37 reviews
Powder is a crime series first of its kind on Indian television. It is the story of some honest officers who against all odds after the drug mafia in the country.
Before saying anything anything about the plot or story or acting, let me praise the show which it truly deserves. This show is the best thing which has happened to Indian television in a long long time. While every one was busy doing does bogus soap-operas and cheap, crappy reality shows hats off to Director Atul Sabharwal and Yashraj Television for bringing out something which was so differently refreshing, so life like and was a never before.
The director and the team should be credited for the research work. Every aspect of the life of these officers, drug deals and drug lords seems so true to life. Professional aspects like how raids are carried out, how the network of informers work, how does personal ambitions of officers coincide, how does departmental politics distort things and at times help the criminals, how following the protocol ties officers hands and many more things are just real. Personal lives of the officers and drug lord have also been touched upon but in a perfect balance.
The show portrays three different departments working against the drug mafia. NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau), ANC (Anti-narcotics cell of Mumbai Police) and DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence). NCB is featured most predominantly and their is a on-going tussle between all the three. ANC is often silenced as they're a smaller department while NCB and DRI are neck to neck.
As the show progresses it comes out that Naved Ansari is the man behind most of drug deals and he operates from Mumbai. All three departments make him the prime target.
Usmaan heads the NCB operations team. He is also shown to have some past links with Ansari. What is Usmaan's personal connection with Ansari. Will these officers be able to catch Ansari. Which department will get to put his hands first on Naved Ansari and will he be captured? Each of the character is perfect and you'll get to see some of the best acting performances ever on Indian television.
Unfortunately, the show has low TRPs while its broadcast though it has generated its own cult following. Due to low TRPs of the first season chances of a second season are very unlikely.
The director and the team should be credited for the research work. Every aspect of the life of these officers, drug deals and drug lords seems so true to life. Professional aspects like how raids are carried out, how the network of informers work, how does personal ambitions of officers coincide, how does departmental politics distort things and at times help the criminals, how following the protocol ties officers hands and many more things are just real. Personal lives of the officers and drug lord have also been touched upon but in a perfect balance.
The show portrays three different departments working against the drug mafia. NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau), ANC (Anti-narcotics cell of Mumbai Police) and DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence). NCB is featured most predominantly and their is a on-going tussle between all the three. ANC is often silenced as they're a smaller department while NCB and DRI are neck to neck.
As the show progresses it comes out that Naved Ansari is the man behind most of drug deals and he operates from Mumbai. All three departments make him the prime target.
Usmaan heads the NCB operations team. He is also shown to have some past links with Ansari. What is Usmaan's personal connection with Ansari. Will these officers be able to catch Ansari. Which department will get to put his hands first on Naved Ansari and will he be captured? Each of the character is perfect and you'll get to see some of the best acting performances ever on Indian television.
Unfortunately, the show has low TRPs while its broadcast though it has generated its own cult following. Due to low TRPs of the first season chances of a second season are very unlikely.
- maverick-mm
- Nov 17, 2010
- Permalink
Ahead of time for Indian television.
It's good to find out that indian television had such good series.
- kumarpallav-p
- Sep 12, 2018
- Permalink
A Right Show Born in the Wrong Era
Powder, an Indian Crime Drama released in 2010 & now streaming on Netflix was actually born in the wrong era of Indian Television History, which predominantly focused on more bogused & plotless shows at that time ( and even till now).
However, after watching the entire series you will have a fair amount of knowledge how Enforcement Departments work in India along with the pressure of Bureucracy & Red Tapism.
Powder, follows the story of Usmaan Ali Malik(Manish Chaudhary) & his subordinates of Narcotics Control Bureau who are in pursuit of A Drug Syndicate run by a Notorious Drug lord Naved Ansari (Pankaj Tripathi) who plans on leaving the country in search of a new haven.
The Plot looks simple but has been wooven by Atul Sabharwal (Director & Writer) in a very neat & phased manner. Their are hardly any instances when you will be able to point out that the scenes have been exaggerated or any character is over-defying. The Strong Point of this show lies in both acting & direction. From Brinda to Raja every sub characters are positioned in a perfect manner kudos to Atul Sabharwal. This show is one hell of a ride from Streets of Mumbai to Political Corridors of Delhi & then Ending on. . .(well lets keep that a secret for now). Just for the sake of how good this show is let me remind you this show came 5 years before Narcos & you will still feel those vibes from the Main Antagonist (Naved Ansari) you may also sense a bit of #METoo (remind you again this show came 8 years before this movement) on how the director has never overshadowed its female protagonist in the show, she is tough & independent.
