'Indian Police Force' Review: Sidharth Malhotra Infuses A Fresh Perspective Into Rohit Shetty's Cop Series

Throughout the past fifteen years, director Rohit Shetty has masterfully crafted a vibrant Cop Cinematic Universe featuring crowd-pleasers such as 'Singham' (starring Ajay Devgn), 'Simmba' (featuring Ranveer Singh), and 'Sooryavanshi' (led by Akshay Kumar). These films revolve around principled law enforcement officers grappling with anger issues and displaying awe-inspiring stunt abilities that defy the laws of physics.

In his latest venture, ' Indian Police Force ,' which also signifies his debut in the realm of OTT, Rohit Shetty, co-directed by Sushwanth Prakash, endeavors to raise the stakes. Much like his preceding creations, this seven-part series boasts star power, attitude, style, and a captivating spectacle.

The series, premiering today on Amazon Prime Videos, kicks off with a series of planned bomb attacks across various locations in New Delhi. The timing, coinciding with Delhi Police Raising Day, takes Special Cell Unit officers Kabir Malik (portrayed by Sidharth Malhotra ) and his senior officer Vikram Bakshi (played by Vivek Oberoi ) by surprise. Despite their efforts to thwart several attacks, approximately 250 lives are lost in the explosions. Subsequently, they collaborate with Gujarat ATS Chief Tara Shetty (depicted by Shilpa Shetty) to track down an individual linked to the Gujarat blasts. This pursuit leads them to the mastermind, Haider (Mayyank Taandon) of the Indian Mujahideen, unraveling a host of hidden secrets and exposing numerous skeletons in the closet.

Admittedly, Shetty and his cop universe haven't been synonymous with originality. Hence, one must dispel any expectations of novelty when it comes to the Indian Police Force. The blueprint adheres precisely to the anticipated script: straightforward, repetitive, and lacking inspiration. The recurring theme of the 'cops-are-the-best-fighting-for-their-lives' versus 'terrorism' argument is a well-worn narrative that Shetty, along with numerous others, has explored extensively.

Nonetheless, Shetty and Prakash skillfully construct a realm of captivating moments that continually engage the audience, and a substantial amount of credit is owed to their adept long-format storytelling. In Indian Police Force, hero worship is not the focal point. If present, it extends beyond a solitary cop, akin to Singham, Simmba, or Sooryavanshi; instead, it encompasses the entire police force. As the narrative intensifies towards its climax, the creators afford you the luxury of empathizing with the characters at your own pace, unburdened by concerns about time constraints.

A notable surprise lies in the absence of the usual over-the-top action sequences, characterized by cars and individuals soaring through the air, a trademark of Rohit Shetty's directorial style. However, equally impactful and commendable are his realistic and credible yet heart-pounding, adrenaline-rushing action sequences, mirroring the effectiveness of his extravagant set pieces from previous films.