Director-Producer-and-Writer, Sidharth Sengupta’s newest creation is an eight-part series, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein and it is a riveting masterpiece. Narrated by the male protagonist of the show, Vikrant, played by Tahir Raj Bhasin, this series opens with a shot of the man himself. In the very first frame, something has already gone wrong and we see Vikrant amidst a chaotic gun firing. Soon, the story unfolds and we are welcomed by younger faces.
Vikrant is a small town engineer boy who has mediocre dreams of getting a job in a steel company and starting a small family with his college sweetheart, Shikha, played by Shweta Tripathi Sharma. He fantasises about life away from the town that he has grown up in and most importantly, he wishes to stay away from the gangster-politician, Akheraj and his daughter Purva. It is when his dreams are bombed by the femme fatale, Purva, played by the budding actor, Anchal Singh, that Vikrant’s mapped out life goes for a toss. Shikha and Vikrant are a very basic couple, thriving on the realities and practicality of life. They have the kind of love you’d want to have, one that they both continuously keep working at. Purva on the other hand is manic in her actions and aggressive in her thoughts. She has a tenacious love for Vikrant and she will pursue it mindlessly.
This twisted love triangle isn’t the only thing that is happening in the show. There are multiple subplots including families, friends, college seniors, even more anti-heroes and villains. The supporting cast elevates the series three folds at least. With actors like Brijendra Kala, Arunoday Singh and Saurabh Shukla and their brilliant performances, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein makes a greater impact in its storytelling. The good part about Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein is its heavily plotted story with archetypal characters and nerve-wrenching twists. Vikrant’s friend, Golden and he share a very exclusive bond and to watch it amidst all the chaos, is rather joyous. Vikrant’s dysfunctional family idolising the gangster-politician is another set for humour and true emotions. Shikha and her troubled family is an angle very well portrayed in the show. At the same time all the parts of her gangster family make a brilliant plot to devour. While the interwoven stories create authenticity, there are pockets of humour very well adjusted in the eight episodes and the variety of emotions that keep hitting its audience in waves is a delight to watch.
Tahir Raj Bhasin gives an extremely raw performance in the show. Vikrant’s cluelessness and audacity to make mistakes after mistakes is so well adapted by the actor that not for a second you feel that Tahir is acting the role. It is so beautifully embodied by Tahir that as an audience whatever the situation, we always want to see what Vikrant is up to in the show. Shweta Tripathi Sharma is a very well-applauded actor. Her performance here as well is very real. Her character’s vulnerability, supportiveness and truth are nicely enacted. The freshest face of the three, Anchal Singh, is an actor that grows on you during the series. The trio and their twisted love triangle is all the more gripping and cleverly performed.
The soundtrack is both efficient and effective. Songs in the show weren’t very necessary but because they are so soothing and good, they stick with us. The remix of the 90s title track is the treat though. Every time it plays, it brings with it excitement and an adrenaline rush. The cinematography by Murzy Pagdiwala adds originality to the fictitious town of Onkara where the story is set. The likeable factor of the show is that it doesn’t go sloppy at any point. Even though the last two episodes feel a tiny bit stretched, still the frames, the sound and the acting keep the audience waiting for more.
What I love about the show is that a storyline lapping amidst a storm of murders, and murderers, as the audience, I could laugh at the smallest joke or satire that we are presented with. This makes Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein a must watch more than all other aspects of it. It also pays a very short homage to Shahrukh Khan and even the movie Baazigar from which the song title is taken. Cannot wait for the second season and pick the story from the cliffhanger this one ends at. You should give this romantic thriller a watch!
Now streaming on Netflix!