Sadly it could not ascend to Season 2 but its a fresh & a mindblowing take on the rivalry between Enforcement Departments & Drug Smuggling in India.
Watch this Show for the Final Confrontation between "Usmaan & Naved" which wont let you take your eyes off! It's a Must Watch
However, after watching the entire series you will have a fair amount of knowledge how Enforcement Departments work in India along with the pressure of Bureucracy & Red Tapism.
Powder, follows the story of Usmaan Ali Malik(Manish Chaudhary) & his subordinates of Narcotics Control Bureau who are in pursuit of A Drug Syndicate run by a Notorious Drug lord Naved Ansari (Pankaj Tripathi) who plans on leaving the country in search of a new haven.
The Plot looks simple but has been wooven by Atul Sabharwal (Director & Writer) in a very neat & phased manner. Their are hardly any instances when you will be able to point out that the scenes have been exaggerated or any character is over-defying. The Strong Point of this show lies in both acting & direction. From Brinda to Raja every sub characters are positioned in a perfect manner kudos to Atul Sabharwal. This show is one hell of a ride from Streets of Mumbai to Political Corridors of Delhi & then Ending on. . .(well lets keep that a secret for now). Just for the sake of how good this show is let me remind you this show came 5 years before Narcos & you will still feel those vibes from the Main Antagonist (Naved Ansari) you may also sense a bit of #METoo (remind you again this show came 8 years before this movement) on how the director has never overshadowed its female protagonist in the show, she is tough & independent.
Sadly it could not ascend to Season 2 but its a fresh & a mindblowing take on the rivalry between Enforcement Departments & Drug Smuggling in India.
Watch this Show for the Final Confrontation between "Usmaan & Naved" which wont let you take your eyes off! It's a Must Watch
- tazinsiddiqui
- Aug 8, 2018
- Permalink
The best TV show... period
Well, much has been said by the three reviews before me and each of them is spot on! Powder is probably the best thing to happen to TV in general and Indian TV in particular. Its quite unreal how real everything in the show is, the characters, the locations, Mumbai streets, the blood, sweat, grime. All just comes together perfectly to make a pretty heady concoction. I am so enamored that I just finished watching the whole season again! I realize there might not be a season 2 of this because general audiences might not have liked it enough for this to make the TRP cut, but still would like to personally congratulate the producers and Atul Sabharwal for making something timeless! Hopefully one day, the economics will justify another season (or more) of this, and I will be waiting for that.
- ratbertonline
- Jul 14, 2011
- Permalink
Best TV show
It is the best TV show for those who love suspense and something beyond imagination. The story was simple but still something is different which compel u fall n love with the characters.
- sumitkolkata
- Aug 31, 2018
- Permalink
Next Generation of Indian television shows
A very well written and directed show which has been equally well brought to life by it's actors. Each character was well researched and given ample screen time. The ending, though seems rushed which is understandable given that the show was ended in its first season.
Indian audience were not ready for such a show then. But an online platform brought it back. A next season though improbable but is highly anticipated.
- Pradeepmudi
- Aug 26, 2018
- Permalink
One of the best Crime show in Indian TV history
One of the best crime show in Indian television. Story revolves around the narcotics department & drug lord. Manish (as Usmaan Ali ) keep maintains the attitude of real NCB officer. My favorite character is of Rahul bagga (as Mahendra Ranade), playing a role of intelligence officer. he is daring, intelligent 'Jugadu' and courageous. Geetika (Brinda) is also playing as intelligence officer proving the women power. Pankaj (as Naved Ansari) is drug dealer in mumbai & want to settle in Dubai. All of the actors are really wearing the soul of their characters. this show also reveals the race b/w NCB & other Indian crime organizations to catch the Naved ansari. Looks like that this series making involved a lot of research work. A must watch Indian TV show..
A must watch
The series has an excellent story, it was just wrong timing for the TV series to launch
- vipulsodha15
- Aug 19, 2018
- Permalink
Incredible crime series!
The TV series 'Powder' is a must watch! Meticulously sewn together with immaculate storyline, talented actors & top-quality screenplay, this series is one-of-a-kind, which does not refuge any loose end. It is a slow-paced yet highly captivating Narcotics drama that shows the two sides of the same coin. Brought alive by an online films and Tv app, this show breathes a new life to the otherwise trite Narcotics or crime shows by showing the effort & hardwork of four apex law-enforcement agencies in nabbing a common target while ignoring the regular sensational snort or trippy scenes. Honestly, It is a superlative product of some amazing groundwork & top-rated execution. Kudos to the team! In anticipation of reviving the series & telecasting its second season/ further episodes.
