The body of Paul Dhillon (Vishal Handa), an NRI bridegroom, lies sprawled in a field in Jagrana, Punjab, his throat slit and head bashed in—a gruesome crime that sets the stage for Kohrra, Netflix‘s Punjabi-language crime thriller series. Created by Sudip Sharma, Gunjit Chopra, and Diggi Sisodia, and directed by Randeep Jha, this ten-episode series is a dark, unflinching look at murder, family, and systemic structures in rural Punjab. It’s a procedural that thrives on its human investigators as much as its intricate plot, making it a standout in the crowded crime drama landscape.

Kohrra’s strength lies in its commitment to authenticity. The series doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of small-town India, where corruption and nepotism are as prevalent as the dusty roads and sprawling fields. The investigation into Paul Dhillon’s murder is led by Sub-inspector Balbir Singh (Suvinder Vicky) and ASI Amarpal Garundi (Barun Sobti), two cops who couldn’t be more different. Vicky’s Balbir is a seasoned, no-nonsense cop with a deep understanding of the local power dynamics. His performance is a masterclass in understated intensity, grounding the series in a sense of weary pragmatism. Meanwhile, Sobti’s Amarpal brings a younger, more empathetic perspective to the case, his character serving as the audience’s entry point into the morally complex world of Jagrana.

The chemistry between Vicky and Sobti is one of Kohrra’s greatest assets. Their dynamic—Balbir’s cynicism clashing with Amarpal’s idealism—drives much of the series’ tension and emotional weight. The duo’s investigative work is meticulous, relying on old-school police methods rather than flashy forensic science. This grounded approach makes their progress feel earned, even when the case takes unexpected turns.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Harleen Sethi as Nimrat Kaur, Balbir’s daughter, and Manish Chaudhary as Satwinder ‘Steve’ Dhillon, Paul’s father, add layers of emotional depth to the procedural elements. Sethi’s portrayal of Nimrat, a woman caught between tradition and modernity, is particularly compelling. Her performances in key scenes—whether she’s grappling with her failing marriage or standing up to her father—bring a palpable sense of urgency and vulnerability.

The series also benefits from its richly detailed setting. Punjab’s countryside, with its vast fields and tight-knit communities, serves as a character unto itself. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the landscape, contrasting it with the dark underbelly of small-town politics and familial strife. The production design is equally noteworthy, with the Dhillon family’s lavish London home serving as a stark counterpoint to the modest homes and bustling markets of Jagrana.

Kohrra’s exploration of family dynamics is one of its most compelling themes. The series delves into the complicated relationships between fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and siblings. The Dhillon family, in particular, is a study in dysfunction, with secrets and resentments simmering beneath the surface. The show’s second season, which shifts focus to a different murder case involving a woman found dead in her brother’s barn, continues this exploration but loses some of the emotional resonance that made the first season so engaging.

The series isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, with certain subplots meandering without clear purpose. For instance, the Instagram rapper Saakar Khurana (Saurav Khurana) and his ex-girlfriend Veera Soni (Aanand Priya) add a modern twist to the narrative but sometimes feel disconnected from the central mystery. Additionally, the second season’s shift in focus can be jarring for viewers invested in the Dhillon family’s story.

Despite these missteps, Kohrra remains a captivating and well-crafted crime thriller. It’s a series that rewards patience and attention to detail, with a richly woven tapestry of characters and themes. The performances are uniformly strong, the setting is immersive, and the procedural elements are executed with precision.

Kohrra is for viewers who appreciate slow-burn mysteries and complex character studies. It’s not a series that relies on shock value or twist endings but rather on the gradual unraveling of a tightly constructed narrative. Fans of shows like The Killing or Broadchurch will find much to enjoy here, as will those interested in exploring the cultural and social dynamics of rural India.

In the end, Kohrra is a series that leaves a lasting impression.