What Is the Story About?
Modern Love: Mumbai is an Indian adaptation of the International series of the same name but set in Mumbai. It is an anthology series and focuses on different ‘love’ stories in the backdrop of the city.
Performances?
The casting of the series is excellent, with even a minor role fitting the part well. They all do the required job with varying degrees of success.
The series starts with a bang with Fatima Sana Shaikh’s robust and chirpy act. She is hyperactive and calm when necessary. The balance between the two contrasting emotions and an undercurrent of joy makes the whole act special.
We see a similar joy with Arshad Warsi in the final episode. While it is also a lovely watch, the lack of surprise holds it a little back.
Pratik Gandhi continues to be a revelation. He shows a previously unseen vulnerable side to him. The actor effortlessly demonstrates the simple moments of happiness and the dejected feeling of being unaccepted. Ranveer Brar making his acting debut is a lovely pair, and he too shines, showing no signs of being a first-timer at work.
Yeo Yann Yann plays a jealous mother to perfection, even if it feels overdone. The other side of love and affection are also beautifully amalgamated, making it an instantly relatable part. Wamiqa Gabbi fits the role but eventually is underutilised. Meiyang Chang is fine as usual despite offering nothing new.
Sarika is a portrait of elegance, and it overshadows everything she does or says. She carries the role with a class but is found lacking in writing for the part.
Masaba Gupta gets another role that suits her, and it shows in the acting. There is no heavy drama, with the whole narrative relying on conversations. It works out well for her.
Chitrangada Singh has the most predictable and routine part of all. Still, she infuses some spark into it with her energy. More than a standalone act, the chemistry she shares with Arshad Warsi works out in her segment.
There are many more known faces like Naseeruddin Shah, Tanuja Samarth, Ahsaas Channa, Girija Oak etc., in minor supporting roles. They are all fine and do justice to their parts.
Analysis
Shonali Bose, Hansal Mehta, Vishal Bharadwaj, Alanktrita Shrivastava, Dhruv Sehgal, and Nupur Asthana direct the six short stories comprising the anthology series Modern Love: Mumbai.
Shonali Bose directs Raat Raani. It is the most animated short of the lot. The story is predictable, like most of the others, but it works out due to the energy of the whole thing. The music has been used well, and the emotions carry well in the end.
The Scam 1992 helmer directs Baai. He has a compelling gay drama at hand. The premise is utterly predictable and done to death on OTT (mainly). The setting, music and performances from the artists make it tick. The music is delightful and adds to the heartwarming feeling.
Noted director Vishal Bharadwaj brings us Mumbai Dragon. It is North-East meets North-West in Mumbai. The setting separates from the rest, but the story is again highly routine. The artists and music hold the attention.
Alankrita Shrivastava’s My Beautiful Wrinkles is the weakest of the lot. It is simply because it gives a feeling of holding back and not disturbing the applecart. The writing is superficial and too simplistic for its core content. However, the short too ends on a beautiful note mainly due to the music.
Dhruv Sehgal’s I Love Thane has its heart in the right place, but the outcome doesn’t have the desired effect. There is an uneven tone, and some parts seem to lack focus. The smaller moments and the ponderings of the lead are relatable, and her conversations with Ritwik Bhowmik make it tick.
And finally, Nupur Asthana directs Mumbai Cutting, a feel-good short in the true sense. The story is very familiar, but it’s the lead pair that makes it work despite being rushed in parts. Their charm and chemistry overcome the blemishes.
The one major issue with all the stories is the missing ‘feel of Mumbai’. It doesn’t come across as a character (as intended) most of the time despite a consistent effort throughout.
Overall, Modern Love: Mumbai works mainly due to the solid acting talent on board and the undercurrent feel-good factor and music.
Music and Other Departments?
Technically the series is slick with some bright talents and young names associated with it. The music is good across the shorts, and so is the cinematography. The editing is a mixed back with a couple looking rushed. The writing is also adequate.
Highlights?
Casting
Performances
Music
Feel-Good FactorDrawbacks?
Predictable Stories
Rushed Making, In Parts
A Couple Of Shorts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Slight Reservations
Modern Love: Mumbai Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
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