CID Returns: 90s Crime Drama Makes a Nostalgic Comeback

CID, the beloved 1990s detective series, is making a comeback later this month, eliciting mixed feelings from its audience. While nostalgic fans welcome the return of the iconic trio of policemen, some worry about the show's adaptation to contemporary crime drama's realistic themes.

The unmistakable phrase "Daya, darwaaza tod do" (Daya, break down the door) resonates with many Indians who grew up watching CID, a prominent detective series that aired from 1998 to 2018. This cult favorite featured ACP Pradyuman, Inspector Daya, and Inspector Abhijeet, and celebrated the trio's unwavering resolve to solve crimes, no matter how farcical the plots became. With its low-budget yet popular charm, CID captivated audiences despite its questionable acting and whimsical storylines, which often had ACP Pradyuman coax suspects into confessions with just a swift slap.

Now, CID is poised to return, and the creators have been dropping teasers on Instagram that have sparked significant interest, amassing hundreds of thousands of likes and comments. While some fans, like content creator Trisha Shah, express excitement over the nostalgic return of familiar characters and iconic catchphrases, others voice concern that the show's vintage appeal may not blend seamlessly with the edgier crime dramas of today's television landscape.

Trisha reminisces about her childhood viewing experiences, noting the show's family-friendly content, allowing her parents to feel comfortable while she enjoyed the mysteries. The creators intentionally kept character surnames vague, aiming to respect diverse sentiments, creating a show that balanced crime-solving with a lighthearted touch. Each teaser incorporates the well-known tropes from the original series, ensuring traditions like Inspector Daya bursting through doors and Pradyuman’s famous line—"kuch toh gadbad hai, Daya"—remain intact.

In a Forbes interview, producer BP Singh described the show’s signature scenes as "believable nonsense," insisting that viewers remain engrossed in the moment, even if they chuckle later at the absurdity. As the creators continue to release promotional content, many predict that CID will sprinkle infectious humor even in the midst of its crime narratives, making it accessible for fans of all ages.

The early 90s marked a turning point for Indian television as channels like Zee TV and Sony carved out a niche in producing original content, often inspired by Western formats. CID cultivated an appetite for crime dramas that soon led to other shows like Crime Patrol and Savadhan India. Priya Ravi, another fan, recalls eagerly anticipating each episode, recounting her childhood persuasion of her parents to bring home a television set so she could regularly experience the episodes.

She expresses a desire to introduce her own children to CID, highlighting its protective themes while maintaining a sense of vigilance. With anticipation building for the show’s return, the iconic duo of ACP Pradyuman, Daya, and Abhijeet prepares to step back into the spotlight, reigniting cherished memories for viewers nostalgic about this landmark series.