Charlie Chopra & The Mystery of Solang Valley Review: Another Vishal Bhardwaj's Directorial Brilliance

" Charlie Chopra & The Mystery of the Solang Valley " unravels the tale of an unexpected detective, set against the enchanting backdrop of Solang Valley. Here, amidst a heavy snowfall, the enigmatic Rai Saab ( Naseeruddin Shah ) conducts a séance, attended by a diverse group including Miss Bharucha (Ratna Pathak Shah), Colonel Barua (Baharul Islam), Janki Rawat ( Neena Gupta ), and others.

The séance takes a chilling turn when Wasima (Bhagyashree Tarke), Wilayat's daughter, becomes possessed by the spirit of Lady Rose, predicting a death that shatters their tranquil night. Rai Saab's conclusion that Brigadier Meherbaan Singh Rawat ( Gulshan Grover ), connected to the guests, has met an untimely end sends shockwaves through the gathering.

Colonel Barua rushes to Manali, discovering Meherbaan's murder, and the finger points at Jimmy Nautiyal (Vivaan Shah), the prime suspect. Jimmy professes his innocence, though he admits meeting Meherbaan on the fateful night. Inspector Narayan ( Ghanshyam Garg ), the lead investigator, is content to let the case rest.

But then, the inquisitive and intrepid Charlie Lata Chopra, known as Charlie Chopra (Wamiqa Gabbi), enters the scene. She is an aspiring sleuth determined to uncover the truth, and her relentless questioning extends to everyone close to Meherbaan, including the séance attendees and Saloni (Paoli Dam) and her husband Manas (Chandan Roy Sanyal). The unfolding events form the heart of this captivating story.

"Charlie Chopra & The Mystery of the Solang Valley" draws inspiration from Agatha Christie's novel, "The Sittaford Mystery," delivering a compelling whodunit narrative. The screenplay, crafted by Vishal Bhardwaj , Anjum Rajabali, and Jyotsna Hariharan, keeps viewers engaged as it meticulously unveils the murder, introduces each character, and hints at their potential motives. While the dialogue is sharp and contributes to the mystery's atmosphere, a few one-liners fall flat.

Vishal Bhardwaj's direction shines in its simplicity, accentuating the picturesque setting of snow-covered landscapes, mountain ranges, and the cable car, all adding to the overall ambiance. The series manages to balance its tone, blending moments of humor and quirkiness into the narrative. Charlie Chopra's character is particularly well-developed, presenting a smart and witty female detective—an uncommon find in Indian entertainment. Bhardwaj's creative touch is evident in Charlie's occasional breaking of the fourth wall, establishing a unique connection with the audience.

However, the abundance of characters can be overwhelming, making it challenging to remember their relationships and connections. Some plot twists are predictable, and the show leaves certain elements unexplained, such as the identity of the MMS girl and her method of entrapment. The finale, while unexpected, tends to drag and feels somewhat derivative, reminiscent of similar settings and styles seen in recent films.

In terms of performances, Wamiqa Gabbi steals the spotlight with her exceptional portrayal of Charlie Chopra, showcasing her remarkable acting prowess and impeccable comic timing. Priyanshu Painyuli (Sitaram Bisht) adds to the entertainment value, while Ratna Pathak Shah and Neena Gupta deliver commendable performances despite limited screen time. The supporting cast, including Baharul Islam, Gulshan Grover, Lara Dutta, Bhagyashree Tarke, Vivaan Shah, Pulkit Makol, Paoli Dam, and Chandan Roy Sanyal, all make notable contributions to the series, enriching their characters with depth and nuance.

Vishal Bhardwaj's music, while not particularly memorable, serves its purpose, with the title song leaving a mark. The background score complements the genre and feel of the show. Tassaduq Hussain's cinematography captures the scenic beauty of both the exterior and interior scenes, showcasing the rich production design by Shoumini Ghosh Roy. Abhilasha Sharma's stylish yet realistic costumes, especially Wamiqa Gabbi's wardrobe, deserve special mention. Manas Mittal's editing keeps the narrative engaging, despite a runtime of less than three hours.

To sum it up, "Charlie Chopra & The Mystery of the Solang Valley" offers an entertaining and intriguing whodunit, highlighted by Wamiqa Gabbi's award-worthy performance. While it may have its moments of confusion and familiarity, the series captivates viewers with its engaging storyline and well-crafted characters, making it a worthwhile watch for mystery enthusiasts.



GENZ News is the ultimate destination for the trend-savvy generation! Stay on top of the GenZ news with India's first and the only product for GENZs.