Some of the best known and most-discussed TV shows of the 21st century depend upon a ‘petri-dish scenario’ for dramatic tension—desperate individuals trapped in constrained spaces, forced to either work together or perish separately. Think of Lost, The Walking Dead, or more recently, Squid Game, Manifest et al. Most of these, however, involve either supernatural powers or elaborate, conspiracy-theory cabals pulling the strings. A believable, grounded petri-dish scenario— just flawed, ordinary people chaffing against each other for survival— is threading the needle in screenwriting terms. And that’s exactly what Kaala Paani, Netflix’s new drama series has achieved.
When a new infectious disease, marked by the appearance of a dark rash, threatens to rip apart the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an unlikely group of doctors, administrators, lawmen and civilians fight for their collective survival. Off this basic premise, Kaala Paani unfurls a series of enthralling character studies that probe at the human capacity for vulnerability, unconditional empathy—but also pettiness, deception and coldblooded utilitarianism.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
From the King's Table to Street Food: A Food History of Delhi
Pushpesh Pant, one of India’s pre-eminent food writers, is back with a comprehensive food history of the capital.
Who Wants Coffee?
It’s bitter—but beloved around the world
Prevent The Pain Of Shingles
You don't have to suffer, as long as you take two important steps
The Best And Worst Diets For Your Heart
Dozens of diets are touted as ‘best’, but it’s easy to lose track of the fact that healthy eating needs to be about overall wellness, not just weight loss.
ME & MY SHELF
Journalist Sopan Joshi has worked in a science and environment framework for nearly three decades. His book Mangifera indica: A Biography of the Mango (Aleph Book Company) synthesizes the sensory appeal of India's favourite fruit with its elaborate cultural roots and natural history. He writes in English and Hindi.
SWITCHED
In 1962, nurses at a small Canadian hospital sent home two women with the wrong babies. Then, 50 years later, their children discovered the shocking mistake.
ECHOES OF THE PAST
A VISIT TO THE ANCIENT BARABAR CAVES IN BIHAR REVEALS A SURPRISING CONNECTION TO A LITERARY CLASSIC
Fathers of the Bride
A young woman finds a unique way to honour the many men who helped her survive her childhood
Fiction's Foresight
British-Bangladeshi author Manzu Islam's works reveal startling parallels to recent political upheavals in Bangladesh, begging the question: Besides helping us make sense of our world, can stories also offer a glimpse into the future?
It Happens ONLY IN INDIA
The Divine Defence Picture this: A tractor in Rajasthan‘s Banswara district,a group of loan agents closing in to seize it and the defaulting farmer and his family standing by.
