Fri Nov 22 03:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Zaidi’s “The Black Orphan”: A Formulaic Spy Thriller Lacking Originality
**Mumbai, November 22, 2024** – S. Hussain Zaidi’s latest novel, *The Black Orphan*, a spy thriller, has been released to mixed reviews. While praised for its detailed depiction of covert operations and weaponry, the novel is criticized for its derivative plot and lack of originality.
The book follows NIA super-soldier Ajay Rajvardhan as he thwarts a Mumbai terror attack while simultaneously investigating the murder of nuclear scientists. The plot, described as a “mish-mash” of real-life events and Bollywood tropes, features a predictable romance with a defense lawyer who later turns out to be a villain. The narrative relies heavily on clichés common in recent Yash Raj Films spy movies, including a “sleeping with the enemy” subplot.
The reviewer points to a particularly jarring scene where a rescued Kashmiri woman thanks Ajay by calling him “a saviour sent by Allah,” a moment deemed “magical thinking” and unrealistic. While Zaidi excels at portraying the inner workings of intelligence agencies and police procedures, the reviewer finds the protagonist, Ajay, to be bland and underdeveloped, leading to a less-than-compelling romance.
Despite Zaidi’s experience in crafting compelling non-fiction, such as *Black Friday* and *Dongri to Dubai*, *The Black Orphan* ultimately falls short. The reviewer suggests that readers might find more satisfaction in watching a compilation of scenes from films like *Pathaan* and *Tiger 3*, concluding that the novel’s predictable plot and reliance on formulaic elements overshadow its strengths.
First Piper 