What Is the Story About?
Armaan’s affair with his co-star jeopardises his marriage with Mandira. Mahika’s misunderstanding with Armaan alters the course of Viktory Studios and their project 1857. Meanwhile, disconnected from her celebrity status, Yasmin takes a crucial call about her child with Raghu. Raghu parts ways with Saajan Morarka on a sour note. What’s in store for Raghu and Mahi?
Performances?
Raghu Khanna is a role tailormade for Emraan Hashmi – a capable protagonist who loses direction in life, only to get his act together when the chips are down. It’s a familiar space for the actor, albeit in a different backdrop, and he handles the portrayal with assurance. Mahima Makwana, in the shoes of a film critic-turned-producer, tackles the character’s drama and trauma confidently.
It’s ironic that of all actors – Shriya Saran was cast as a ‘National Award-winning actress’ (perhaps, it was anti-stereotyping?). Rajeev Khandelwal relishes the prospect of playing a temperamental superstar and it shows. Mouni Roy is another asset to the show and showcases the vulnerable side of an actress’ life with finesse.
Other actors – from Neeraj Madhav to Vishal Vashishtha, Vijay Raaz and Denzil Smith – make their presence felt in the series, within the scope of their roles.
Analysis
If Amazon Mini TV’s recent release Industry was a first-hand account of an aspirant’s travails in the industry without a godfather, Showtime is everything but that. Clashing over the legacy of a studio owned by thespian Viktor Khanna, a once abandoned granddaughter – Mahika – and a power-hungry, egoistic son – Raghu – are keen to outdo each other, even if it means destroying one another.
After a hurried, on-the-face, exaggerated initial instalment (comprising 4 episodes) that had little to drive home about, Showtime, directed by Mihir Desai, stages a surprising recovery with its last episodes. After all the fuss, the creators appear much in control of the proceedings, make sense of the character trajectories and give you all the time to process their (internal and external) chaos.
Mahika is a pale shadow of her former self, losing her way while safeguarding the future of a studio and making a mess of her relationships. Her uncle – Raghu Khanna – is no better, with his flaring temper and impulsive decisions. It’s too late for him to salvage his career and personal life. Their destinies are inevitably intertwined with the egos of a shady producer and a delusional superstar.
If a caption had accompanied Showtime’s new episodes – it would have been called ‘the fall.’ Every character lands in a mess and none bothers to set the record straight. From Armaan-Mandira’s failing marriage to Mahika’s troubled relationship with Prithvi to Yasmin’s public fallout with Raghu, there’s no hope in sight. It’s probably the reason why the characters strike a chord this time.
In the middle of a television outburst, Raghu says how Bollywood was supposed to be a workplace but has become a breeding ground to settle personal scores. It reflects a culture where celebrities use social media or public forums to resolve their spats (instead of a call/message that could’ve settled matters). Despite its pulp-fiction vibe, Showtime works as a mildly accurate portrait of showbiz.
Yasmin’s subplot is among the best of the lot – where she can’t come to terms with her mannequin-like status back home. Her emotional outburst with a set of family friends who care little for her personal space is one of the show’s most poignant, well-written sequences.
By the end, all the dots are connected smartly – where old foes reunite and look set to rise from the ashes in a new instalment. Showtime’s latest episodes (5-7) are a good time pass on the whole in spite of its problems. There’s solid conviction in the storytelling (that was missing in the earlier episodes), they’re edited seamlessly and the dramatic conflicts work much better.
Music and Other Departments?
Anand Bhaskar’s animated, lively music score captures the many crests and troughs in the series and its zaniness perfectly. Cinematographer Vivek Shah and production designer Amrita Mahal Nakai, provide an opulent, visually rich exterior to the show while the 35-minute length of each episode is just about ideal.
Highlights?
Seamless narration, editing
Good performances
Captures intriguing dimensions of showbiz
Drawbacks?
Overly exaggerated treatment
Plays with familiar storytelling tropes
Did I Enjoy It?
Mostly, yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, if you’re a Bollywood enthusiast
Showtime Series Review by Binged Bureau
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