Pharma review – A Familiar Exposé That Never Finds Its Pulse
Platform: jio Hotstar
Language: Malayalam
Genre: corporate drama / Whistleblower saga
Story
Pharma follows Vinod, a young man from kozhikode who enters the pharmaceutical industry through RX Life Healthcare with ambition and optimism. What begins as a classic corporate success story slowly curdles into a moral crisis. As Vinod rises through the ranks, he becomes privy to the industry’s exploitative practices—profits built on compromised lives. The turning point arrives when he aligns with Rajiv Rao’s activist organisation, Zaathi, to expose the systemic rot within the pharma sector. Told largely through flashbacks, the narrative charts Vinod’s journey from an eager employee to a reluctant insider and, finally, a whistleblower.
Performances
Nivin Pauly delivers a restrained performance that stays true to the character’s subdued arc, but the spark that usually elevates his screen presence is missing. While the role demands seriousness, the lack of emotional highs makes Vinod feel distant at times. Rajit Kapur, as activist Dr Rajiv Rao, is serviceable but underwritten, leaving little room for nuance or gravitas. shruti Ramachandran stands out with a composed, assured performance, bringing quiet strength to her character, while narain lends solid support. Overall, the cast does its job, but rarely rises above the material.
Technicalities
Technically, Pharma is largely unremarkable. Abjaksh S’s background score is generic and fails to heighten tension or drama. Cinematography by Abianandhan Ramanujam is one of the show’s stronger aspects, effectively capturing the emotional crests and troughs of Vinod’s journey across multiple locations. However, the dated, lethargic editing significantly dulls the impact, draining urgency from crucial moments. The writing, unfortunately, feels stale and predictable, offering little innovation in structure or dialogue.
Analysis
Directed by P A Arun, Pharma comfortably fits into what can be called the “Madhur Bhandarkar genre”—stories of insiders with a conscience taking on corrupt systems at great personal cost. Much like Page 3, Fashion, or Corporate, the series positions its protagonist as both beneficiary and victim of an exploitative industry. The show does a decent job of mapping Vinod’s psychological evolution—his enthusiasm eroding year after year, life humbling him into cautious compromise before pushing him toward activism.
However, the narrative plays it extremely safe. The controversial drug KydoXin, meant for pregnant women and riddled with side effects, acts as the moral trigger, but its treatment lacks depth. Familiar tropes dominate: the arrogant profit-obsessed CEO, silenced dissenters, brutal warnings, and a predictable good-versus-evil courtroom climax. Films like Maatraan and Velaikkaaran, and more recently Pill (2024), have explored similar terrain with far greater urgency and conviction.
Despite an energetic opening, the series quickly loses steam. The timeline jumps feel abrupt, character arcs lack detail, and the central conflict never achieves the intensity necessary to grip the viewer. The intention is sincere, but the execution remains flat.
What Works
• The gradual evolution of Vinod’s character over time
• Cinematography that visually supports the protagonist’s emotional journey
• A relevant, socially conscious theme with real-world resonance
What Doesn’t
• Predictable, safe storytelling filled with stock characters
• Flat performances that lack emotional punch
• Sluggish editing and outdated narrative rhythm
• Missed opportunities to deepen the moral and corporate conflict
Bottom Line
Pharma has the right intentions and a timely subject, but weak writing, familiar tropes, and uninspired execution hold it back. Despite a mature lead performance and a socially relevant core, the series never becomes the gripping exposé it aspires to be.
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