Mohit Raina’s ‘The Freelancer – The Conclusion’ Review
Rating: 3/5
‘The Freelancer – The Conclusion‘ unfolds the gripping tale of a mercenary, Mohsin (Navneet Malik), determined to rescue his late friend’s daughter, Aliya (Kashmira Pardeshi). Following the tragic events in the first season, Mohsin’s parents face a devastating fate, leading Aliya to be trapped in ISIS-controlled territory in Syria.
Avinash Kamat (Mohit Raina) takes on the perilous mission to save her, navigating through intricate plots and imminent dangers. In the pursuit of extracting Aliya safely, Avinash faces challenges from both terrorist threats and intelligence agencies.
The narrative delves into the complexities of the mission, with Avinash strategically countering obstacles while working with CIA officials Mark Ross (Shaun Paul) and Radha Baxi (Sarah Jane Dias) in Tangier, Morocco. As the tension escalates, the climax, reminiscent of Neeraj Pandey’s directorial finesse in “BABY” (2015), delivers an intense and satisfying culmination.
The series, spanning three episodes with a runtime of 150 minutes, stays true to the source material, Shirish Thorat’s “A Ticket To Syria.” Ritesh Shah and Benazir Ali Fida’s meticulous storytelling and screenplay keep the audience engaged, despite a slightly elongated pace in the initial episodes. The dialogues maintain a realistic and conversational tone throughout.
Bhav Dhulia and Rahil Nadiadwala’s direction shines, creating an immersive experience that consistently keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The palpable tension reflects the dire circumstances Aliya faces, especially in a territory governed by ruthless adversaries.
While the series excels in many aspects, some drawbacks are evident. The explanation of CIA procedures and the limited action in the initial episodes might test viewers’ patience. Additionally, the final episode, while captivating, takes certain cinematic liberties that may challenge realism.
Mohit Raina’s portrayal of Avinash is measured, with a fitting screen presence that enhances the character’s impact. Kashmira Pardeshi delivers a standout performance, elevating her career prospects. The supporting cast, including Anupam Kher, Navneet Malik, Shaun Paul, and Sarah Jane Dias, contributes effectively to the narrative.
Sanjoy Chowdhury’s background score adds to the tension, Tojo Xavier’s cinematography captures breathtaking locales, and Abbas Ali Moghul and Jérémie Vigot’s action sequences complement the storyline. The production design by Sukant Panigrahy and costumes by Falguni Thakore enhance the series’ authenticity.
While the VFX by Raj VFX Pvt Ltd could have been improved in certain scenes, Praveen Kathikuloth’s editing maintains a compelling narrative flow.
In conclusion, “The Freelancer – The Conclusion” is a must-watch for its compelling plot, stellar performances, and a gripping climax that ensures viewers remain on the edge of their seats.