To spread the “magic” Shiv ne chuna hai ek khatarnak rasta. Kya woh anjaam de payega apne iss plan ko? #High streaming now.

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High: Unraveling the Mystery of ‘Magic’ in the MX Player Crime Thriller

In the crowded landscape of Indian web series, few concepts manage to capture the attention of the audience and critics simultaneously by tackling the dark underbelly of the drug trade and the corporate greed of the pharmaceutical industry. The MX Player Original Series, ‘High,’ is one such production. Directed by Nikhil Rao, this 2020 crime-thriller brings together a compelling premise and a cast of seasoned performers, most notably Akshay Oberoi, who takes on the challenging role of Shiv Mathur, alongside the ever-reliable Ranvir Shorey.

Streaming for free, High is a gripping nine-episode saga that pits an idealistic group of doctors against the powerful drug cartel and pharma giants in a high-stakes battle over a revolutionary miracle cure.

The Plot: A Drug Addict, Three Doctors, and a Miracle Pill

The series is built around the life of Shiv Mathur (Akshay Oberoi), a well-meaning but struggling drug addict whose life is on the brink of collapse. In a desperate attempt to gain control, Shiv checks himself into a secluded rehab facility.

This rehabilitation center, however, is not just a place for recovery; it’s a clandestine laboratory. It is run by a trio of dedicated, albeit somewhat unconventional, doctors—Dr. Shridhar Roy, Dr. Shweta, and Dr. Nakul—who are working on a revolutionary herbal compound.

Their creation is a small green capsule they affectionately call ‘Magic’.

The twist? This pill is not a harmful narcotic; rather, it is presented as a non-addictive cure that has the potential to eliminate drug dependency and even neurological disorders.

The introduction of ‘Magic’ into the market, intended to genuinely help addicts, triggers a monumental disruption:

• The Drug Mafia: Local gangsters and drug lords, whose lucrative business is threatened, begin a relentless hunt for the creators of the pill.
• The Pharmaceutical Lobby: Corporate pharmaceutical companies, fearing a loss of billions in a world cured of addiction, employ ruthless measures to destroy the formula and its makers.
• The Hitman: The ensuing chaos draws the attention of a deadly, professional assassin, Jackson Lakda, who is hired to eliminate everyone associated with ‘Magic.’

The series masterfully weaves this primary narrative with a fascinating flashback track set in the 1970s, which is often presented in black and white, detailing the initial discovery of the magical plant from which the drug is derived.

The Stellar Cast and Their Intense Roles

High is frequently lauded for the fantastic performances of its ensemble cast, which lend grit and authenticity to the dark, stylized world created by director Nikhil Rao.

1. Akshay Oberoi as Shiv Mathur

Akshay Oberoi delivers what many critics consider his career-best performance as the protagonist, Shiv Mathur.

• The Character: Shiv is the troubled, vulnerable heart of the show. He is the audience’s window into the world of addiction, and his journey from a desperate addict to an unlikely revolutionary spearheading the distribution of ‘Magic’ is central to the plot. Oberoi successfully captures the physical and emotional toll of addiction, making Shiv’s desire for redemption compelling.

2. Ranvir Shorey as Jackson Lakda

Ranvir Shorey shines as the chilling and complex antagonist, Jackson Lakda.

• The Character: Lakda is a professional assassin and hitman hired to clean up the ‘Magic’ problem. Shorey imbues the character with a quiet intensity, making him both utterly ruthless and, at times, surprisingly human, given his tragic and traumatic backstory. His portrayal of a killer struggling with his own past makes his character one of the most memorable and highly-praised elements of the series.

The main cast is supported by strong performances from Shweta Basu Prasad as Dr. Shweta, Mrinmayee Godbole as the journalist Ashima Chauhan, and Prakash Belawadi as Dr. Shridhar Roy, all of whom contribute significantly to the high-stakes drama.

Themes of Corruption and Hope

Beyond the elements of a typical crime thriller, High manages to be highly topical and socially relevant. The series effectively explores crucial themes:

• The Business of Addiction: It highlights how the drug trade and elements of the conventional healthcare system profit from human suffering, portraying the ruthless nature of pharma giants and drug lords who unite against a cure that would eliminate their business model.
• Idealism vs. Reality: The moral ambiguity of the doctors is explored, as their noble goal of mass healing is only achievable through a dangerous, often criminal, high-risk endeavor, proving that even a “good” drug can lead to mayhem.
• Grit and Cinematography: Director Nikhil Rao’s vision, complemented by raw and realistic cinematography, gives the series a distinctive visual appeal, blending dingy urban low-life locations with the dazzling, deceptive world of corporate avarice.

While some critics noted minor flaws in pacing or predictability, the outstanding performances by the lead actors and the unique storyline ensured that High maintained a gripping and bingeable quality through its nine episodes, culminating in a dramatic cliffhanger. For fans of dark, gritty medical thrillers and exceptional acting, High remains an unmissable watch on MX Player.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs about ‘High’ (MX Player Series)

Q1: Who plays the role of Shiv Mathur in the ‘High’ web series?
A: The character of the drug addict Shiv Mathur, who becomes central to the distribution of the miracle drug ‘Magic’, is played by actor Akshay Oberoi.

Q2: What is the plot of the MX Player series ‘High’?
A: The plot revolves around Shiv Mathur, a drug addict who enters a rehab center where three doctors have secretly developed ‘Magic,’ a non-harmful pill that can cure addiction. The existence of this pill creates massive disruption in the illegal drug market and the pharmaceutical industry, leading to a deadly chase for the pill’s formula and its creators by a professional assassin named Jackson Lakda.

Q3: Is Ranvir Shorey’s character a hero or a villain in ‘High’?
A: Ranvir Shorey plays the character of Jackson Lakda, a professional assassin and hitman who is hired to eliminate the people behind the ‘Magic’ pill, making him the primary antagonist.

Q4: How many episodes are in the ‘High’ web series, and where can I watch it?
A: The series has one season consisting of 9 episodes, each running for approximately 35-40 minutes. It is available to stream for free on the MX Player platform.

Q5: Is ‘Magic’ a real drug in the series?
A: In the context of the series, ‘Magic’ is a fictional, revolutionary, non-addictive pill developed by the doctors at the rehab center, based on an extract from a native plant, which promises to be a cure for addiction and other neurological issues.