What Is the Story About?
The Chandel family reunites after a gap post corona for the Diwali festival. The three kids, Rajan, Ramni and Raman have their issues to deal with. How each overcome the problem and comes of age during the festival period is the series’ basic plotline.
Performances?
Sutliyan is yet another series with a wonderful casting. Each actor perfectly suits the part making them instantly identifiable and relatable.
Starting with the senior, Ayesha Raza Mishra, she is brilliant playing the mother of three kids and recovering from the loss of her husband. She has in the past done many similar roles, and that lends natural ease. Additionally, a couple of emotional moments make her stand out.
Plabita Borthakur as the only girl child in the family drives the narrative. She has the best character among all and makes the best use of it. At times, Plabita looks a bit hyperactive but it goes well with the flow. The angst, frustration and fun are naturally enacted by her.
Shiv Panditt and Vivaan Shah complete the Chandel Family. They are also fine and lift the small moments whenever given the opportunity. Vivek Mushran makes a cameo appearance as the deceased father is always a welcome presence.
Among others, Disha Arora, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Nikhil Nagpal etc. have significant parts. Disha Arora has an utterly predictable part but unlike others, she doesn’t rise beyond the routine. Niharika has a few good moments and so does Nikhil, but they are largely relegated to the backseat compared to others. The rest of the cast too is adequate in their roles.
Analysis
Small Town Films gets credit as director team for Sutliyan. The team has picked a simple and predictable story and tried to spin an emotional yarn out of it.
The series gets going from the start showing a glimpse of what it intends to do. There is nothing new content-wise. So, we have three siblings who each have an issue to overcome. It is their journey and the bond that makes the narrative engaging.
Each episode deals with issues related to an individual but care is taken to not make the whole thing look formulaic. The predictability factor mellows down the emotional high, but consistency is maintained throughout nonetheless.
The core drama related to a piece of land is the driving factor. It has been handled well. However, the same can’t be said about Munia’s track. It doesn’t come across as organic to the narrative even though the thoughts put behind it are commendable. That the mother ‘understands’ the kids more than the latter give her credit for is really nice touch.
The younger kid, Raman’s track doesn’t take off the way it’s supposed to, but it still offers good fun and emotions.
The ending after all the build-up seems alright from a feel-good drama perspective. Critically looking it could have been better handled as what we see feels rushed.
Overall, Sutliyan despite its predictability has its heart in the right place. The cast delivers and the feel-good factor shines bright at the of it all. If a routine but engaging family drama is all you need to watch Sutliyan is the right choice.
Music and Other Departments?
Sameer Phaterpekar’s background score blends neatly with the narrative. It starts from the title track itself. Anshuman Mahaley’s cinematography is fine. It captures the small town home vibe well. The editing by Abhijeet Deshpande is smooth even though the proceedings appear a bit slow at times. The writing is alright but the actors make it better with their acts.
Highlights?
Casting
Feel-Good Factor
Small Emotions
Drawbacks?
Predictable Narrative
Length
A Couple Of Subplots
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Little Reservation
Sutliyan Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
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