What Is the Story About?
Inspector Rudra (Arunoday Singh) is approached by RAW to do a covert operation in Serbia. After a lot of hesitation, Rudra relents considering the condition of his wife Ranjana.
What is the mission about? Is there a twist in the tale? Did Rudra escapes from a sinister mastermind plan is the series’ basic plot.
Performances?
Arunoday Singh reprising his role as Rudra is fun to watch. Looking at the overall plot it is clear that it was his character and the mass connection that pushed the team to a second instalment.
While Arunoday Singh is fun, one can also sense that things aren’t as smooth and impactful as Apaharan. Inconsistent characterisation, multiple twists, and some poorly written lines (not the voice-overs which are fine) make him look a little all over the place. The twist in the tale could have been dealt with in a better way.
Nidhi Singh is a disappointment. She lacks the depth and emotions seen in the original. It feels like a completely different character altogether. She has a couple of moments with Arunoday which could have worked emotionally, but lacklustre execution mars it entirely.
Analysis
Santosh Singh directs season two of Apaharan. It has a typical spy thriller setting, but instead of the usual ‘spy’ we have a desi cop leading the mission.
As one can discern the basic setup doesn’t fit with the heartland milieu and pulpy fun of Apaharan. It was the desi feel and setting that made the original a success. Here there is a forced attempt to mix local stuff with spy elements. Everything looks out of place as a result.
Things don’t stop at the single genre cliches, the narrative then mixes the old school masala elements into the proceedings. There are twists and turns in place but the hotchpotch never lets them flourish.
If it wasn’t clear at the start, it becomes by the time we reach the middle, that there was absolutely no need to make the second season in the first place. It is all over the place and feels disjointed. The only reason it’s made is because of Rudra’s character and to exploit it further.
The narrative towards the end gets a little better as the excitement of things coming to an end gains momentum. Unfortunately, the whole story is a setup for the next season. Things have taken a nationalistic turn towards the end.
Overall, Apaharan 2 is one of those sequels that is made purely to milk the lead character. Unfortunately what we get is a mind-numbing cocktail of genres from past to present with no coherence. Still, a few fun moments exist, but they don’t necessarily warrant a rush viewing.
Other Artists?
Apart from the main leads, the rest of the characters are hardly developed. Even the one present are give the impression of cardboard with no life and depth.
Among the many, Snehil Dixit Mehra easily stands out. Her characterisation and fun work out even though very repetitive and contains an expletive every other line. The innocence works.
Ujjawal Chopra starts interestingly but soon becomes silly and forgetful. After a point, one doesn’t care if he exists, even though his character is vital to the narrative. The same is true for Sukhmani Sadana. Her arc is comparatively better. Sannand Verma and Ramsujan Singh are typical sidekick roles. They are okay.
Music and Other Departments?
The music is mostly sampled from yesteryear hits. It is one of the best parts as well as the distracting aspect of the series. The sync with the proceedings is missing from time to time. Anubhav Bhansal’s cinematography is below par given the setting. Sanket Rajadhyaksha’s editing gives a messy vibe throughout. The writing is full of swear words and it works in the voice over the segment.
Highlights?
Arunoday Singh In Parts
Snehil Dixit Mehra’ Characterisation
Few Twists
Drawbacks?
Messy Narrative
Cocktail Of Multiple Genres
No Thrills
Length
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Apaharan 2 Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
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