Ep 5. Of fathers and sons

Of Fathers and Sons is the fifth episode of the Indian crime thriller series Paatal Lok's first season. The episode delves deep into the intricate web of lies and deception that surround Hindu-Muslim relationships in Indian society and the role of politicians in fuelling this animosity for their gain.

The episode opens with Sanjeev Mehra (Neeraj Kabi), a well-known journalist, and his son discussing the father-son relationship and their past incidents. In the next scene, Hathiram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), the investigating officer in the case, visits Sanjeev's house to interrogate him about an alleged link between him and the suspects in the case.

As the episode progresses, the viewers are taken on a flashback to Sanjeev's early life, where he is shown as the son of a Hindu nationalist leader who believes in the idea of Hindu supremacy. Sanjeev's father was a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing, Hindu, nationalist, paramilitary organization in India that is linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In another significant development, Sanjeev recalls an event that happened when he was a child living in a Hindu locality in a Muslim-dominated area. A local Muslim man was beaten up by a group of Hindus, which included Sanjeev's father. The incident had left a deep impact on him and had caused him to question his father's beliefs.

As the investigation in the case progresses, Hathiram's team finds out that Sanjeev had a relationship with an Islamic fundamentalist group called the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is responsible for several terrorist attacks in India. It is revealed that Sanjeev had used his position as a journalist to carry out several covert operations for the group.

Through flashbacks, the viewers also get to know that Sanjeev's involvement with the Lashkar-e-Taiba was a result of his disillusionment with his father's beliefs, and he became a part of the group as a way to rebel against his father's views.

As Hathiram and his team continue to uncover the truth behind the case, they find out that the main suspect is an Islamic fundamentalist. The team also gets a lead that the political party in power is involved in the case, and they are using this case to stoke communal tensions for their gain. The episode ends with Hathiram and his team getting closer to the truth and the narrative gradually expanding to reveal the larger conspiracy at play.

In conclusion, Of Fathers and Sons is a significant episode in the series as it explores the complex issues surrounding communal sentiments and the politics of hate in India. The episode also gives the viewers an insight into the characters' past, further adding depth to the story. It is a well-crafted episode that leaves the audience eagerly waiting for the next.