Photo by NASA Universe via Flickr Creative Commons
Fans fell in love with Kunal Nayyar’s intelligent and quirky character Rajesh “Raj” Ramayan Koothrappali on the hit CBS TV sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Nayyar is now impressing fans and television critics with a much darker role in Netflix’s second season of Criminal U.K., according to The Sun.
Following a hugely successful first series and great critical acclaim, the official synopsis of Criminal U.K.‘s return to Netflix with “four new cases, four new suspects and one room that changes everything” urges viewers to “prepare for bold stories, some surprises, and a completely innovative take on the police procedural.”
Nayyar plays a convicted murderer brought in to help with the case.
Since the announcement of his new role, the actor has received enthusiastic support from hundreds online — including former TBBT co-star Kaley Cuoco, who played Penny.
“This looks so good,” Cuoco commented on Nayyar’s Instagram post.
A review from The Metro similarly expresses viewer support in anticipation of his part in the series:
“[Kunal Nayyar] really steals it for us…” Tilly Pearce writes in the review. “The bumbling nerd who just wants to be loved in The Big Bang Theory [is] forgotten [in place of Sandeep Singh], a convicted murderer brought in to help with a new case. Bearded and hardened from years in prison, he’s someone to truly fear. It’s a great turn for him.”
Pearce added that Kunal Nayyar is “gripping to watch” and “particularly strong stories” come from his character. His brooding, intense role as convicted killer has also gained attention from current co-stars.
“It was Kunal that left the biggest impact,” Shubham Saraf says, who plays an investigator on the show. “Kunal, when he came in and did his work, I was like, ‘Whoa, this guy’s incredible.”
Rochenda Sandall, who plays a detective, added, “To see him play something so cold and psychotic… I think Kunal was absolutely amazing.”
Criminal U.K. is available to stream on Netflix on Wednesday September 16th.
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