In an eagerly awaited return, the beloved Indian crime drama, CID, is set to hit screens once more, stirring nostalgia and excitement among fans. Originally aired from 1998 to 2018, CID gained a reputation for its engaging plots and memorable characters, making it one of the longest-running television series in India. The show’s hallmark dialogue, “Daya, darwaaza tod do” (Daya, break down the door), resonates with many who grew up watching the exploits of ACP Pradyuman, Inspector Daya, and Inspector Abhijeet.
The series, characterized by its low-budget production and simple, yet entertaining, storylines, combined genres of detective drama with light-hearted entertainment. Despite its often simplistic plots and sometimes questionable acting, over the years CID became a cult favorite, inspiring countless memes and jokes. The detectives’ uncanny ability to solve crimes, often with a quick slap or unorthodox methods, has led to a sentimental connection among viewers.
Teasers for the upcoming episodes have surfaced on social media, gathering a wave of enthusiastic responses. Although many fans are eager for the return of their heroes, some express concerns that the series’ old-fashioned style might clash with the gritty realism popular in today’s crime dramas. Trisha Shah, a content creator from Mumbai, reminisces, “CID was one of the few crime shows on television back then... despite being a crime show, it never showed gruesome violence or unsuitable content for family viewing.”
Producers emphasized that the show’s creative choices were aimed at maintaining family-friendly content while providing engaging storytelling. Characters often find themselves in exaggerated situations, such as ACP Pradyuman returning from the dead or Inspector Daya heroically saving the day in preposterous scenarios. BP Singh, the show’s producer, refers to such moments as “believable nonsense,” crafted to be thrilling during viewing, despite the silliness in hindsight.
With the evolution of Indian television in the 1990s, CID helped pave the way for a surge in crime shows like Crime Patrol and Savadhan India. Harsh Taneja, a media professor, notes that the deregulation of broadcasting rights allowed for a wider array of channels and programming targeted at diverse audiences. Initially aimed at children aged six to fourteen, CID quickly became a sensation, urging families to embrace television as their primary entertainment source.
Viewers like Priya Ravi recall the anticipation that accompanied each episode and the joy of watching with friends. Though many parents, like Ravi, may not tune in to new episodes, they acknowledge the educational value of the show for their children. “If the show remains as clean as it was back in the day, I think it’s a great way to introduce children to the realities of life and make them vigilant about their surroundings,” she shares.
As the countdown to CID's revival begins, fans of all ages are hopeful for the beloved trio’s return to the small screen, ready to relive the adventures that sparked a generation’s love for crime dramas.
