattopadhyay), as part of a UK delegation visiting Bombay General Hospital. Dr. Diya faces consequences for forging the hospital’s CMO’s signature, and chaos escalates as the rains wreak havoc on the city.
Image Courtesy – Mohit Raina Instagram
The storyline is excellent, filled with captivating moments, and Yash Chhetija and Persis Sodawaterwalla’s screenplay is gripping. Managing multiple storylines and weaving them together coherently and engagingly is no small feat, but the writers succeed admirably. Sanyuktha Chawla Shaikh’s dialogues are simple yet sharp.
Nikkhil Advani’s direction is exemplary, particularly in his use of long takes that shift focus between characters and the emergencies they handle. The flood element adds to the drama, creating nail-biting moments throughout. The series culminates in a satisfying manner, leaving viewers with a heightened appreciation for doctors and shedding light on how news channels manipulate public perception.
However, the initial episodes may seem slow and confusing, as some storylines appear unrelated to the floods, although they make sense later. The absence of a courtroom scene for Dr. Diya’s testimony feels like a missed opportunity to add weight to her character. Lastly, the scene of Dr. Sujata confronting Dr. Kaushik in the morgue in front of the deceased’s husband seems unrealistic.
The performances are stellar, with Mohit Raina delivering a vulnerable yet powerful performance. Konkona Sen Sharma excels in portraying trauma, and Parambrata Chattopadhyay is convincing as a manipulative abuser. The supporting cast, including Satyajeet Dubey, Natasha Bharadwaj, Mrunmayee Deshpande, Prakash Belawadi, Tina Desai, and Shreya Dhanwanthary, all contribute to the series’ success.
Image Courtesy – Mohit Raina Instagram
The music by Ashutosh Pathak is serviceable, with “Rab Ne Sab Ke” standing out for its haunting quality. The background score by Ashutosh Pathak enhances the thrilling moments. Cinematography by Malay Prakash is impressive, although a crucial scene with Ananya on an inflatable bed could have been shot from better angles. Production design by Priya Suhass is detailed, and the VFX work, especially depicting the flooded city, is commendable. Costume design by Sheetal Iqbal Sharma suits the non-glamorous hospital setting. The action sequences, handled by Mohammed Amin Khatib, are minimal, and editing by Maahir Zaveri could have been tighter in the initial episodes.
In summary, “Mumbai Diaries Season 2” is a riveting thriller worth watching for its strong script, execution, message, and outstanding performances by the lead and supporting cast.
