In an era dominated by fast-paced action thrillers and edge-of-the-seat excitement, it’s rare to come across a gangster drama that slows things down and tells a nuanced story. Zee5’s original series Murshid breaks this mold. It’s not just any gangster drama — it’s a slow-burner, a rarity in today’s content landscape, especially within Indian cinema and television. What makes Murshid truly stand out is its compelling central character, Murshid Pathan, played by the ever-reliable Kay Kay Menon. But beyond the show itself lies an intriguing question: Is Murshid Pathan a real figure, or is his character simply the creation of an imaginative writer?
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the show Murshid, explore its storyline, the brilliance of its lead actor, and discuss whether there’s a real-life story behind Murshid Pathan.
The Gangster Drama Reimagined
The typical gangster drama today, especially in Indian content, usually leans heavily into high-octane action scenes, dramatic standoffs, and loud, pulsating background scores. The goal? To keep the audience constantly on the edge of their seats. However, Murshid takes a different approach. This series strips away the frills and theatrics to deliver a more grounded, character-driven narrative. While the show explores the dark world of Mumbai’s underworld, it avoids gratuitous violence and sensationalism. Instead, it focuses on the psychological and emotional toll that life in the mafia exacts on its protagonist.
The beauty of Murshid lies in its simplicity and restraint. There are no forced cliffhangers or unnecessary subplots designed to lighten the mood. Instead, the show remains focused on its central story and the complexities of its characters, particularly Murshid Pathan.
The Plot of Murshid
Murshid tells the story of Murshid Pathan, a once-feared gangster who ruled the Mumbai underworld during the 1970s and 1980s. The story is set in the present, where Murshid has retired from his life of crime and now spends his days trying to atone for his past sins. His redemption arc involves investing in charity and working to build a better community, hoping to leave behind a legacy of good rather than evil.
However, Murshid’s quiet life is disrupted when a new threat emerges. His younger son finds himself entangled in a dangerous situation involving Murshid’s old nemesis, Farid, portrayed by the excellent Zakir Hussain. This forces Murshid back into the world he had long left behind, reigniting old rivalries and bringing past demons to the forefront.
What stands out in Murshid is the seamless blending of past and present. The series frequently switches between the golden era of smuggling in 1970s Mumbai, where Murshid Pathan was at the height of his powers, and his quieter, more reflective life in the present. The stark contrast between these two versions of Murshid creates a fascinating character study.
The Role of Kay Kay Menon: A Masterclass in Acting
If there’s one reason to watch Murshid, it’s Kay Kay Menon. His portrayal of Murshid Pathan is nothing short of mesmerizing. Menon brings a quiet intensity to the role, capturing both the ruthlessness of a former gangster and the vulnerability of a man seeking redemption. His performance anchors the entire series, and without him, Murshid would likely have been an entirely different experience.
Menon is particularly impressive in his scenes with Zakir Hussain, who plays Murshid’s nemesis Farid. The chemistry between these two seasoned actors elevates the show’s tension, especially as they spar through both dialogue and subtle body language. The tension between these two characters keeps the audience hooked, even when the pace of the show slows down.
A Slow Burn Done Right
One of the most notable aspects of Murshid is its pacing. In an industry that often prioritizes fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping sequences, Murshid takes its time. The show’s slow-burn approach may not appeal to everyone, especially viewers who are used to more conventional gangster thrillers. It takes a couple of episodes for the story to really grab your attention, but once it does, you’ll find yourself invested in the characters and their fates.
The decision to focus more on dialogue and character development, rather than violent confrontations, is a bold choice for a show set in the world of organized crime. While there are certainly moments of action and violence, these scenes are handled with a degree of restraint that is rarely seen in the genre. Instead of relying on bloodshed to move the plot forward, Murshid uses the power of suggestion and dialogue to convey the stakes. This creative decision makes the show feel more grounded and realistic.
Is Murshid Pathan a Real Person?
One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is whether Murshid Pathan is based on a real-life figure from Mumbai’s underworld. The name Murshid Pathan may not be as widely recognized as some of Mumbai’s infamous dons, like Dawood Ibrahim or Haji Mastan, but the character does seem to draw inspiration from the real gangsters who ruled the city in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mumbai’s criminal underworld was, during this period, dominated by smugglers and gangsters who made their fortunes through illegal activities like gold smuggling, drug trafficking, and extortion. While there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that Murshid Pathan is based on a specific real-life gangster, the character embodies the traits of several well-known figures from that era.
Murshid’s journey, from a feared gangster to a man seeking redemption, mirrors the arcs of many former criminals who have tried to leave behind their violent pasts. In this way, Murshid Pathan could be seen as a composite character, representing the duality of those who once ruled the criminal underworld but later sought to make amends for their actions.
The Verdict: Why Murshid is Worth Watching
Despite its flaws, Murshid is a series worth watching for its unique approach to the gangster drama genre. While the pacing may be slow, the performances — particularly from Kay Kay Menon and Zakir Hussain — are outstanding. The show’s focus on character development and emotional depth, rather than relying solely on action, makes it stand out from other crime dramas.
If you’re looking for a series that doesn’t rush through its story and allows its characters to breathe and evolve, Murshid is definitely worth your time. It may take a couple of episodes to get fully invested, but once you do, you’ll find yourself captivated by the world of Murshid Pathan.
In the end, whether or not Murshid Pathan is based on a real person, his story feels real enough. It’s a tale of power, redemption, and the cost of a life lived in the shadows — a story that resonates long after the credits roll.