A story with promise, but 'Jazz City' falls flat

The Soumik Sen-directed OTT series Jazz City on SonyLiv, set around a Kolkata nightclub in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War, has been criticized for its rambling plot and loose script, but Arifin Shuvoo's performance as the protagonist Jimmy Roy has earned praise.

A Times of India review says the series is "an immaculately styled, finely enacted" look at Bangladesh's struggle for identity, though "the story goes in too many directions and feels very long in parts." It adds that while the series is rich in music, featuring Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geet alongside uneven jazz pieces, "too many subplots" weaken the story, and overlapping narratives sometimes make Jimmy's centrality unclear.

The review also praises Soumik Sen for capturing the emotional core of people fighting for linguistic and cultural freedom, with convincing performances, authentic cultural details, and impressive production design and cinematography. "Jazz City is refined, patient storytelling elevated by strong performances and a rich musical canvas," it concludes.

The Indian Express calls the series' staging "amateurish," saying most characters speak directly to the camera and the nightclub looks fake, like a coffee house trying to seem fancy, making it a long and tiring watch. Many story threads are left dangling.

Hindustan Times notes that while the series had potential, it is "let down by its length and laxity," adding that the music "never soars" and the scenes "lack authenticity and feel unbearably staged." It says the show "means well, but it sinks under its own weight."

Firstpost says Jazz City "tries to tick too many boxes at once," attempting both a political thriller and a commentary on those in power.

Rediff.com agrees, noting the series "could have been enjoyable had it not been so densely over-plotted and unevenly executed."

Moneycontrol adds that "the narrative often feels stretched, with too many threads competing for attention."

Despite these criticisms, Arifin Shuvoo is praised for playing Jimmy Roy "with effortless style," showing a charming and playful side while also conveying inner conflict.

Soumik Sen is also commended for clearly capturing the period's mood. However, as the series progresses, the growing number of subplots, spy missions, and side characters make the story feel crowded and unfocused.

Scroll.in highlights that the series "results in a rambling, muddled and repetitive story that takes 10 episodes for what could have been explored in half the duration." It calls the staging "amateurish" and the music "disappointing," but adds that Shuvoo's performance, portraying Jimmy's transformation from a plaintive hustler to a courageous subversive, is "one of the few reasons to stick with it."