Cast: Amit Sadh, Amrita Puri, Sushant Singh, Aly Goni
Producer: Boney Kapoor, Arunava Joy Sengupta and Akash Chawla
Director: Vishal Mangalorkar
Genre: Drama
Release Date: 2008-01-22
Language: Hindi
Rating: 4/5

I'm not a fan of Army films. I know, unpopular opinion. But, alas, it is true. I like to watch light-hearted stuff on television and prefer that I not become too engrossed in the series/films simply because of the million things I feel like I have on my plate at any given time. For a series to grab my attention to the extent that I feel the need to keep watching, is a feat hard to accomplish. Does Jeet Ki Zid do that? Let's find out.

Jeet Ki Zid follows the real-life heroism and almost unbelievable story of Major Deependra Singh Sengar, as he deals with rejection, a physical injury that turns his life upside-down, and more. We've known Major Deependra Singh Sengar to be a hero in the way in which he has overcome his battles, literally, and in his real life, figuratively speaking. 

Here's what doesn't work in the seven-episode series - I find the art direction and general design of the set could have been far superior. One keeps in mind the kind of production value we usually see associated with films based on the army and one cannot help but draw comparisons of the settings we are used to seeing. I also find that while web series and OTT platforms are producing great content, there also seems to be a great reliance of unnecessary drops of the "F" bomb. Why this needs so much space to the point in which it appears unnatural? I'm not sure. The last thing I wish the series dealt with better is the pace of the series - it seems unbalanced. I think this could have been a six-episode series. 

Besides all of those points, it's up and up for this series. The hero of this film is Amit Sadh, whose portrayal of Major Deependra Singh Sengar, is impeccably done. His rigourous training both physically and emotionally has done wonders for the actor in the series. He is up to the mark in every frame and delivers his performance with the ease of a veteran. Many often forget that he is a chameleon - he can literally blend into his characters - and he does this with his role as Major Deependra Singh Sengar. We physically feel his pain and anguish, and his glory and pride. Coupled with a truly magnificent background score, Amit Sadh delivers one of his finest performances till date.

Amrita Puri does well in her role and after watching her performance, I think back to every time I have thought we need to see more of her on screen - and we do. Aly Goni is impressive as the confidante, Surya. I wish Sushant Singh was not as cookie-cutter in his role to the point in which I felt he wasn't irreplaceable. That is probably in the lack of character development in relation to him more than anything else.

A true highlight as well is the way in which director Vishal Mangalorkar has infused the real-life Major Deependra Singh Sengar and Jaya Singh (his wife) into the end of each episode. It really packs a powerful punch of prestige and honour - and makes you want to delve into the next episode right away.