'Dancing on the Grave' review: A compelling crime docu-series
What's the story
Three decades ago, in 1991, a missing case of a member of an influential family shook the entire nation, particularly Bengaluru. After years, when the sudden disappearance was discovered, nothing but the bones were found.
Amazon Prime Video's Dancing on the Grave is a true crime docu-series, unraveling the murder of Shakereh Khaleeli, granddaughter of Sir Mirza Ismail, Diwan of the Mysore royal family.
The victim
Who was Shakereh Khaleeli?
Khaleeli was a prominent name in the social and influential circles of Bangalore (now Bengaluru). Apart from being the granddaughter of Sir Mirza, Khaleeli was married to an Indian Foreign Services officer, Akbar Mirza Khaleeli. He was sent as India's ambassador to Iran during the Iranian Revolution.
Their marriage was solemnized in 1965. The couple had four daughters.
The marriages
When she shocked everyone by marrying Swami Shraddhanand
Khaleeli's second husband, Murali Manohar Mishra aka Swami Shraddhanand, first met her in Rampur. When Khaleeli's husband was in Iran, the two came closer as Shraddhanand would often help her run errands for the house. Upon his return, Khaleeli divorced her first husband, only to marry Shraddhanand after six months.
Khaleeli had given access to Shraddhanand to all her assets, finances, and properties.
Sudden disappearance
A daughter's rigorous search for her missing mother
Khaleeli would often call her daughters, particularly Sabah. But once when she didn't call for days, Sabah grew suspicious of it. She rang up at her residence several times only for Shraddhanand to receive it and give her evasive answers such as she is in the US, London, etc.
It continued for a couple of years until Sabah realized he was lying.
Murder
The cold-blooded murder
In 1994, the Karnataka Police jumped into action and questioned Shraddhanand. The same year in May, they found the skeleton of Khaleeli, buried inside the courtyard of her own house.
She was murdered on April 28, 1991. Shraddhanand had first drugged her, rolled her in a mattress, and thrown her in a coffin-like box, before burying it. Khaleeli was alive when she was buried.
Direction
Compelling narrative with interviews
The docu-series is supported by archive footage and interviews of friends and family of Khaleeli, and investigating officers, prosecution, and defense lawyers. The director has also interviewed Shraddhanand, who is presently in prison.
These interviews and footages bring authenticity to the series. But it is Shraddhanand's interview that will give you the real chills.
Time length
What didn't work
Dancing on the Grave is a four-part docu-series. Each episode is about 30 minutes in length. Although the makers have kept this series short and crisp, it would have been better, had they made it as a film.
Some of those who were interviewed constantly spoke about the social status of Khaleeli and Shraddhanand. Probably, it's something that could have been avoided.
Verdict
A binge-worthy series
If you have loved other Indian crime docu-series such as House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths and The Indian Predator, then Dancing on the Grave is a must-watch. The series sticks to the facts and also brings a psychological perspective on the killer's mindset.
Director Patrick Graham has presented all sides in the best manner. It deserves 4 out of 5 stars.