- shrutikakkar
- Mar 4, 2019
- Permalink
Atul Sabharwal & Team - Take A Bow!
First things first, 'Powder' has to be the best thing that has happened to Indian television in the last 15 years! Intelligent & Crisp!
The entire series was scripted intelligently with the characters being well sketched & believable. The thorough research done by the director & his team is pretty evident as the plot never loses steam or lacks depth. The attention to detail too was commendable right through the series.
Performances by Manish Chaudhary, Geetika Tyagi, Rahul Bagga & all others were memorable, to say the least. However, for me it was Pankaj Tripathi who stood out for his portrayal of Naved Ansari - the smart, sly, calculated drug lord, who's always one step ahead!
All in all, the first season of 'Powder' was so well conceptualized & competently executed that it leaves you craving & praying for more!
Kudos to Atul Sabharwal & his team for giving us this gripping crime-thriller.
Really hoping to see them carry on the good work into the second season!
The entire series was scripted intelligently with the characters being well sketched & believable. The thorough research done by the director & his team is pretty evident as the plot never loses steam or lacks depth. The attention to detail too was commendable right through the series.
Performances by Manish Chaudhary, Geetika Tyagi, Rahul Bagga & all others were memorable, to say the least. However, for me it was Pankaj Tripathi who stood out for his portrayal of Naved Ansari - the smart, sly, calculated drug lord, who's always one step ahead!
All in all, the first season of 'Powder' was so well conceptualized & competently executed that it leaves you craving & praying for more!
Kudos to Atul Sabharwal & his team for giving us this gripping crime-thriller.
Really hoping to see them carry on the good work into the second season!
- kalyan-manda
- Jun 21, 2012
- Permalink
A beautiful rendition
Its in years that such an awesome thriller unfolded on television and probably we will never get to see again such a wonderful thing unfold on television.As a viewer I think I am obliged that I did have the scope to view this thriller. Every aspect of Powder-the story,the characters,the actors,the dialogs everything was so flawless. Today the television has seriously become an idiot box and only things like Powder make it worthwhile to watch.After so many months since the telecast has stopped none of the fans have neither forgotten Powder nor have they given up hope of it coming back again. Thanks to the entire team for giving us not only good things to see but memories of Powder to cherish.
- bagchisampa
- Nov 17, 2010
- Permalink
One of the Best show in current times on Indian television.
I must say, Powder is by far the best television series i have seen and worked in and i'm not saying this because i have worked in it. First of all, the script is well researched, detailed and was ready before shoot which is an achievement in itself. All the characters are very well defined and interesting. Another thing, is the casting of through out the series. all actors looked very authentic and real which made the whole show real and plausible... actors have also done a fantastic job, specially Vikas as Jagdale, Rahul as Mahendra, Manish as Usman, Pankaj as Ansari and amitosh as Waseem. I also liked the cinematography and use of light and shadow through out the series... Hope it goes into its second season.
- maneeshverma-india
- Nov 17, 2010
- Permalink
Engaging Series
Liked the series. Even though it had some shortcomings it was an engaging series. In its simplicity it brought the characters to life.
- chaiwithpapa
- Jan 6, 2019
- Permalink
Childish production
You are thinking it must be a great series because of pankaj tripathi. But he cannot do everything. Bad writing, specially dillouges. Bad research. Bad production design and worst direction. CID (ACP praduman and team) Make more sense then this powder.
A Fantastic Effort
It is a brilliant effort in telling us the human side of the narcotics business on both sides of the picture. Brilliant acting, realistic scenarios, amazing direction in keeping the story flowing. full marks to the team
- ravinderbirdi
- Mar 8, 2018
- Permalink
Powder, everything seems to be so perfect about this show....
What a original story and truly a mind blowing series....i could find only 1 series with 26 episodes....dun know if there is 2nd series also, cudn't find it. guys read below comments by other guys and do not believe them untill you watch the series :). you can get it from youtube....if there are more hidden shows like this do let me know........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
- ajayrawat-36624
- Mar 11, 2018
- Permalink
The best series on Indian television
I have watched few shows back in 2010 -11 .. watched it again in 2018 in one go.. thanks to Netflix and sonyliv.. everything looks so real and perfect in place. The best actors for best written drama in India . I am not sure if they bring second part for the same
- bhavkathpalia
- Nov 24, 2018
- Permalink
Best Indian TV Mini Series Ever
Powder was made sometime before 2010, a time when the Netflix / Amazon Primes weren't even around. For a Movie banner like Yash Raj Films to invest and make such an amazing show just for a TV Audience is quite remarkable. In most TV shows, there is a hero and a nemesis, with many side characters. Powder may fall in the same category, but the attention, detailing and depth of all associated in this show is quite remarkable. By the end, you are feeling for so many people that you are totally engrossed in the show.
