Bandish Bandits

This series is a beautiful and intelligent blend of ethnic, modern, and futuristic trends, not just in music, but in the lives of Indians. It witnesses transitions in music from the old classics to modern contemporary forms and marries traditions with modernity. Based in the beautiful and historical city of Jodhpur, the backdrop gives a strong take-off for the story from the heritage into the technological. It is a treat for music lovers as they will get to hear a lot of singing and music. Though I don't understand Indian classical music it was great to know how complex and intricate our music is. A great tussle created between these two different generations and ages also makes for contrasting stories and characterization to watch. The traditional classical Indian musical gharanas vs the modern on-stage performances and youtube following, both co-exist and compliment each other without compromising their identity. In many ways, it is a taste of how Indian youth are marrying both these ages with one leg on each side balancing the act and falling many times ; but at the same time creating a new present for itself taking the best of both the worlds. 

The lead, Ritiwk Bhoumik, has a sober style yet grows on you with every passing episode. Manisha Koirala's child representator, who has now grown into a stunning bubbly Shreya Choudhary, gives a natural and easy performance. The legendary stalwart of classical music of Rathod Gharana played by the legend Nasiruddin Shah gives the story a strong pivot from which comes this very Indian, very musical, very original series. Atul Kulkarni convincingly challenges the great stalwart indulging the audience. Though the series gets a bit slow in the later halves, it picks up dramatically towards the end, to finish with a great flourish. 

Rating - 3.75 / 5 

Shakuntala Devi

Being a woman is not easy. And only a woman can handle the feat. This film explores the essence of womanhood through three generations.  The equations three mothers and their daughters share as they balance womanhood and motherhood going through immense emotions and strong bonding. Shakuntala Devi was a celebrated Indian mathematician who became famous for her gifts with numbers and the ability to solve complex arithmetic in a very short time. She was a strong woman and challenged the patriarchy and dominance of men in an age where the woman had to be confined to the four walls of her home and take care of the family. With her abilities, she carved her own life path to do what she wanted and live her life on her own terms. But to what extent was she ready to lead her life on her own terms?  Things get a little complicated when the family and a child come into play. She didn't want to sacrifice her life for her family's sake. Though her husband understands it, will the daughter understand? Will the daughter who is deprived of her childhood and father's love forgive a woman who forced her to change her life for her ambitions? Will the strong, independent woman forgive her mother for not standing up to her father when it was most needed?  These questions will be answered by women who chose to be women in spite of being mothers, wives, and daughters.

On the eve of Raksha Bandhan, this film explores the complex lives of women who made a mark in history even though their personal lives suffered. An inspiring story of a woman who chose her heart over everything else and yet managed to love her daughter more than anything else. Vidya Balan is her true self again and dictates the screen as a protagonist. Sanya gives a heart touching performance and stands out distinctly throughout the story.

Rating - 4 / 5