The iconic dialogue "Daya, darwaaza tod do" is etched in the memories of many Indians, thanks to the long-running detective series CID, which entertained audiences from 1998 to 2018. Featuring a trio of fearless policemen—ACP Pradyuman, Inspector Daya, and Inspector Abhijeet—the show became a cultural touchstone in the nation, achieving cult status for its amusingly simplistic plots and memorable catchphrases.
CID is set to grace screens again later this month, and the announcement has garnered a mix of excitement and skepticism among its ardent followers. Some are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite crime busters while others worry that the show's original charm might not hold up in today’s more realistic crime drama landscape.
In recent days, teaser trailers released on social media platforms like Instagram have garnered massive engagement, with fans celebrating nostalgic moments from the show. These clips feature familiar elements, such as Daya's dramatic door-kicking entrances and Pradyuman's iconic line, "Kuch toh gadbad hai, Daya," hinting at impending mysteries.
Content creator and fan Trisha Shah expressed her nostalgia, sharing that CID was one of the few family-friendly crime shows of its time, appealing to both kids and parents. "It was a clean show—free from graphic violence and profanities— making it suitable for family viewing," she recalls. Remarkably, the show avoided giving surnames to its characters to maintain its inclusive sentiment, according to one of the writers.
With its outrageous plots, like the resurrection of ACP Pradyuman or Inspector Daya saving a gas-filled airplane, the show has always thrived on "believable nonsense." BP Singh, the show's producer, humorously referenced these moments, emphasizing their engaging yet often ludicrous nature that captivated viewers.
The 1990s marked a significant era for Indian television as broadcasting rights eased, resulting in an influx of channels and original programming. Shows like CID rode the wave of this broadcasting boom, with producers frequently adapting Western crime dramas for Indian audiences.
Interestingly, CID initially aimed at a youthful demographic of children aged six to fourteen, carving out a niche which paved the way for crime-centric shows that followed, such as Crime Patrol and Savadhan India. Viewer enthusiasm for CID ran deep; Priya Ravi, a fan from her childhood, recalls her determination to get a television set so she could catch every episode live.
Even as many fans like Ravi may hesitate to watch the new episodes, they see value in introducing future generations to the series. "As long as it retains its wholesome essence, it can be an excellent way to teach kids about safety and awareness," she says. With the return of CID, viewers are set to relive the excitement of their childhood, while engaging in lively discussions about its legacy and future.
