Karisma Kapoor Shines in Zee5's Brown: A Gritty Crime Drama

Karisma Kapoor makes a striking return to the digital scene in Zee5's Brown, a gripping crime drama adapted from Abheek Barua's novel. Directed by Abhinav Deo, the series features a dark narrative set in Kolkata, beginning with a shocking murder. Karisma's portrayal of DCP Rita Brown has been praised for its raw intensity, marking a departure from her usual glamorous roles. Writer Mayukh Ghosh reveals insights into Karisma's character development, emphasizing her physicality and emotional depth. The series also stars Surya Sharma, Jisshu Sengupta, and others, promising a captivating viewing experience.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 15, 2026, 14:35 IST

Karisma Kapoor's Return to Digital with Brown

The new series Brown, directed by Abhinav Deo and available on Zee5, marks Karisma Kapoor's comeback to the digital realm following her role in the 2020 series Mentalhood, which focused on parenting. This series is based on Abheek Barua's crime novel, City of Death, and features a script by Mayukh Ghosh, known for his work on the popular thriller Hostages. Set against the atmospheric, rain-drenched backdrop of Kolkata, the narrative kicks off with the shocking murder of a wealthy businessman's daughter. Karisma's performance as DCP Rita Brown has garnered acclaim for its authenticity and depth, showcasing a stark contrast to the glamorous roles she is typically associated with.

In an exclusive interview, writer Mayukh Ghosh discussed Karisma's deep dive into her character's psyche. He noted, “On paper, Rita was always meant to be the opposite of a glamorous lead,” explaining that the character is an alcoholic burdened with unresolved trauma. Ghosh elaborated on the physicality of Rita, emphasizing how her movements and exhaustion are integral to her portrayal.

Ghosh highlighted that this is Karisma's first role as a police officer, and she approached it by first understanding Rita's physical presence. “She focused on how Rita moves, her gait, and body language, establishing the character's physicality before exploring her emotional depth,” he explained.

Further detailing Rita's on-screen persona, Ghosh mentioned aspects like her practical hairstyle, furrowed brow, and signature hand-rolled cigarettes, which Karisma learned to roll under Abhinav's guidance, as she does not smoke. Ghosh also revealed a significant creative decision regarding Rita's emotional arc: she only laughs once throughout the series, a choice that Karisma understood and protected, reflecting the weight of her character's experiences.

Alongside Karisma Kapoor, Brown features a talented cast including Surya Sharma, Ajinkya Deo, Jisshu Sengupta, Helen, and Soni Razdan.