Medical dramas on Indian TV, with a few exceptions, have leaned more towards the personal lives of doctors rather than their professional duties. Shows like Sanjivani and Kuch Toh Log Kahenge have primarily spotlighted the doctors outside of their medical gear. There was a rare gem like Dhadkan in the early 2000s that resembled House MD more than General Hospital, but it wasn't until the rise of OTT platforms that we began to see stories that truly explore the experiences of doctors in hospitals. If Mumbai Diaries kicked things off, JioCinema's new series Doctors takes it to a whole new level.

What’s the show Doctors all about?

In a made-up hospital in Mumbai, "Doctors" follows the journey of young resident Nitya (Harleen Sethi), who’s on a mission to get back at her biggest rival, Dr. Ishaan (Sharad Kelkar), the top neurosurgeon in the country. She blames him for ruining her brother Aamir Ali's career, who was also a talented neurosurgeon. However, as she pursues her revenge, she connects with other residents, finds love, discovers the true essence of medicine, and learns what it really means to be a doctor.

"Doctors" really hits the mark. The acting is top-notch, the writing is sharp, and it tackles relevant issues without getting preachy or self-righteous. What sets "Doctors" apart is its genuine, down-to-earth vibe. It marks a new chapter for Indian TV in the OTT space, where the usual melodrama takes a backseat to more nuanced storytelling.

Siddharth P Malhotra, the creator, proves he’s got a range beyond the typical Sanjivani-Dil Mill Gayye style, much like how Ardhasatya differs from Dabangg. Both have their own charm, but the world and genre that "Doctors" explores are pretty unique in the Indian landscape.

The USP of Doctors

Doctors isn't just a one-dimensional show. It goes beyond the action in the operating rooms and outpatient departments. It dives deeper than just medical terms. We get to see the personal lives of the doctors, the real people behind the scrubs. Their identities as medical professionals shape their experiences, and even their love lives, struggles with identity, and battles with addiction are intertwined with their work in a way that feels genuine. This adds a layer of authenticity to the series and its world.

Sharad Kelkar truly shines in this role. He’s one of the most underrated talents of his time, perfectly embodying Dr. Ishaan, the charismatic neurosurgeon. His timing, delivery, and emotional range are spot on, carrying a lot of the show's emotional weight alongside the talented Harleen Sethi. She also stands out as the main character. A shoutout to Viraf Patell and Vivaan Shah, who both put in the effort to reveal the human side of their doctor characters.+++

Doctors, as a medical drama, dives into important topics like euthanasia, substance abuse, and the ethics of donor treatment without holding back. It also explores the boundaries doctors set with their patients. What’s great is that it tackles these issues without excessive drama or moralizing. They come up naturally in the doctors' daily lives and are handled through conversation rather than lectures, which is a nice shift for Indian shows.

The series is not only engaging but also easy to watch, making it stand out even more. Despite the serious themes of surgeries and loss, it manages to keep viewers hooked, which is a significant achievement.

You can catch all episodes of Doctors streaming on JioCinema.

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