An Amazon Prime Original released on 10th July 2020, Breathe: Into the Shadows is a fitting sequel to the 2018 release Breathe. Starring Abhishek Bachchan, also marking his web debut, Nithya Menon, Amit Sadh, Hrishikesh Joshi, the series is a suspense drama. Just like its predecessor, the storyline revolves around a father going on a killing spree to save the life of his immunocompromised child.
Dr. Avinash Sabharwal (Abhishek Bachchan) is a psychiatrist and, when his daughter Siya Sabharwal (Ivana Kaur) gets kidnapped from a birthday party, his wife Abha (Nithya Menon), a chef at a 5-star hotel, and he diligently plans murders on the kidnapper’s demand. A well-educated simple family gets trapped in the kidnapper’s mind game and become killers only to justify that all is fair to save a family. Inspector Kabir Sawant (Amit Sadh) is an emotional mess and is carrying guilt and baggage from his last case. Upon his transfer from Mumbai to Delhi, he gets caught up in another mind exhausting case of killings by Avinash. Kabir himself having lost a daughter, swims in pity and gloom all along with the series and is occasionally seen doing edgy police work, which is a result of constant nag from senior officials.
Kabir’s character could have easily been the link to both the seasons, but the creators didn’t give it much thought. Siya’s kidnapper tricks Avinash and Abha into carrying several killings by conveniently invoking ten traits, like ego, anger, lust, fear, and so on each representing Ravana’s ten heads. Avinash dives headfirst into the killings thinking he can outwit the kidnapper with his psychiatric abilities. The 12 episode series is capable of taking you on a suspenseful ride filled with drama keeping you on the edge of your seats.
Diving into Episode-specific Summary
Episode 1: Papa’s Princess
The happy and ideal life of Avinash and Abha takes a nasty turn when their six years old daughter Siya gets kidnapped from a friend’s birthday party. The couple turns to the police for help but, all efforts go in vain. After several months, with all hopes coming to an end, the kidnapper contacts Avinash and Abha but, to their surprise, he sends an instruction to kill someone instead of demanding money for ransom. Now the question arises, Will Avinash takes a stranger’s life to save the one he loves?
Episode 2: Filthy
With time running out like sand from hands, Avinash and Abha continue on the devious path they chose. Avinash overcomes his doubts and sets on the killing spree planned by the kidnapper while using his capabilities as a psychiatrist. Kabir tries to let go of his path and initiates his transfer from the Mumbai to Delhi Crime Branch but, his fate already has a brand new mind tolling case of murders attempted by Avinash waiting for him.
Episode 3: Wings and Chains
With hands dripping from the blood of the murder, Avinash and Abha become restless and impatient and want to unite with Siya. But, what they get is another surprise from the kidnapper, a whole new set of instructions for carrying out another murder. Meanwhile, Kabir stumbles upon a crucial clue and, Avinash can feel the danger enclosing him. To reunite with his daughter, Avinash must move forward on the path set by the kidnapper and continue the killing spree.
Episode 4: Mind Games
Kabir’s last case is still haunting him as he settles in Delhi. Kidnapper plays mind games and, Avinash finds himself stuck until Abha makes a daring move. Avinash suspects of some connection between him and the victims.
Episode 5: Reflection
Kabir gets further involved in the case and finds a vital clue from an unknown source. Abha strikes a critical game with the subsequent victim, but a fragile attempt to the murder leads to dangerous consequences. A major revelation happens in this chapter which can sway the entire establishment of the abduction case.
Episode 6: Turning Point
Psyche buried inside the kidnapper finally comes to the surface and, the secrets etched deep in his mind demands more blood to spill. Meanwhile, Kabir goes through a rough patch when his anger takes the better of him.
Episode 7: Relay Race
The media rage around the case pressurizes Kabir and his team and, he painstakingly joins the dots of the case which can threaten Avinash’s mission to save Siya. The presence of an enigmatic woman in kidnapper’s life offers him a unique insight. Avinash’s next target proves to be his most difficult kill yet.
Episode 8: Bad Uncle
Avinash comes face to face with his next target and, he has to muster great courage to execute the kill. A pattern starts emerging and, Kabir feels closer to the truth.
Episode 9: Lights Out
Kidnapper’s life is on edge and, he escapes dangerous situations with the help of his new mysterious accomplice. Avinash’s unlucky run into Kabir threatens to blow his cover off. Internal politics at the crime branch make things difficult for Kabir.
Episode 10: 1996
Kabir explores multiple angles in the case and interrogates Avinash’s alibis. Origin of kidnapper’s psyche gets revealed and, the reason behind the killing spree gets exposed.
Episode 11: Chef’s Special
With the story approaching its conclusion, the kidnapper’s masterplan gives an insight into his life journey. Kabir faces serious trouble at work and gets removed from the case. Avinash’s fight to get his daughter back continues.
Episode 12: C-16
Abha’s world is devastated when she suspects Avinash of cheating. Kabir successfully cracks the case, but has he got a bit late? Abha’s confrontation with the kidnapper leads to a spine-chilling tryst. Kabir reaches the scene on time but are the things already out of hand? Will Abha and Avinash be reunited with Siya?