ZFMOtis800669 at 06:44, 19 February 2026

2026-02-19T06:44:44Z

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{{Short description|2025 Indian crime thriller web series}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Crime Beat.jpeg
| caption =
| genre = Crime thriller
| based_on = ''The Price You Pay'' by Somnath Batabyal
| director = [[Sudhir Mishra]] Sanjeev Kaul
| starring = [[Saqib Saleem]] [[Rahul Bhat]] [[Sai Tamhankar]] [[Danish Husain]] [[Rajesh Tailang]] [[Saba Azad]]
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 8
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| executive_producer = Subhash Chavan
| music = Joel Crasto
| producer = Rajiv Ramesh Agarwal Manju Ramesh Agarwal Arvind Kumar Agarwal
| editor = Umesh Gupta
| company = Content Films productions
| network = [[ZEE5]]
| released = {{Start date|2025|02|21}}
| related =
}}
'''''Crime Beat''''' is an Indian [[Hindi]]-language crime thriller web series directed by [[Sudhir Mishra]] and Sanjeev Kaul.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-20 |title=Crime Beat actress Saba Azad reveals she learnt an 'important lesson' from the series; says 'journalism isn't...' |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/crime-beat-star-saba-azad-reveals-learning-this-important-lesson-from-the-series-says-journalism-isnt-easy-at-all-1373430 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Crime Beat Review: Sudhir Mishra's crime drama falters with underwhelming performances from Saqib Saleem and Saba Azad |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/crime-beat-review-sudhir-mishra-s-crime-drama-falters-with-underwhelming-performances-from-saqib-saleem-and-saba-azad-article-12946426.html |website=moneycontrol}}</ref> Starring [[Saqib Saleem]], [[Rahul Bhat]], [[Danish Husain]], [[Saba Azad]], [[Kishor Kadam]], [[Sai Tamhankar]], [[Vipin Sharma]], [[Rajesh Tailang]], Gaurav Dwivedi, [[Adinath Kothare]] and [[Vipin Sharma]]. The series is inspired by Somnath Batabyal's 2013 novel ''The Price You Pay.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crime Beat OTT Release Date: Know About Plot, Cast & Streaming Platform |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/crime-beat-ott-release-date-know-about-plot-cast-streaming-platform |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> It revolves around investigative journalism and crime reporting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-11 |title=Crime Beat Trailer OUT: Saqib Saleem, Saba Azad's Crime Journalists Set To Unveil Dark Side Of Law In Intriguing Series |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/web-series/crime-beat-trailer-out-saqib-saleem-saba-azads-crime-journalists-set-to-unveil-dark-side-of-law-in-intriguing-series-article-118147660 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref> Produced by Rajiv Ramesh Agarwal & Manju Ramesh Agarwal, Crime Beat released on February 21, 2025 on [[ZEE5]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crime Beat actor Saba Azad believes journalism is 'tough' profession: 'It comes with a sense of...' {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.ottplay.com/interview/crime-beat-actor-saba-azad-believes-journalism-is-tough-profession-it-comes-with-a-sense-of-exclusive/cadc331987654 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref>

== Plot summary ==
The story follows Abhishek Sinha, a rookie journalist navigating the competitive field of crime reporting. His investigation takes a new turn when he uncovers information about the possible return of a fugitive gangster to India. As he pursues the lead, he works with law enforcement and encounters the complex intersections of crime, politics, and media. Along the way, he faces ethical challenges, professional ambitions, and the risks associated with exposing hidden truths.

== Cast ==
* [[Saqib Saleem]] as Abhishek Sinha
* [[Rahul Bhat]] as Binny Chaudhary
* [[Sai Tamhankar]] as Archana Pandey
* [[Danish Husain]] as Amir Akhtar
* [[Rajesh Tailang]] as DCP Uday Kumar
* [[Saba Azad]] as Maya Mathur
* Gaurav Dwivedi as Atul
* [[Adinath Kothare]] as ACP Mayank
* [[Kishor Kadam]] as Pashupati
*[[Vipin Sharma]] as S K Rawat
*[[Nikhat Khan]] as Nirmala Devi Kapoor
*Mustafa Burmawala as Imran Ali
*[[Ashwath Bhatt]] as Prashant Negi
*[[Payal Nair]] as Ashwini Mahaldar
*Tarana Raja as Sameera Saxena
*Bhupesh Singh as Captain
*[[Rajendra Chawla]] as NK Rawat

