MITHYA - V View Reviews #61

Mithya is adapted from the British TV show 'Cheat'. The story revolves around a Hindi professor Juhi Adhikari ( Huma A Qureshi) who accuses her student Rhea Rajguru( Avantika Dassani) of plagiarising an essay. This accusation escalates into psychological warfare where two women try to outwit each other and neither of them is willing to give up. This conflict lit the drama into an intricate web of suspicion and revenge that lures curiosity. There is a parallel plot where Juhi is married to Neil ( Parambrata Chatterjee) and they are trying to have a child. These two plots are neatly weaved keeping the plot compact and drama focused.

The show begins at the story's end, where Juhi and Rhea meet in the prison visiting room. Their conversation transports us to the events of the past. This is an effective technique, withholding information to create tension. There is plenty of twists and turns, the family secrets, lies come tumbling out and the big secret is intact till the last episode. As the story progresses the climax is predictable with a satisfying end after 6 episodes. It also hints at next season with probably a lot more drama.

Mithya is set up in a picturesque town Darjeeling to accentuate the mood of this psychological thriller and succeed to quite an extent.  The misty hill station is perfect for a story of revenge thrill and suspense.

As the drama progress, it unfurls the toxic teacher-students relationship, husband-wife relationship, parent-child relationship, infidelity, sexual dynamics, murder, truth, lies, betrayal a bowl of mixed emotions.

The acting is intense by Huma Qureshi and successfully holds the audience's attention. She is perfect in the role of the professor. Her role is complex, torn between principles and emotions. She managed convincingly her professional ambitions, her motives, her shaky marriage and her choices.

Avantika Dassani as Rhea is carefree, casual with her jeans jacket and boots. She successfully captures GenZ's confidence and impulse, and nurses' secrets and creates an air of mystery and curiosity around her persona. However, her tone remains the same throughout the series.

Parambrata Chatterjee as Neil has a pivotal role in the story. He is honey-trapped. He is believable in his limited screen presence. He has done an impressive job and is reliable.

Rajit Kapoor too has a prominent role. He is very good in his character.

The writer created a decent dose of suspense, the music blends with the plot and is effective Darjeeling adds up to the screenplay's beauty.

Produced by Applause Entertainment, and directed by Rohan Sippy, Mithya is streaming on Zee5.

There are too many psychological thrillers with mystery, drama, and action streaming on various platforms of OTT. A murder happens, there is an investigation, there is a pair of cops, a few suspects, and a predictable climax. Most of them are set in a misty Hill Station. So there is nothing new here too. For me 2.5/5 stars.