What Is the Story About?
In the footsteps of his brother Goldie, Vimal leaves his happy-go-lucky existence at Gorakhpur to study in Prayagraj. Goldie does his best to guard Vimal from trouble at college. After a sedate start, Vimal catches up with academics, makes new friends, finds love and enjoys his campus life to the fullest. Goldie and Vimal’s paths gradually diverge in a cutthroat atmosphere.
Performances?
Fresh after an affecting performance in Chandu Champion, Bhuvan Arora scores big in Fisaddi, where he’s cast as Goldie. As the elder brother who feels the pinch while guarding his siblings and experiences insecurity, the Farzi actor is in top form – making both the emotions and the humour work. Gopal Dutt gets a memorable role after a long time and leaves a lasting impression.
However, the real surprise element in the show is Poojan Chabra, who has a likeable, boyish screen presence, depicting the various dimensions of Vimal’s life – innocence, rebellion, sensitivity and love – with refreshing enthusiasm. Rajesh Vais and Shabnam Vadhera are near perfect as the on-screen parents, while Shailaja Chaturvedi excels as the daughter in a brief role.
Priyal Mahajan is charming within her screentime and Mukund Pal tickles your funny bones occasionally.
Analysis
College years are often quoted as the defining phase of one’s career, but they also create undue pressure to succeed and make it big in life, while all may not be cut out for it. Prashant Bhagia-directed Fisaddi is a heartfelt ode to those who’re left behind in the rat race – those who give it all but crumble at the decisive hour. The show explores the equation between two contrasting brothers through a campus drama.
Fisaddi underlines the significance of family in navigating the crests and troughs of life – including relationships forged by blood and friendship. Goldie has always been the overprotective, grumpy elder brother, while Vimal wants to set himself free, away from a world that makes decisions for him. Goldie is the underdog and Vimal is street-smart and has what it takes to survive in a competitive world.
Trying to be a father-like figure, Goldie shields Vimal from all possible distractions, and negative influences at the hostel premises. He often goes overboard with his behaviour, eventually driving a wedge between the brothers. There’s truth to the fact that Goldie feels left out more often than not, barely having any friends but for PCO Dada, who’s stuck at college for over 20 years.
The only commonality among the brothers is the shared love for their sister, who discontinues college, tolerating an unhappy marriage with an abusive man. The director establishes various aspects that contribute to the brothers’ worlds efficiently, portraying their love-hate relationship without dramatising it beyond necessity. The storytelling is breezy, consistently colourful and light-hearted.
Throughout the narrative, both siblings pull each other down but inevitably stand by one another in testing times. There’s a wide variety among the campus characters – say PCO Dada, VCR and Vimal’s girlfriend Geetanjali, to spruce up the proceedings. In addition to the sibling dynamics, the highs and lows in Vimal-Geetanjali’s relationship are equally entertaining, though predictable.
The true depth of the show comes to the fore in the last set of episodes, where a tragedy within the campus forces the brothers to revisit their priorities. The parallels between PCO Dada and Goldie, depicting the sacrifices of the elder sibling to protect the younger one, through poetry and music, leave a lump in your throat.
By the end, Fisaddi drives an important message forward – the necessity to celebrate the victories of our loved ones and not get weighed down by failures in life. The campus drama has a bit of everything – love, friendship, terrific humour, solid emotional conflicts and key life lessons further consolidated by refreshing performances and neat, focused treatment.
Music and Other Departments?
Abhishek Nailwal’s score and songs are tactfully used in the show across key situations, though the lyrics appear too casual and conversational at times. Cinematographer Rajeev Singh captures the beauty of Allahabad in all its glory, thanks to a lively colour palette and a vibrant ambience. Editor Ashish Vichare ensures that the soul of the narrative is preserved despite a wide range of subplots, putting together a highly watchable show.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Sure…If you enjoy campus comedies, highly recommended
Fisaddi Series Review by Binged Bureau