Indian television series
24 is an Indian Hindi-language action thriller television series which aired on Colors TV, based on the American series of the same name. It aired from 4 October 2013 through 21 December 2013. It was written by Rensil D'Silva, Bhavani Iyer, directed by Abhinay Deo and produced by Ramesh Deo Productions.[2][3][4] Season 2 aired from 23 July 2016 and completed its run on 9 October 2016.
The Hindi version of 24 is the first adaptation of the show; the India rights were acquired from Fox and 24 producer Howard Gordon by the production company of Anil Kapoor, who also plays the lead role in the adaptation.[3] In November 2011, Kapoor's production house signed a ₹ 100 crore ($20 million at the time) deal to adapt the series.[5] The show is set in Mumbai with the main set of the Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) being a replica of the one in the original series.[4] Bollywood actors Anupam Kher and Shabana Azmi both have cameo performances in the show.[6][7][8]
The season is directed by Abhinay Deo and Rensil D'Silva, written by Rensil D'Silva and Bhavani Iyer and is supervised by Manisha Sharma.[3] The second season aired in July 2016 to October 2016.
Plot
Season 1
The season focuses on ATU Chief Jai Singh Rathore (Anil Kapoor), who is torn between saving his family and the entire nation from a major terrorist attack. With assassins and attackers on the loose, it is up to Jai to save the country's Prime Minister-elect candidate Aditya Singhania (Neil Bhoopalam), even possibly from members of his own family, with the eye of suspicion lingering on his cousin & Chief of Staff, Prithvi Singhania (Raaghav Chanana).
Season 2
Jai gets a terror mastermind Roshan Sherchan (Ashish Vidyarthi) arrested along with accomplice Shivani Malik (Sakshi Tanwar). But Roshan's brother Haroon Sherchan (Sikander Kher) threatens to infect Mumbai with a virus that can put everyone's life at risk. While members of the Anti Terrorism Unit (including Shivani Malik) are trying their best to solve the case, Jai Rathod, unbeknownst to them, is hatching a plan to free Roshan. Jai has drawn further ire from his son for being romantically involved with a new woman Maya (Surveen Chawla). Maya also has a connection to the terrorist brothers and is in a relationship with Haroon. Aditya (Neil Bhoopalam) & Prithvi Singhania (Raaghav Chanana) continue to hold fort on the political front as the country unravels into chaos, while hidden secrets in their family saga begin to unravel.
Production
Kapoor, who had previously featured in the American version of the 24 series playing President Omar Hassan, bought the official rights of 24 in November 2011.[9] The show aired in Hindi and was also dubbed in various regional languages. India is the first country outside of the US to get rights to adapt the show. "We hope this will pave the way for many more local versions of this brilliant series in other international territories," Fox International Television president Marion Edwards said in an email reply to ET.[10] Kiefer Sutherland, who starred in the original show[11] has shown interest in acting in the Hindi version.[12]
Colors channel bought the broadcast rights in a deal estimated at Rs 150 crore. Kapoor holds the rights of the 192 episodes for a period of four years extendable to another ten.[13]
The first season featured the Tata Safari Storme as presenting sponsor, whereas the second season featured the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross.[14] Both cars were advertised prominently in the show.
On 21 October 2013, Kapoor launched Tata Safari Storm presents 24 – The Game, a 3D game in which players participate as ATU Chief Jai Singh Rathod, portrayed on-screen by Kapoor.[15]
The second season of the series also known as Day 2, commenced airing on 23 July 2016.[16][17] The show is written by Rensil D'Silva, Niranjan Iyengar and Priya Pinto, directed by Abhinay Deo.[18][19][20] began shooting in February 2016. Sakshi Tanwar, Surveen Chawla, Sikander Kher, Madhurima Tuli and Ashish Vidyarthi were announced as new main cast members. As with the original show, the plot concerns a mission to save the country from a tragedy, and later an attempt to implicate the conspirators responsible for it. Season 2 of 24 is loosely based on the third season of the original series, while borrowing some story elements from the second season.[21]
Reception
Season 1
An article in the UK newspaper The Independent stated that it was one of the most expensive TV shows ever produced in India and the first to have a major Bollywood star in the lead.[38]
The Gulf News praised its production values and writing.[39]
Rediff awarded the show 3.5/5 stars and stated that "The plotting: Two sisters, a man who's had a plastic surgery, a vicious boss, an airplane bombing, the sinister face of 24. What doesn't work? The dialogues. They're clunky, contrived, filmi and, at times, little more than a tacky translation. And this shortcoming ruins some potentially strong scenes or disconnects from the steadily brewing tension. While somewhat underwhelmed by the debut episode, I was hooked to the fast-paced, unflinchingly fierce (chopped finger, et al.), action-packed momentum of the second. 24's premise is such, every episode inches closer to a disclosure. It may not have the finish of the original but when you look at the bigger picture, Anil Kapoor's new show is a step in a desperately needed direction."[40]
The Telegraph stated "... a big thumbs up to its well-chosen cast. Every actor fits perfectly into his or her role, with a special mention for Mandira Bedi's Nikita, Neil Bhoopalam's Aditya and Tisca Chopra's Trisha."[41]
Season 2
Anil Kapoor, who was back with Season 2 of 24, received positive feedback from the viewers for his fresh outing. The actor was grateful for the critical acclaim he has been getting and makes sure he replies to every tweet that mentions him or 24.[42] Critics praised Anil Kapoor, Sikander Kher, Raaghav Chanana and Ashish Vidyarthi for their acting skills.[43] Parmita Uniyal of India Today stated "It's dark, it's uncomfortable, it will leave you asking for more".[43]
