Grahan, inspired by the novel Chaurasi by Satya Vyas, is a powerful drama set across two timelines—1984 and 2016. The story begins with a gentle romance between a Hindu boy, Rishi, and a Sikh girl, Manu, in the days leading up to the tragic 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Their love is torn apart amidst violence and hatred.

In 2016, IPS officer Amrita Singh, played by Zoya Hussain, is ready to leave her career behind to move to Canada. But when she discovers that her father, Gursevak Singh, may have been involved in the riots, she reinvestigates, determined to uncover the truth. As Amrita digs deeper, secrets from the past come to light and the stories of the old and the new collide with surprising consequences.

Cast & Crew

The series boasts a strong ensemble:

• Pawan Malhotra plays the dual role of older Gursevak Singh and Rishi Ranjan, bringing depth to both the romantic past and moral conflict.
• Anshumaan Pushkar appears as the younger Rishi, capturing youthful love and betrayal.
• Zoya Hussain embodies SP Amrita Singh, whose emotional journey anchors the modern storyline.
• Wamiqa Gabbi shines as younger Manu (Manjeet Kaur Chhabra), bringing softness and grief to her role.
• Donny Kapoor plays older Manu, completing the emotional arc.
• The supporting cast includes names like Nandish Singh Sandhu, Satya Kam Anand, Teekam Joshi, and several others who enrich both timelines with grounded performances

Behind the camera:

• The story was created by Shailendra Kumar Jha and directed by Ranjan Chandel.
• Writing credits include Anu Singh Choudhary, Vibha Singh, Prateek Payodhi, Navjot Gulati, Ranjan Chandel, and Shailendra Kumar Jha.
• Music by Amit Trivedi (songs) and Daniel B. George (background score), cinematography by Kamaljeet Negi, and editing by Shan Mohammed deliver emotional tone and pacing.
• Produced by Ajay G. Rai under Jar Pictures, the show released on Hotstar.

Streaming & Release

Grahan premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on June 24, 2021. The series consists of 8 episodes, each running between 45–55 minutes, making it a tightly woven, binge-able drama.

Reception & Recognition

Critics praised Grahan for its sensitive and emotional handling of a dark chapter in Indian history:

• The Times of India described it as an “emotional tale” filled with love, anguish, and betrayal (rating 3.5/5).
• India Today noted it could prompt younger viewers to explore lesser-discussed chapters like the 1984 riots.
• The Indian Express called it “an impactful series that finds resonance in today’s India.”
• NDTV praised its humanist core, calling it “a cautionary tale… recommended.”

At the 2021 Filmfare OTT Awards, Grahan earned nominations across major categories: Best Series (Drama), Best Director, Best Actors, Best Screenplay, and technical awards like cinematography, music, and production design.

Why Grahan Stands Out

1. Dual timelines, one harsh truth – It connects personal stories with political tragedy to powerful effect.
2. Deep emotional arcs – From young romance to generational trauma, the characters stay with you.
3. Top-tier talent – Both lead performances and technical craftsmanship are standout.
4. Thought-provoking and socially relevant – It encourages viewers to remember and question, not just feel.

Final Thoughts

Grahan is more than just a crime drama—it’s a sensitive portrayal of how history casts long shadows, how personal stories can become political battlegrounds, and how one woman’s journey unearths family secrets entwined with a nation’s collective trauma. If you’re looking for a web series that thrills emotionally, makes you think, and respects the weight of history, Grahan is a must-watch.

Brandon

Brandon is the cheif editor and writer at WorldUnfolds.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye, he crafts engaging content that captivates and enlightens readers worldwide.