Netflix’s A Big Little Murder is a documentary series on the 2017 murder of Pradyuman Thakur, a mere 7-year-old child. Before we start with the review, we would like to say that the series can trigger some people. The series was released in 2019 and with only two episodes. It documents the murder case of Pradyuman Thakur, who was killed in broad daylight. It also shows the bizarre twist to the case, a chilling confession from someone totally unexpected.
– A Big Little Murder review contains mild spoilers –
A Big Little Murder takes us through India’s first high profile school killing with the use of different sources. The show has used interviews of the child’s parents, teachers, school principals and other authorities, journalists, parents of other children and the police. It also has video and CCTV footage, photographs and a lot more. We know that the series has used as much evidence they can gain.
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Opens A Dialogue
Pradyuman Thakur was murdered with his throat slit open with the use of a knife. The murder took place in his school, Ryan International School in Gurugram, Haryana. Gurugram is a metropolitan city, close to Delhi. The purpose of A Big Little Murder is not just to make people aware of the incident. In a way, the series sends a message to the viewers about the safety of children in schools. It also speaks about the effectiveness of the authorities. Several accounts from different people open up a dialogue about the same.
During one account given by Snigdha Poonam, a print journalist, the point of Gurugram being a state where a culture of toxic masculinity and patriarchy prevails, is raised. Even if the same is not related to the case, the statement is true. As the investigation moves forward, a suspicious confession from a school bus conductor comes into the spotlight. A case of failed sexual assault also comes forward. However, something does not add up.
There are a lot of theories in the air. From someone getting caught while engaging in the consumption of drugs to failed sexual assault. A Big Little Murder shows a twist in the story when a few months after the murder took place, a new chilling confession is made. The federal investigators overturn the local investigation. They arrest the brand new suspect who reveals a planned murder. But what is not clear is the motive.
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A Truly Gruesome Tale
As said before, A Big Little Murder is not just about the horrific murder. The series also opens a dialogue on mental health and the world that has been created for little kids. What is heartbreaking is watching the parents of the child speaking about it in front of the camera. A parent’s worst nightmare is something happening to their kids. Ultimately, the motive that the second suspect gives astounded everyone. The case gets more coverage than it already did.
A Big Little Murder covers the distressing story in a thought-provoking manner. You will find yourself in rage because of what happened, how unsafe Indian streets are, and how the authorities handle it. A Big Little Murder is also a Singaporean form of a documentary that has unscripted dialogues. The authenticity of each person’s thoughts and opinions come forward candidly.
The series blurs out some graphic images but leaves out a few. Just by looking at that, you will feel sad and angry. In the end, A Big Little Murder is a documentary on the murder of Pradyuman Thakur, which makes all of us question the place we live in.
You can watch A Big Little Murder on Netflix.
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