‘Jazz City’ Review: Arifin Shuvoo’s Sony LIV Series on the Formation of Bangladesh Receives Mixed Response From Critics

Sony LIV’s latest historical drama, Jazz City, has debuted to a polarised reception from critics following its release on March 19, 2026. Directed by Soumik Sen, the 10-episode Bengali series attempts to blend the high-stakes espionage of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War with the smoky, rhythmic atmosphere of Kolkata’s iconic Park Street jazz scene. While the show has been praised for its ambitious scale and a standout lead performance by Bangladeshi star Arifin Shuvoo, many reviewers have criticised its "muddled" execution and over-indulgent pacing. ‘Youth’ Movie Review: Ken Karunaas’ Teenage Drama Impresses Critics; Suraj Venjaramoodu Also Earns Praise.

‘Jazz City’ Web Series Review

The series centres on Jimmy Roy (Arifin Shuvoo), a suave and cynical nightclub owner in 1970s Calcutta who has carefully hidden his past as a refugee. His world at the titular "Jazz City" club, a sanctuary of music and elite social gatherings, is upended when he is coerced by an Indian intelligence officer, Sinha (Santanu Ghatak), into aiding the resistance movement. Jimmy eventually finds himself protecting fugitive students and uncovering evidence of genocide in East Pakistan, serving as a reluctant catalyst for India’s intervention in the war.

Watch the Trailer of ‘Jazz City’:

Critical consensus highlights a significant divide between the show’s stylistic ambition and its narrative clarity. Several outlets noted that the series often feels "overstuffed," taking 10 hour-long episodes to cover a plot that might have been more effective in half the time.

Scroll.in: "Created, written and directed by Soumik Sen, Jazz City sets out to capture the spirit of rebellion, valour and sacrifice that led to East Pakistan’s rupture from West Pakistan in the late 1960s and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Jazz City wants to forcefully remind Bangladeshis of India’s contribution to its freedom, even though sections of Bangladesh have decisively moved on from this period and Mujibir Rahman’s legacy. Creator Soumik Sen’s adda approach to the plotting results in a rambling, muddled and repetitive series that takes 10 episodes for what could have been explored in half the duration."

The Hollywood Reporter India: "Jazz City is like watching a maze decorated with sound and plot and music and elaborate diversions and pseudo-intellectual garnish only to reach the same primal conclusion: India hero, Bangladesh damsel in distress, Pakistan villain."

M9.news: "Despite the strengths of its expansive narrative, the storytelling gradually loses its emotional grip as the stakes rise. The treatment is leisured and yet fluid, while the pivotal characters and their interpersonal relationships are laid bare: the playful Jimmy, his old flame Sheela, the shrewd intelligence officer Sinha, the newly appointed club manager Rambahadur, and the resident jazz singer Pamela. Allu Arjun Reviews ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, Praises Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s Espionage Thriller, Calls Film a ‘Blast’ (View Post).

More About ‘Jazz City’

Directed and written by Soumik Sen, the series is produced by Studio 9 and StudioNext, with Arpita Chatterjee also credited as a producer. The 10-episode historical thriller features an ensemble cast led by Bangladeshi star Arifin Shuvoo as Jimmy Roy and Sauraseni Maitra as Sheela. They are joined by Shantanu Ghatak, who plays an Indian intelligence officer, alongside supporting cast members Shataf Figar, Alexandra Taylor, Aniruddha Gupta, Sayandeep Sen, and Shreya Bhattacharya.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 20, 2026 12:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).