Pill review: Riteish Deshmukh shines in this riveting yet slow paced medical drama

From powerful pharmaceutical companies seeking dominance at any cost to unsuspecting human guinea pigs trusting treatments without question, 'PILL' delves deep into the shadows of the medical industry. This new web series released on JioCinema, marking Riteish Deshmukh's digital debut, brings authenticity and intensity to the genre, distinguishing itself from many medical thrillers of the past.

Pill Movie Plot
'PILL' revolves around the dark side of the pharmaceutical industry. Dr Prakash Chauhan (Riteish Deshmukh) becomes embroiled in exposing the corrupt practices of a powerful pharmaceutical company, Forever Cure Pharma, owned by the ruthless Brahm Gill (Pavan Malhotra). Alongside him are Nimrit Kaur (Anshul Chauhan), a diligent medical inspector; Ashish Khanna, a determined microbiologist; and Noori (Akshat Chauhan), a courageous crime reporter. Together, they fight against unethical clinical trials and the powerful forces behind them.

The series begins with a gripping scene at Sohni Hospital in Patiala, where a doctor is coerced into falsifying drug testing reports for thousands of patients. This early tension sets the tone for a narrative filled with moral dilemmas and dangerous confrontations.

Pill Movie Trailer
The trailer of 'Pill' effectively set the stage for an intense and dark narrative, offering glimpses of Deshmukh's compelling performance and high-stakes confrontations. Striking visuals and palpable suspense promised a series that would keep viewers hooked.

Pill Movie Performances
Riteish Deshmukh shines in his digital debut, bringing depth and nuance to Dr Prakash Chauhan. From his first scene, Deshmukh owns the character, delivering a performance that is both rooted and powerful. Pavan Malhotra, as the menacing pharmaceutical magnate Brahm Gill, is equally compelling. He portrays a complex and unpredictable villain masterfully.

Supporting actors Neha Saraf, Akshat Chauhan, and Anshul Chauhan also deliver strong performances. The relationship between Prakash and his wife, played by Saraf, adds a layer of humour to the otherwise serious narrative.

Direction and Writing
Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, Jaideep Yadav, and Mahim Joshie, 'Pill' masterfully navigates the complex and corrupt world of pharmaceuticals. Gupta, known for films like 'No One Killed Jessica' and 'Raid', brings a keen eye for detail and an ability to enhance every element of the series. The show ambitiously explores the murky connections between pharmaceutical giants, private hospitals, and corrupt officials exploiting the underprivileged for drug trials.

While the series is slow-paced, especially in the initial episodes, it builds a solid foundation for the epic legal battle that unfolds. The direction skillfully avoids overcomplicating the narrative despite dealing with heavy themes like class divisions, medical misconduct, and illegal drug trials.

What works for Pill movie
'Pill' stands out for its authenticity in portraying the struggles of patients and whistleblowers. The series confronts harsh realities with boldness, making it a compelling watch. The performances, particularly by Deshmukh and Malhotra, anchor the series and keep you engaged.

What doesn't work...
The slow pace of the show can make the eight-episode series feel longer than it is. While the emotional and ethical struggles are portrayed believably, the characters occasionally lack relatability, making it harder for viewers to connect on a deeper level.

All in all, 'Pill' is a gripping medical thriller that delves into the world of pharmaceuticals with unflinching authenticity. While the slow narrative pace may deter some viewers, the series heats up as Dr Prakash confronts the cunning CEO of Forever Cure Pharma. Deshmukh's debut in the digital space is impressive, and the supporting cast adds depth to the narrative.

Despite its flaws, 'Pill' is a thought-provoking series that raises critical questions about the ethics of the pharmaceutical industry. It’s a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone interested in the darker side of medical advancements.