Human: A Morbid and Overblown Look at Medical Malpractice and Unethical Drug Trials
"Human," the new Hotstar Specials series starring Shefali Shah and Kirti Kulhari, delves into the dark underbelly of medical malpractice and unethical drug trials. While its themes resonate deeply during a pandemic, the series’ focus on hospitals, illnesses, and injections might be triggering for many. Furthermore, despite its creators’ intentions, "Human" inadvertently risks being misconstrued as anti-vaccine propaganda.
A Morbid and Overdrawn Tale
"Human," created and directed by Shefali Shah’s husband Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Mozez Singh, is a bleak and depressing narrative. The series lacks any hope or light at the end of the tunnel, offering a consistent but relentlessly grim tone that can feel heavy and repetitive. Its focus on plot over character development leaves viewers yearning for richer, more insightful moments.
A Grandiose Drama with a Caricatured Cast
The series aims to be a sweeping drama, tackling complex themes like trauma, ambition, and class disparity. However, its ambitious scope backfires, pushing its narrative elements to comical extremes. Consequently, characters verge on caricature, undermining the dramatic impact of their actions and motivations. Trying to handle too much, "Human" ultimately stumbles and falls short of its potential.
A Look at the World of ‘Manthan’
The story unfolds in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, although the setting feels somewhat artificial due to its obvious filming in Mumbai. The series centers on three primary characters: Dr. Gauri Nath, a renowned neurosurgeon and the founder of the prestigious hospital "Manthan," played by Shefali Shah; Dr. Saira Sabharwal, a junior cardiac surgeon with a hidden past, portrayed by Kirti Kulhari; and Mangu, a desperate man entangled in a get-rich-quick scheme involving unethical drug trials, played by Vishal Jethwa.
Gauri, haunted by the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy and subsequent personal losses, embodies a complex mix of vulnerability, strength, and potentially manipulative tendencies. She thrives on her role as a victim and uses her trauma to justify her actions, often appearing detached and emotionless.
Saira, returning to her hometown after years away, seems to hold promise for character development, but the series fails to fully explore her past traumas or present struggles. Kulhari, however, manages to ground these scenes with a sense of realism, providing much-needed relatability despite the series’ overall soap-opera tendencies.
Mangu, caught between the pharma giants and the systemic disadvantages of poverty, represents the tragic consequence of desperation and lack of opportunity. He represents the vulnerability of India’s underprivileged, exploited by the system and disregarded by those in power.
A Machiavellian Drama of Unfettered Greed
"Human" delves into the machinations of power, not just within the hospital but also in the broader sphere of Bhopal’s sociopolitical landscape. Gauri, in her pursuit of power, resembles a Machiavellian figure, maneuvering to gain influence and manipulate her environment. This ambition, coupled with the unchecked greed of the pharmaceutical industry, creates a system that ruthlessly exploits the most vulnerable members of society.
Shefali Shah Delivers a Powerful Performance
Shefali Shah’s performance as Gauri is a standout. Her portrayal, with its subdued voice and restrained emotional range, is unlike anything she’s done before. She seamlessly blends a cool exterior with a calculated charm, creating a character who consistently appears in control despite her inner demons. Shah’s performance is devoid of overt emotion, save for the occasional glimpses of vulnerability when dealing with the memory of her deceased son. This deliberate restraint effectively conveys Gauri’s hardened state.
A Missed Opportunity for a Deeper Exploration
Despite its strong performances and compelling premise, "Human" fails to reach its full potential. Its ambitious scope, while laudable, results in a narrative that feels overstuffed and disjointed. The series attempts to tackle too many complex themes, leaving viewers with a sense of unresolved narratives and underdeveloped characters.
While "Human" provides a stark portrayal of medical malpractice and unethical practices, it ultimately falters due to its grandiose ambitions and reliance on melodrama. The series’ heavy tone and lack of depth, combined with the potential for misinterpretation regarding vaccines, might leave viewers feeling more frustrated than enlightened.
