"Sultan of Delhi" emerges as a blend of various gangster drama elements that struggle to find their footing. Milan Lutharia's 2010 film, "Once Upon a Time in Mumbai," initially explored the criminal underworld of the city and was deemed innovative. It featured actors exuding suave charm, delivering loaded dialogues that perfectly fit the narrative. However, when a particular storytelling structure garners appreciation in Bollywood, the industry tends to replicate the formula. With the rise of OTT platforms, filmmakers now have the liberty to impose their stylistic choices on longer formats of storytelling.

Unfortunately, the formulaic approach adopted by Milan Lutharia in "Sultan of Delhi" fails to resonate with the audience, indicating a saturation point in audience patience. The series is plagued by verbose scenes, elaborate dialogues, scantily clad women in item numbers, and thinly sketched female characters, creating a chaotic narrative. It is believed that Arnab Ray's book, "Sultan of Delhi," might offer a more engaging experience than the series. Despite a screenplay with potential, featuring layered characters and talented actors, including Tahir Raj Bhasin, the show fails to captivate, reminiscent of Bollywood's once-vital gangster dramas.

Cast and Characters:

1. Tahir Raj Bhasin as Arjun: The protagonist, Arjun, is introduced as a young teenager who loses his family and fortune during the post-partition riots of 1947. He migrates to India with his father, Ashok, a once-successful businessman, who is now psychologically scarred by the loss. Despite initially displaying a sense of righteousness and justice by combating miscreants in refugee camps, Arjun's character evolves into a complex individual. As he grows up, Arjun becomes ambitious, street-smart, and compassionate, albeit with a hubristic streak, dreaming of becoming the Sultan of Delhi.
   
   

2. Anjum Sharma as Nilendu (Bangali): Nilendu, known as Bangali, is Arjun's friend, known for his loyalty and bravery. However, his character takes a tragic turn when he betrays Arjun, adding complexity to the narrative.

3. Nishant Dahiya as Rajendra Pratap Singh: Rajendra Pratap Singh, or R.P, is the main antagonist of the series. His strained relationship with his father shapes him into a menacing, ruthless businessman, constantly opposing Arjun's rise as the Sultan of Delhi. Despite his initial portrayal as a mere puppet, controlled by Shankari Devi, R.P's character evolves into a formidable adversary, willing to go to great lengths to thwart Arjun's ambitions.

4. Vinay Pathak as Jagan: Jagan is depicted as a businessman by day and an illegal arms dealer by night. Initially, a close associate of Arjun and Bangali, Jagan's character undergoes a transformation when R.P joins his ranks, elevating his status to that of a respected politician. However, Jagan's past actions, including selling Shankari Devi into prostitution, come back to haunt him, leading to his downfall.

5. Anupriya Goenka as Shankari Devi: Shankari Devi is portrayed as a seductive and manipulative woman, capable of using her sensuality as a weapon. Initially, her character appears to be a victim of circumstances, having been sold into prostitution by Jagan. However, as the series progresses, Shankari's true motives are revealed, culminating in a shocking twist involving her ultimate fate.

6. Mouni Roy as Nayantara: Nayantara is introduced as a Bengali cabaret dancer who captivates Bangali's heart. Despite marrying him and becoming a mother, Nayantara harbors feelings for Arjun, setting the stage for a love triangle. However, Nayantara's character lacks depth, primarily serving as a visual spectacle rather than contributing significantly to the narrative.
   
   

Conclusion:

"Sultan of Delhi" offers an ambitious narrative but falls short due to cliched storytelling and lack of depth. While the cast delivers strong performances, the series fails to engage fully, relying too heavily on predictable plot twists. Despite its flaws, "Sultan of Delhi" may still appeal to viewers interested in gangster dramas, offering a glimpse into a world of ambition, betrayal, and redemption.