It was hard to avoid hearing about the Amber Heard-Johnny Depp scandal in 2022. Soon after, everyone on social media took on the role of judge and jury in a media trial. That is the risk associated with dramatising real-life incidents and catastrophes; many people have discussed this issue in relation to documentaries more broadly. We must use caution when dramatising or reconstructing someone’s life for general audiences.
While viewing the documentary series The Indrani Mukerjea Story – Buried Truth on Netflix, I couldn’t help but think about this. It is uncommon for someone to be unaware of the Sheena Bora case or the parties involved, particularly given that media titans and an affluent family are involved. At one point in the docu-series, a journalist says, “There is no Kardashian family in India,” while attempting to explain where the public interest in this family came from.
Sheena Bora, 25, is said to have vanished in 2012. Sheena travelled abroad to study, according to her mother Indrani Mukerjea, who was once thought to be her sister, and her third husband Peter. One individual who rejected this interpretation of events is Sheena’s fiancé, Rahul Mukerjea (the son of Sheena’s step-brother, Peter). The phone chats between Rahul and Peter (and occasionally Indrani) are the most interesting aspects of the documentary series.
The access to Indrani Mukerjea herself is the docuseries’ greatest USP—a fact the creators are aware of. Viewers get to hear her tale for the most of the four-part series, especially episodes two and three. Her kids, Mikhael and Vidhi, are the other two who spend the majority of their time in front of the TV. There were moments when I thought the docuseries treated Vidhi more kindly than Mikhael, despite the fact that it generally attempts to maintain a balanced narrative.
The issue of the background music also exists. I want to make it clear up front that I watched the full docu-drama with the greatest objectivity possible. The background music makes it seem like we’re watching a superhero or saviour when Indrani’s lawyer first appears on screen. On the other hand, the music sounds almost ludicrous during a reproduction that features “Rahul”; it is not meant to be taken seriously. There were moments when I thought the docuseries treated Vidhi more kindly than Mikhael, despite the fact that it generally attempts to maintain a balanced narrative.
The issue of the background music also exists. I want to make it clear up front that I watched the full docu-drama with the greatest objectivity possible. The background music makes it seem like we’re watching a superhero or saviour when Indrani’s lawyer first appears on screen. On the other hand, the music sounds almost ludicrous during a reproduction that features “Rahul”; it is not meant to be taken seriously. There were moments when I thought the docuseries treated Vidhi more kindly than Mikhael, despite the fact that it generally attempts to maintain a balanced narrative.
The issue of the background music also exists. I want to make it clear up front that I watched the full docu-drama with the greatest objectivity possible. The background music makes it seem like we’re watching a superhero or saviour when Indrani’s lawyer first appears on screen. On the other hand, the music sounds almost ludicrous during a reproduction that features “Rahul”; it is not meant to be taken seriously.
Bottles of booze and snubbed cigarettes fill the frame at other moments when an actor is portraying “Rahul” as phone calls play in the background, producing a picture of Rahul that he most likely had little influence over. It’s crucial to keep in mind that, even though we watch documentaries expecting objective reality, fiction might occasionally seep in, particularly when it’s hard to distinguish between the truth, a lie, and a half-truth.
But the documentary series doesn’t hold back when it comes to providing proof. The media stories that discuss the case’s developments typically come after the interview segments, and these segments frequently contradict each other. Inquiries are also made regularly to the folks on video, giving us a more comprehensive understanding of the versions we’re hearing.Along with discussing Peter Mukerjea’s connections, horror stories about Indrani’s father, and even clues that he used money to influence those around her, the series also raises questions about potential cover-ups.
It’s a good TV show, regardless of my opinions regarding the morality of the material. It draws attention to how ridiculous the argument is and ensures that you never rely on a single witness for too long. Evidently, the purpose of holding onto important facts till the very end is to keep spectators interested.
Regarding the structure of the show, one thing sticks out. The majority of documentaries, or materials in this genre, adopt one of two approaches: either they present interviews accompanied by reenactments and archive material, or they present a more direct look at their subjects.
Regarding the structure of the show, one thing sticks out. The majority of docu-series, or content in this genre, go in one of two directions: either they present interviews intercut with historical material and recreations, or they take a more direct look at their themes. The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth initially appears to fall into the first category, but it quickly moves into the second one. This change that occurs in the midst feels abrupt.
This may also be the reason that certain scenes, such the ones where Indrani’s daughter Vidhi is shown on a beach and Indrani herself is shown on her balcony gazing off into space, don’t seem required for the plot of the show.
It’s also obvious that the show wants to make Indrani Mukerjea into an even more “figure” than she already is. The fact that she is proficient with the photography helps. Perfectly attired, she responds to a range of inquiries and even makes charges (such as calling Sheena Bora “definitely alive” and making shady remarks about individuals in her life).
Even while I can appreciate the documentary series’ point of view given its moniker, it is impossible to discuss this topic without mentioning “Sheena Bora.” Unfortunately—and I’m not sure whether this is a personal opinion—Sheena Bora as a “person” feels like she’s not there in the episode. Regarding Rahul’s testimony, a character on the show notes that he would constantly drawing attention to Sheena and the fact that a life was lost. Even if we have memories of Sheena and have seen her in photos, it is hard to get a clear picture of the real person behind them.
For this same reason—nearly everything feels genuine—The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth is more captivating than many true crime documentaries currently on television. Take, for example, the way Indrani uses the word “alleged” when her lawyer refers to her previous husband as Sheena’s father, or the request from her lawyer for her to “Chill.” Particularly Mikhael’s testimony feels unfiltered.
One thing is certain: the documentary series gives viewers ample room to create their own opinions, once again putting them in the position of judge and juror over the lives of strangers as they rely on material that is presented to them. As a viewer, it will be up to you to decide how much emphasis to place on the content’s quality or ethics.
You are placed in the heart of a maze of knowledge in this documentary series, directed by Uraaz Bahl and Shaana Levy, and your only task is to try to find your way out. The fact that they execute it brilliantly simply heightens the macabre nature of the whole affair, given the ethics (I can’t seem to separate it from the content).
