What Is the Story About?
Jugadistan is a campus drama set in Central University (CU). Ruhi (Rukshar Dhillon), a medical student is a college topper from a middle-class background. She wants to get admitted into a foreign institute for PG, which she can’t afford. Lucky aka Lakshman Kohli (Taaruk Raina) is also a medical student, and college heartthrob. How does Lucky forms a bond with Ruhi and solves her problem? Where does it lead them is the series’ main plot?
Then there are others like Bhati, fighting college election, Arti a wannabe entrepreneur, Ayesha Rehman, who wants to become a journalist, and Kenny dealing with racism. How they all evolve over a period of time is the broad story.
Performances?
Jugaadistan is one of the series which gets its casting right even for minor supporting parts. When the actors suit the parts and their characterisation shine, even predictable dramas look good.
Rukshar Dhillon is perfect as the girl next door Ruhi, a topper in the college, but lacking social life. Her character arc is the best in the entire series. At times, it could have easily become irritating, but care is taken to avoid them. It enhances her appeal further.
Sumeet Vyas as Bhati is show stealer even though he comes across as a bit aged for the setting. He delivers a well-calibrated act that is both serious and fun at the same time. A slight tilt on either side would have spoiled the whole narrative.
Taaruk Raina as charming Lucky is good. The dual nature of his character is neatly written in the script and well brought out by the actor.
The rest of the actors have comparatively smaller lengths, but each one, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Danish Sood, Ahsaas Channa, Arjun Mathur, Lukram Smil, Himika Bose, Gopal Dutt etc. are all remarkable. They all have got a scene or two to shine and they deliver.
Analysis
Adhaar Khurana and Akarsh Khurana direct Jugaadistan which is created by Divya Rao. The series deals with various characters that inhabit a university and how they grow over a period via their friendships and decisions.
The idea of Jugaadistan is not new. We have seen many movies and recently a few series made with a college backdrop. In fact, one of the recent shows The Whistleblower deals with pretty much the same core drama and has a similar story. The difference is better characterisations and less clumsiness in Jugaadistan.
The opening episode feels a little messy mainly due to the introduction of multiple characters and their backstories. Whenever there is a pause, and some breathing space, Jugaadistan engages. It shows the faulty screenplay as an issue more than the content.
The issue with the screenplay persists throughout, though not as alarming as the opening. At times some small scenes feel placed out of blue. The abrupt editing adds to the woes. But, slowly we get used to the various characters and then the relatable emotions take over.
The drama involving all the key players is well handled. There are many subplots, a direct consequence of the multiple characters, but as the narrative progresses each holds an appeal.
Be it the main track between Ruhi and Lucky or the investigation from a lecturer and journalist or the racism thread mixed with college politics and elections – everything works out well, by the end. The lack of clumsiness, as mentioned earlier, is the biggest asset here. Ideally, it should mean better screenplay, but here it is the characters and direction that do the trick.
The ending is neatly brought out, even though a bit stretched. It would have been even better if the whole thing were wrapped up in the first season itself.
Overall, Jugaadistan gets the characters, and plots right. It has shortcomings but the solid direction and performances hold interest. If you love campus dramas with politics, love, scam and chemistry, give the series a try.
Music and Other Departments?
Khamosh S Shah provides the background score to the series. It is fine and blends well with the songs that are part of the narrative. The ‘songs’ are the major factor in enhancing the overall appeal of the series, though.
Akash Agrawal’s cinematography is impressive. He presents cinematically looking visuals without going too overboard with the set-up. Sanyukta Kaza’s editing should have been better. We get a rushed feeling at the start and it takes time to get used to the proceedings as a result. The writing is good, overall, even though a few parts give an ordinary vibe.
Highlights?
Story
Music
College Drama
Final Episodes
Drawbacks?
Patchy Screenplay
Rushed At The Start
Length
Too Many Subplots
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Little Reservation
Jugaadistan Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
