What Is the Story About?
In the famous Matilda House (perhaps a reference to Miranda House), a sex tape is leaked. The current principal tries her best to handle the issue sensibly, but she is replaced by a dictator. The new, unforgiving principal introduces several draconian rules that strip the students of their independence.
Meanwhile, the new first-year girls form a bond that is fancy, filmy, and sure to make young girls long for such friendships.
Performances?
The new principal reminds us of the famous Nurse Ratched. She is just trying to do her job—there is no evil in her mind—but she doesn’t realize the harm she is causing to those around her. Lata Ma’am and her methods are devastating, yet the vulnerability she carries is remarkably portrayed.
Revathi and Nandita Das are highly refined actresses with extensive experience. Opposite them are relatively young actresses playing first-year students. This contrast between experience and youthful energy is beautifully captured by the cast. Trisha, played by Atiya Tara Nayak, is an incredible character brought to life even more brilliantly. Zaina Ali and Anupriya Caroli have also delivered outstanding performances in the series.
Analysis
As I drew the binary between experience and energy, I realized that the entire series revolves around this contrast. Interestingly, it favors energy, and there are good reasons for that. However, there is also another political binary in the show: the nice liberals vs. the tyrannical conservatives.
Films and series usually lean toward a liberal stance, and this is nothing new. But in this case, it is too blatant. You can see it very clearly, which becomes a drawback—if you choose to see it that way.
Why?
Because it takes things to an extreme. For instance, students are advocating for the screening of a French erotica. Naturally, the college administration is not pleased, and there is nothing unreasonable about that. The administration has responsibilities, and it is simply fulfilling them.
The dialogues also dilute the message. They are so exaggerated that the emotions driving them get overshadowed.
And that is the biggest problem. The show has some strong points to make about freedom, college life, and many other things.
Mind you, the friendship angle is just a facade. Yes, it presents an unrealistic depiction of college life, but the real focus is on ideology.
Academics are barely a concern for the students, which is far from reality. The allegorical college is one of the most prestigious institutions in India, known for its intense academic pressure. It is strange that the series does not even acknowledge that.
Music and Other Departments?
Music plays a significant role in the series, and we must say it is exceptionally well done. The themes of lust, friendship, fun, and partying are all greatly enhanced by the music, which undoubtedly elevates the experience.
The sets and overall design are highly polished. However, they do not reflect the real setting of the college at all. Instead, the series presents an almost fairy-tale-like version of a college and hostel, one that might fascinate young kids who have never experienced real college life.
Highlights?
The war of ideas
The glamour
The music
Drawbacks?
The unrealistic portrayal of college
Extreme portrayal of the ideologies
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Ziddi Girls Series Review by Binged Bureau