The Emmy-winning series Delhi Crime is back with its highly anticipated Season 3. Directed by Tanuj Chopra, the series stars the OG gang, including Shefali Shah, Rajesh Tailang, and Rasika Dugal, along with a new addition, Huma Qureshi. After delivering two blockbuster seasons, Delhi Crime Season 3 promised a gripping crime thriller. But does the latest season live up to its hype? Read our review of Delhi Crime Season 3 to find out.

Related: Delhi Crime Season 1-2 Recap: Everything You Need To Remember Before Watching Season 3

Delhi Crime Season 3 series review: The plot

Inspired by the true story of the 2012 baby Falak case, Delhi Crime Season 3 taps into the brutal assault of a two-year-old girl, Noor. The series opens with DIG Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah) working on a drug-related case after her transfer to Assam. But turns out, it’s closely related to the human trafficking of young girls instead. Simultaneously, Inspector Neeti Singh (Rasika Dugal) stumbles upon the case of baby Noor. The investigation reveals that Khushi, a teenager claiming to be her mother, has left Noor in Delhi’s AIIMS Trauma Centre, bruised, battered, and barely alive. What initially looks like a case of child abuse unfolds into something much larger and far more disturbing.

DIG Vartika struggles to reach the root of the human trafficking nexus, the person operating this heinous business. And Inspector Neeti, recently divorced, is unable to find baby Noor’s real mother as Khushi refuses to confess. Is there any chance the two cases are connected? Will DIG Vartika get permission to return to Delhi to join her old team? Will baby Noor and the caged teenage girls be free?

What we loved about Delhi Crime Season 3

At its core, Delhi Crime Season 3 stays true to what made the series special in the first place — its restraint. There’s no overblown drama and sensationalism to portray the seriousness of the gut wrenching cases. Shefali Shah once again anchors the story with her quiet resilience and bold decisions. One of this season’s standout moments is when Vartika firmly asserts her right to lead the human trafficking case after her senior officer tries to hold her back. This scene reminds every woman to channel her inner courage whenever needed. Actors Rasika Dugal and Rajesh  Tailang beautifully complement Shefali Shah’s role through their strong yet sensitive characters.

Besides the powerful plot, Huma Qureshi’s addition to the cast brings fresh energy. She plays Badi Didi, the villain of the story, who will keep you guessing her next move. Huma brilliantly picks up her character’s dark details, and it’s most evident and interesting in her accent. Actor Mita Vasisht, who plays Kalyani, the procurer under Badi Didi, delivers a fierce performance. Even though Mita Vasisht is one of the antagonists in the story, her confidence shines through her dialogue and powerful expressions. Tanuj Chopra’s direction also unfolds wonderfully through an intense investigation, with exhausted yet hopeful police officers, and a gripping plot.

The supporting cast includes Sayani Gupta, Jayaa Bhatacharrya, Denzil Smith, Yashaswini Dayama, Aakaash Dahiyaa, Aditi Subedi, Gopal Datt, Anuraag Arora, and Anshumaan Pushkar, among others. These actors shine in their individual roles, delivering stellar performances.

What we didn’t love about Delhi Crime Season 3

While this season starts with the same powerful intent, it doesn’t always match the sharpness of its previous editions. Delhi Crime Season 3 is a bit slow, which might make you lose track of events at times. The stretched subplots and even slower buildup struggle to keep us engaged. In this case, the series loses its thrill, for which it is most appreciated. That said, you should still watch Delhi Crime Season 3, not for its uneven pace, but for the truth that we have forgotten along the way.

Delhi Crime Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.

Can you watch Delhi Crime Season 3 with family?: The series features gory themes and obscene language, which might be uncomfortable to watch with family.

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