What Is the Story About?
The Davans are an influential family in the fictional town of Bindiya, Bihar. With the family patriarch, Bada Davan, in jail, the eldest son, Chhote Davan, tries to seize control of both the empire and local politics. However, his ambitions are threatened by a new colonel, rival gangs, and internal family conflict, all while a dedicated police officer seeks to bring down their criminal enterprise.
Performances?
Saurabh Shukla’s role starts with a bang, but is eventually relegated to the sidelines, and his presence is wasted. Ranvir Shorey looks his part as a son desperate to snatch power in the family, though his performance could’ve benefited from more gravitas. Vineet Kumar and Govvind Namdev get past their roles like a walk in the park; they’re barely challenged.
Sushant Singh’s cop-act lacks any meat, packed with empty warnings. Most of the women – Seema Biswas, Sai Tamhankar, Sheeba Chaddha and Tannishtha Chatterjee – get a raw deal. Aakash Dahiya bags a crucial role with a compelling moral conflict, though it’s a pity that it’s not fleshed out as well. Dibyendu Bhattacharya is strictly passable in an unmemorable part.
Analysis
Bindiya Ke Bahubali is a fairly familiar tale of power struggle within a gangster family, after its patriarch is framed for a murder and is put behind bars, with no immediate respite in sight. Nearly every sibling in the family has an eye on the throne, aiming for a quick buck, trying to call the shots. However, their problems only multiply over time, as the cops try to play catch-up.
The show’s title precisely hints at the respect that the Davans command in Bindiya, a village in Bihar. Every character in the story has a dark side that eventually comes to the fore. Bindiya Ke Bahubali becomes less about who committed the murder and more about how the power equations within the region change drastically due to growing insecurities.
A Godfather-ish story is needlessly stretched episode after episode, while unearthing the true intentions of each of the characters. At times, it only succeeds in titillating the viewer rather than driving the story forward, focusing on the character’s perverse pleasures. Though one may argue it makes them more human, it’s quite evident that the creators use it as a tactic to grab eyeballs.
In the bitter world, the power games, indulgent man-to-man talk is largely uninteresting; everyone is double-crossing the other. The women have interesting character graphs, but the show is more interested in their skimpy costumes than in giving agency to them. There’s nothing/no one to root for, and the absence of any moral centre makes it directionless.
The show goes on and on, building upon trivial details that are barely fascinating and only make the viewing experience more tedious. There’s hardly any surprise element in the storytelling, and no aspect – writing, performances, technicality – stands out. The idea of a gangster’s son being a cop and the moral conflict he faces at work could’ve ensured strong drama, but the opportunity is wasted.
Bindiya Ke Bahubali roams around in circles, and after a point, it’s hard to understand what it’s trying to achieve beyond capturing the human lust for power. It relies on tried-and-tested storytelling tropes without giving it any dimension. It’s alright to tell an old story, but why now? What makes it relevant, and how could it sustain one’s interest? It only leaves you with more questions.
The fact that the lineup comprises so many heavyweights – Saurabh Shukla, Seema Biswas, Sai Tamhankar, Sheeba Chaddha, Ranvir Shorey and Tannishtha Chatterjee – and still struggles to be even half-decent tells a thing or two about Bindiya Ke Bahubali’s aftertaste. It is a lazy mishmash of a done-to-death plot, poor writing, filmed half-heartedly with uninspired performances.
Music and Other Departments?
The decision to rope in the popular indie band Indian Ocean for the music does catch you by surprise. While the background score is decent, the songs are shockingly subpar, immensely diluting the impact. The cinematography, by Mohan Krishna Agapu, passes muster. The editing struggles to ensure any damage control in salvaging an incoherent, messy product. The story (by Raj Amit Kumar and Damon Taylor) lacks any novelty whatsoever.
Highlights?
Barely anything
Drawbacks?
Poor story
Weak execution, performances
No surprise element, depth in storytelling
Did I Enjoy It?
Not at all
Will You Recommend It?
No, not even if you’re at gunpoint and are forced to watch it
Bindiya Ke Bahubali Web Series Review by Binged Bureau