Cast: Sanjay Kapoor, Shweta Tripathi, Arjun Mathur, Shriya Pilgaonkar

Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat

Rating: ***

Voot Select's 'The Gone Game' is a thrilling story that could be your streaming choice this week. The series is a compelling watch set against the backdrop of COVID-19 and the anxiety induced with it.

Gone Game presents the story of a modern Gujral family that is stuck in the lockdown due to coronavirus and can catch up with each other through video calls only and that is what the plot revolves around. Despite being shot indoors at different locations, the series gives you a top-notch view of the plotline.

Sahil Gujral (Arjun Mathur), the only son of the family develops COVID-19 symptoms after coming back from abroad and quarantines himself. Sahil almost convinces his family and his social media influencer wife Suhani Gujral (Shriya Pilgaonkar) about his bad health as he then tests positive for coronavirus and soon his health starts to deteriorate. The thrill starts when Sahil dies due to COVID-19 and the Gujral family tears apart.

Amara (Shweta Tripathi), Sahil's quick-witted sister later finds out that the death of her brother is not that simple as it seems and what follows is a series of events that makes up for a thrilling mystery that is a delight to watch.

Shot with limited resources, the screenplay is gripping but also feels dragged and dull due to its limited setting which makes it feel monotonous, but it still manages to keep you hooked.

Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, Gone Game has several interesting twists to surprise you and has not used COVID only as a 'stunt'. Though the episodes are shot at home with minimal cast and crew, Bhat tries his best to highlight the vigorous scenes and deserves praise for the effort.

Talking about performances, Shweta Tripathi as 'Amara' is the backbone of the story who takes you along and steers the story forward. Arjun Mathur as Sahil Gujral has a smaller role compared to others but his character has a major twist that leaves you stunned. Sanjay Kapoor as Sahil's father (Rajeev Gujral) has hit the right notes with his intense performance.

Shriya Pilgaonkar as Sahil's wife Suhani Gujral who keeps updating her social media followers about everything that happens post his death makes you scratch your head and wonder if she is even almost sad. Other actors have also delivered noteworthy performances in their respective characters.

Overall, 'The Gone Game' is a mindblowing thriller with a murder-mystery plot that will keep you on the edge of your seats. The four-episode series unfolds the main twist in the last episode and leaves you with a cliffhanger that is worth waiting for the second season!