== Episodes ==
{{Episode table |background=##9C958E |overall= |title= |director= |airdate= |directorR= |writerR= |airdateR= |episodes={{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|Title = The How What and Why
|DirectedBy = Sudhir Mishra, Sanjeev Kaul
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|02|21|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Delhi's notorious mafia don, Binny Chaudhary, returns to the city and is killed in front of a large crowd. Rookie crime reporter Abhishek Sinha investigates the don's life for his next big story.
|LineColor = #9C958E
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|Title = Master of Disguise
|DirectedBy = Sudhir Mishra, Sanjeev Kaul
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|02|21|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Amir Akhtar approaches DCP Uday for insights into Binny's past. Meanwhile, Abhishek uncovers the existence of a mysterious figure known as 'Heroine,' linked to Binny. Determined to dig deeper, he pursues the lead on his own after Amir limits his role in the investigation.
|LineColor = #9C958E
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|Title = The Escape
|DirectedBy = Sudhir Mishra, Sanjeev Kaul
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|02|21|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Abhishek gets caught trespassing in Binny's mansion. Meanwhile, Binny evades the CBI-Interpol with the aid of an Iranian tribe. Elsewhere, ACP Mayank uncovers a vital clue about the elusive 'Heroine.'
|LineColor = #9C958E
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|Title = The Homecoming
|DirectedBy = Sudhir Mishra, Sanjeev Kaul
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|02|21|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Binny discreetly arrives in Mumbai instead of Delhi, catching DCP Uday and Rawat off guard. His unexpected return unsettles 'Heroine,' while Abhishek continues his relentless pursuit for a front-page breakthrough.
|LineColor = #9C958E
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|Title = Karne Kaun Dega
|DirectedBy = Sudhir Mishra, Sanjeev Kaul
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|02|21|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Following Abhishek's tip, ACP Mayank locates 'Heroine,' triggering a deadly shootout that results in Salim's death. In the aftermath, DCP Uday reprimands Mayank for the operation and unveils a startling truth about his father, who died a martyr.
|LineColor = #9C958E
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|Title = Main Lakshya Hoon Tera
|DirectedBy = Sudhir Mishra, Sanjeev Kaul
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|02|21|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Abhishek quits Amir's firm and faces difficulties securing work. With the support of senior photographer Pashupati, he lands a position at a leading newspaper. Soon after, he unexpectedly comes face to face with Binny Chaudhary.
|LineColor = #9C958E
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|Title = Khiladi, Katputli aur Khel
|DirectedBy = Sudhir Mishra, Sanjeev Kaul
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|02|21|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = 'Heroine' leads Abhishek to Binny, who hands him a video containing businessman Mahajan's confession. As Abhishek interviews Binny, the CBI, acting on Minister Rawat's orders, closes in with the intent to eliminate Binny.
|LineColor = #9C958E
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|Title = The New Ringmaster
|DirectedBy = Sudhir Mishra, Sanjeev Kaul
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2025|02|21|df=yes}}
|ShortSummary = Maya is abducted by Binny's men and is shocked to discover her father's connection to the CWG scam. As ACP Mayank leads the CBI to the scene, he is compelled to withdraw. Meanwhile, Binny makes his final move.
|LineColor = #9C958E
}}
}}

== Critical reception ==
Upon its release, ''Crime Beat'' received mixed reviews from critics.

Archika Khurana of ''[[The Times of India|Times of India]]'' rated the series 3.5 out of 5 stars, stating "Whether you're a fan of investigative journalism narratives or gripping crime dramas, ''Crime Beat'' offers an engaging watch—filled with tension, ambition, and the harsh realities of chasing the truth."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Crime Beat Season 1 Review : Saqib Saleem and Saba Azad lead an engaging tale of journalism and justice |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/crime-beat/crime-beat-season-1/seasonreview/118266670.cms |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

Sumit Rajguru of ''[[Times Now]]'' gave the series a 2 out of 5 rating, describing it as "a decent web series that has predictable twists and average performances. The show has its plus and minus points. If you are a crime show lover, you will definitely like it."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-21 |title=Crime Beat Review: Saqib Saleem-Saba Azad's Show Is Lousy Representation Of Investigative Journalism |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/crime-beat-review-saqib-saleem-saba-azad-show-is-lousy-representation-of-investigative-journalism-review-118418067 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref>

Troy Ribeiro of ''[[The Free Press Journal|Free Press Journal]]'' found the series "competent, well-acted, and atmospheric," but felt it lacked lasting impact. He remarked, "It's an efficient drama but never an urgent one—much like a crime report that you read, nod at, and then forget by morning coffee."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crime Beat Review: Saba Azad, Saqib Saleem's Show Has Strong Performances But Lacks Emotional Depth |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/crime-beat-review-saba-azad-saqib-saleems-show-has-strong-performances-but-lacks-emotional-depth |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> Nandini Ramnath of ''[[Scroll.in]]'' called it "A compulsively conspiratorial show"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=2025-02-21 |title='Crime Beat' review: A compulsively conspiratorial show |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1079284/crime-beat-review-a-compulsively-conspiratorial-show |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Scroll.in |language=en}}</ref> ''[[HT Media|OTTplay]]'' critiqued the series for not delving deeper into its themes, suggesting that it remained on the surface level without substantial exploration of the underlying issues.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crime Beat Review: Sudhir Mishra's show is happy being on the surface level... |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/crime-beat-review-sudhir-mishra-/15b6290ad2446 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref>

[[Saibal Chatterjee]] of ''[[NDTV]]'' gave the series a 3 out of 5 rating, noting "Saqib Saleem holds the fort with confidence in this series. Saba Azad and Sai Tamhankar do the same in a male-dominated show."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crime Beat Review: Saqib Saleem's Series Is Not A Crackling Thriller, But Worth Bingeing On |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/crime-beat-review-saqib-saleems-series-is-not-a-crackling-thriller-but-worth-bingeing-on-3-stars-7761378 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref>

Vinamra Mathur of ''[[Firstpost]]'' rated the series 2.5 out of 5 stars, commenting "Saqib Salim and Saba Azad reunite for a middling take on journalism and sensationalism."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-21 |title='Crime Beat' web-series review: Saqib Salim and Saba Azad reunite for a middling take on journalism and sensationalism |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/crime-beat-web-series-review-saqib-salim-and-saba-azad-reunite-for-a-middling-take-on-journalism-and-sensationalism-13865217.html |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=35683314}}
* ''[https://www.zee5.com/web-series/details/crime-beat/0-6-4z5375734 Crime Beat]'' on [[ZEE5]]

[[Category:Indian web series]]
[[Category:Indian crime television series]]
[[Category:Indian thriller television series]]
[[Category:ZEE5 original programming]]

Crime Beat - Revision history

ZFMOtis800669 at 06:44, 19 February 2026