Story writer and Director Atul Sabharwal has kept things so real and subdued, that you almost can't believe this show coming from an Indian production house. The bureaus look real, the officers look real, the gangsters are normal people and even the outdoor scenes are as real as real can be.
There is a certain endearing quality of the show that puts it ahead of its time, which should have ideally propelled the careers of many actors and technicians who are part of the show, but it is still nice to see some of those people making it big in their acting career.
A 10/10 is not only well deserved, but is a signal that more and more, many more people need to watch this smashing show. The best part is that it will not feel like you are coming late to the party.
Story writer and Director Atul Sabharwal has kept things so real and subdued, that you almost can't believe this show coming from an Indian production house. The bureaus look real, the officers look real, the gangsters are normal people and even the outdoor scenes are as real as real can be.
There is a certain endearing quality of the show that puts it ahead of its time, which should have ideally propelled the careers of many actors and technicians who are part of the show, but it is still nice to see some of those people making it big in their acting career.
A 10/10 is not only well deserved, but is a signal that more and more, many more people need to watch this smashing show. The best part is that it will not feel like you are coming late to the party.
- prateek-52030
- Dec 6, 2018
- Permalink
Very addictive.
Some director's have intersting things to show when it comes to show like Powder. I enjoyed this and you will get to know about how drug, money laundering and terrorism are connceted. And how it impact India. Probably we will never see it's season second and this is only sad part about this series when you will end it.
Fantastic
We have immense talent, just buried under stereotypes.
- greenuniverse-86296
- May 11, 2019
- Permalink
Best Indian TV show
Just finished watching Powder on Netflix. It's the best I've seen coming from Indian TV.
It's unfortunate that the series didn't do well due to late slot. But I guess it was made ahead of its time.
Best part is the acting by each and every actor - whatever is the size of the role. The lead cast is amazing - Pankaj Tripathi, Manish Chaudhri, Vikas Kumar, Geetika and Rahul Bagga.
The end felt like there was a part 2 intended. It's not too late to make that!
Hope to see more such series now that there are viewers.
- smitajoshi-77723
- Oct 25, 2018
- Permalink
Excellent, vastly underrated
POWDER got released in 2010 and I did watched it for another 10 years. Now binged watched it in 2020.
The only reason for not giving it 10/10 is because certain elements and production quality are 10 years old, but really this is nitpicking.
Overall doesn't really feel that I am watching something a decade old.
Drug trafficking, money laundering and all other stuff seems is portrayed so realistically.
There are peaks in every episode. Acting, writing, direction and story all are superb. Certain elements in the series seems unnecessary but bear fruits at the right time.
Best things is unlike web series in 2020 no MC, BC and unnecessary sex in this. So the series does not create an awkward moment when watching with family.
The best crime drama I have seen.
Watch this show for honest storytelling and griping narrative.
Several Flashes in the Pan ...
Kudos to Netflix team for resurrecting this long forgotten series which was aired in Sony in 2010. The Story is set in Mumbai Underworld but that's where the similarities with a host of other movies of this genre ends. This is focused on drug smuggling and boy, you will be quite a master of drug trafficking supply chain in India after watching this ! The subject of inter departmental rivalry between the various law enforcement agencies is dealt with realism and manages to frustrate and anger the audience.The acting of the main protagonists is top notch specially Manish Chowdhary and the relatively unknown Swapnel Desai pull off difficult roles with aplomb. The action , well is Indian and nothing to write home about. The relationship building between the characters is a strength but I sometimes felt the hint of romanticism between the two officers was a bit unrealistic.The best part of the series is that it brings out a very balanced view of the drug trade and there is a part where the law enforcement themselves fight with their morality as to what happens if part of the trade ( eg: Marijuana) is legalized tomorrow. The 30 odd episodes is only slightly dragged and you are on the edge of your seat most of the times. Definitely Binge watching material.
- saaicon-sc
- Mar 7, 2018
- Permalink
unsatisfactory end
Very lengthy TV series with with some useless episodes
- himalayagaur
- Aug 6, 2019
- Permalink