What Is the Story About?
The third season of Four More Shots Please resumes the lives of four friends, Anjana, Damini, Umang and Sidhi, from where it ended in the second season. Each character is going through confusion and dilemma related to their relationships. Do they get clarity w.r.t their issues is the entirety of the third season story.
Performances?
The good thing first is that the four female leads continue to have the chemistry that made the series a success in the place. It is vital for the narrative to click.
Coming to the actual performances, it is a mixed bag. While Kirti Kulhari continues to shine, the rest, Bani J, Sayani Gupta and Maanvi Gagroo, struggle to maintain consistency with their acts. Since they have done the parts twice already, none have that freshness. It is all about keeping the intensity and giving a compelling portrayal, and that’s where sometimes the other three are found lacking.
We see the lapse mostly in Maani Gagroo, who often slips into an overacting zone. The inner turmoil and rage are not brought out neatly, in parts, as she goes overboard after a heartfelt start. Meanwhile, Bani J fails to maintain intensity while trying to be subtle. It is the other end. While Sayani Gupta doesn’t have those problems, she suffers from poor writing that makes her role look repetitive and hollow.
Analysis
Joyeeta Patpatia directs Four More Shots Please Season 3, while Rangita Pritish Nandy is the series creator. The English series Sex And The City is the inspiration behind Four More Shots Please.
The third season begins on an emotional note, with Sid’s mourning phase and Umag coming to terms with a celebrity marriage mishap. The other two threads involving Anj and Dee grow slowly, especially the latter.
On the surface, every thread offers scope for enough compelling drama even though they lack the newness. We have seen many similar stories in the urban space where the characters struggle to make the right choice and are confused. It is no different here. The only difference here is the breathing space given to the characters and the gradual progress towards clearing the confusion.
The issues with Four More Shots Please also arise because of the abovementioned factors. It is slow and reaches a predictable end. It makes the narrative boring in parts. It is ‘in parts’ because the breathing space allows the actors to shine, and their chemistry makes things tick even when nothing new happens.
The family drama related to Anj is a prime example. The actors, Kirti Kulhari and Neil Bhoopalam, look so effortless doing all the drama. The simple, lighter moments, too, are done well. These actors make the narrative work and overcome the predictability.
But the same doesn’t happen with Sids and her mom’s subplot. It isn’t easy to be engaged due to the irritatingly written part of Sids. Also, the predictability at the end makes it worse. Still, there is a fabulous birthday celebration table sequence towards the end that doesn’t entirely let things go in vain.
Umang’s thread, too, has its moments, but ultimately the repetitiveness catches up. The confrontation with the father and later an emotional payoff are neatly done. The additional subplot involving a fresh character essayed by Jim Sarbh is a welcome presence. The same doesn’t happen with the new entrant on Dee and Jeh’s track. Their story should have been the most impactful, but one is left confused at the end (not just the characters) with the choices.
The general problem with Four More Shots Please, more so the third season, is that underneath all the boldness and shiny exterior, it is routine, predictable melodrama. The exterior package is only to lure the younger lot, who are driven by instant gratification.
Overall, Four More Shots Please season three is mostly predictable, accessible urban romantic drama cum comedy. It’s shiny on the surface and looks attractive, but it’s routine drama besides sex. If you have seen previous seasons, it is easy to give the new season a shot.
Other Artists?
The casting is good throughout the series. The different supporting actors do a neat job and register for their characterisations. The mix of old and new adds to the minor freshness. While the older actors continue their work satisfactorily, the new ones are acceptable.
Music and Other Departments?
The music has greatly benefited the series and its urban feel from the first season. It remains the same in the third one as well. Bay Music House’s music under Mickey McCleary is perfect for the setup and lifts the mood with his various hues and shades of trendily packed melody.
Sanket Shah’s cinematography is another significant asset to the series. It helps give a rich urban look. Arindam Subhra Ghatak’s editing is fine. However, some parts could have been further sharpened, no doubt. The writing is adequate throughout.
Highlights?
Casting
Compelling Dramas, In Parts
Music
Production Values
Drawbacks?
Predictable Stuff Mostly
Repetitiveness
Length
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, With Huge Reservations
Four More Shots Please Season 3 Series Review by Binged Bureau
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