Crime Beat Review: Saqib Saleem's Gripping Crime Thriller Unveiled

Crime Beat Review: Crime Beat premiered its first season on ZEE5 on February 21, 2025 as an Indian crime thriller series in Hindi. Under the direction of Sudhir Mishra and Sanjeev Kaul the television series adopts its concept from Somnath Batabyal’s 2013 novel titled “The Price You Pay.” The story examines the complex relationship between criminal activities and political dimensions and media practices when investigating complex crimes.

Table of Contents

Plot Overview

Abhishek Sinha (Saqib Saleem) moves from Banaras to Delhi to become a distinguished crime reporter after graduating from his novice journalist role. After joining “The Express” under editor Amir Akhtar (Danish Husain) he accepts his position as an employee. Abhishek follows his ambition toward the notorious gangster Binny Chaudhary (Rahul Bhat) despite receiving control of political strings through foreign operations. As Abhishek investigates deeper into the story he discovers the overlapping network between crime and politics while media morals and factual journalism stakes become his primary concerns.

Cast Highlights

The talented Saqib Saleem represents Abhishek Sinha a Delhi journalist whose ambitious nature draws him into dangerous reporting of criminal activity.
Rahul Bhat as Binny Chaudhary: A charismatic gangster with deep political connections.
Danish Husain as Amir Akhtar: The seasoned editor of “The Express” who mentors Abhishek.
Saba Azad as Maya Kapoor: A fellow journalist who challenges Abhishek’s methods and ethics.
Sai Tamhankar plays Archana Pandey (“Heroine”) who brings a dangerous complex to the criminal network which operates alongside Binny’s gang.
Rajesh Tailang portrays DCP Uday Kumar while depicting an accomplished police official deceived by political interests.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, “Crime Beat” garnered mixed reviews:

According to Times of India the series received 3.5 out of 5 stars because it provides an engaging experience that combines investigative journalism stories with crime television while presenting both the pursuit of truth as well as the tension and ambitious nature found in these fields.
The review from Times Now awarded the series two out of five points while calling it “an average web series with foreseeable plot points and standard acting skills. The web show presents both good and bad aspects during its runtime. Crime show fans should find this production interesting.
The Free Press Journal evaluates the show as “competent, well-acted, and atmospheric” but states it lacks enduring impact since it delivers its message similarly to an ordinary crime report that people skim and forget before finishing their coffee.
Scroll.in: Described it as “A compulsively conspiratorial show.”
The review on NDTV picked the show 2 out of 5 with a statement that “Saqib Saleem displays strong performance in this season.” The television series has two talented female actors Saba Azad and Sai Tamhankar who deliver greatness in this male-dominated show.
Firstpost delivered a two-point-five-star review of how Saqib Saleem together with Saba Azad presented an average show about journalism and its sensational nature.

Conclusion

This dramatic show gives viewers critical insights about journalist ethics during the struggle to discover truth and how it connects to the crime and police components of political systems. Some critics have pointed out weak points in the series since Saqib Saleem and Rahul Bhat deliver outstanding work but certain elements of the storyline are missing along with underdeveloped subplots. This storyline supplies entertainment value to audiences who want to learn about the hidden aspects of crime news.