"The Railway Men," a limited four-part Netflix series, produced by YRF Entertainment and helmed by debut director Shiv Rawail, immerses viewers in the aftermath of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. Crafted by writer Aayush Gupta, the series unfolds against the backdrop of a beleaguered railway station, exploring the untold stories of individuals grappling with the disaster. The ensemble cast, featuring Kay Kay Menon, R Madhavan, Divyendu Sharma, Babil Khan, and Juhi Chawla, delivers commendable performances under Rawail's direction.

Summary: The series seamlessly blends reality and fiction, focusing on the Bhopal gas tragedy and the railway officials at the forefront of the response. Iftekhar Siddiqui (Kay Kay Menon), a battle-scarred stationmaster, emerges as a hero, risking his life to protect the people. Imad Riaz (Babil Khan), a rookie loco pilot, reluctantly steps into the role of a hero, armed with insider knowledge of Union Carbide's negligence. The narrative weaves through multiple characters, both real and fictional, with a journalist, portrayed by Sunny Hinduja, embodying the relentless pursuit of truth.

Likes: The exceptional performances of the cast, particularly Kay Kay Menon and Babil Khan, anchor the series. Menon's portrayal of Siddiqui, a self-effacing hero, adds depth to the character. The realistic recreation of the industrial disaster, aided by actors mindful of the historical context, is commendable. The series succeeds in presenting the 'untold' aspects of the tragedy, shedding light on lesser-known heroes and the consequences of the disaster.

Dislikes: Despite its strengths, the series occasionally grapples with balancing its extensive array of characters. The inclusion of a conman character (Divyendu Sharma) feels extraneous, triggering a conflict that, at times, distracts from the main narrative. Some female characters, despite having significant roles, are overshadowed by the male-centric storyline. The storytelling, while competent, leaves a lingering feeling that there was untapped potential for a more impactful narrative.

Verdict: "The Railway Men" is buoyed by noteworthy performances and competent storytelling, but it falls short of reaching its full potential. The series successfully brings to light the untold stories of heroes amidst tragedy, yet the occasional narrative weight and underdeveloped character arcs hinder its impact. Kay Kay Menon's brilliant portrayal and the exploration of the consequences of the Bhopal gas tragedy make it a worthwhile watch, despite its shortcomings.

Star Rating: 3/5

IMDB Rating: 8.7/10