Toxic Town: Tremendous Netflix series is a reminder of just how problematic mainstream Indian filmmaking is
Toxic Town review: A thrillingly paced and empathetically told David vs Goliath story, the four-part Netflix series revisits a horrific act of government negligence through the eyes of the people it affected the most.
Updated: Mar 10, 2025, 05:26 IST
Hurl a rock in the air and it’ll probably hit a mainstream Indian film that lacks a clear perspective. In fact, most of them are objectively misguided. The romantic drama Satyaprem Ki Katha was told from the male character’s point-of-view, when it is actually the woman’s story. As was last year’s terrible Netflix film Maharaj, and virtually every movie that Nitesh Tiwari has directed. Not a single person behind the film Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, meanwhile, recognised the irony in giving this title to a story about a wronged woman. The prolific writer Jack Thorne might’ve had similar concerns while plotting Toxic Town, a new Netflix mini-series about a horrific case of bureaucracy and red tape.
Netflix's latest limited series, "Toxic Town," delves into the harrowing true story of the Corby toxic waste scandal in the UK, where industrial negligence led to severe health consequences for the local community. The series has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative and strong performances. However, beyond its storytelling prowess, "Toxic Town" serves as a poignant reminder of the significant issues plaguing mainstream Indian filmmaking, particularly in the realm of socially relevant cinema.
Overview of "Toxic Town"
"Toxic Town" is a four-part British drama miniseries that premiered on Netflix on February 27, 2025. Written by Jack Thorne and directed by Minkie Spiro, the series chronicles the real-life events surrounding the Corby toxic waste case. Set between 1995 and 2009, it follows three mothers—Susan McIntyre (played by Jodie Whittaker), Tracey Taylor (Aimee Lou Wood), and Maggie Mahon (Claudia Jessie)—as they confront the devastating health impacts of industrial pollution on their children and embark on a legal battle against the authorities responsible.
Critical Reception
The series has been lauded for its meticulous storytelling and powerful performances. Critics have highlighted its ability to transform a complex environmental and legal issue into a gripping narrative that resonates with audiences. The Guardian praised it as a "harrowing watch," drawing parallels to impactful episodes of "The Crown" and the miniseries "Chernobyl." Similarly, The Indian Express described "Toxic Town" as a "thrillingly paced and empathetically told David vs Goliath story," underscoring its emotional depth and narrative strength.
Contrasts with Mainstream Indian Filmmaking
The success of "Toxic Town" brings to light several challenges inherent in mainstream Indian cinema, especially concerning the portrayal of socially relevant themes:
1. Depth of Narrative: "Toxic Town" delves deeply into the personal lives of its characters, portraying their struggles with authenticity and nuance. In contrast, many Indian films tend to oversimplify complex social issues, often resorting to melodrama or superficial treatments that fail to capture the intricacies of real-life challenges.
2. Character Development: The series excels in developing multi-dimensional characters, allowing viewers to connect with their journeys on a profound level. Mainstream Indian films frequently rely on stereotypical characterizations, which can undermine the gravity of the issues being portrayed.
3. Cinematic Realism: The grounded and realistic portrayal of events in "Toxic Town" enhances its impact. Conversely, Indian mainstream cinema often gravitates towards escapism, with exaggerated narratives that may detract from the authenticity of socially relevant stories.
4. Risk-Taking in Content: "Toxic Town" tackles a sensitive and potentially controversial subject matter with courage and integrity. Mainstream Indian filmmakers often shy away from such topics, either due to commercial considerations or fear of censorship, resulting in a dearth of hard-hitting social commentaries.
The Path Forward for Indian Cinema
The acclaim garnered by "Toxic Town" offers valuable insights for Indian filmmakers:
Embracing Authentic Storytelling: There's a need to move beyond formulaic plots and embrace stories that reflect the complexities of Indian society. Films like "Article 15" and "Pink" have shown that audiences appreciate narratives that tackle social issues with sincerity and depth.
Investing in Character Complexity: Developing well-rounded characters can lead to more engaging and impactful storytelling. This involves moving away from clichéd portrayals and investing in authentic character arcs.
Balancing Art and Commerce: While commercial viability is essential, it shouldn't come at the expense of meaningful content. Filmmakers can find a balance by crafting compelling stories that are both socially relevant and commercially appealing.
Encouraging Diverse Voices: Providing platforms for diverse storytellers can lead to a richer cinematic landscape. Encouraging voices from different backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives to Indian cinema.
Conclusion
"Toxic Town" stands as a testament to the power of cinema in illuminating social injustices and inspiring change. Its success underscores the potential of storytelling that is both courageous and compassionate. For mainstream Indian filmmaking, it serves as a call to introspection and evolution, urging creators to embrace narratives that are not only entertaining but also enlightening.