The Married Woman

 A Married Woman is based on Manju Kapoor's book with the same title. I haven't read the book but I can say with confidence that it is a very good one. I will definitely say that this is one of the best Indian web series I have watched so far. I rank it amongst the top series with Asur and Made in Heaven. Maybe because it is an adaptation of the book, the makers were able to write a series of such depth and meaning and execute it to perfection. The characters are mature and complete. The narrative is fierce, intense yet deeply emotional. 

There are two worlds in this story and the characters from both worlds sort of confront each other through the eight episodes. Two ideologies, traditions vs modernism, battling it out through characters that are fierce advocates of their respective ideologies makes the series compelling and engrossing. One looks forward to the interactions and sort of underlying debates that go on in superb articulate dialogues. In the backdrop of serious communal conflict and in a conservative India which still did not permit unconventional love, these various conflicts have been used to tell a love story that blossoms beautifully. On one side we have the Indian culture manual following family, as opposed to free-thinking characters who do not believe in any boundaries, some of them fall prey to religious fanaticism. And one person is stuck between the two worlds pulled by societal chains on one side and self-realizing freedom on the other. All of this is communicated not only through dialogue but every element including the costume and design. And they are interspersed with urdu shayari that give you goosebumps. This is one of those series in which some dialogues will always be remembered. 

"For the first time in my life, I experienced freedom. Wife, Teacher, Hindu, Muslim, Punjabi, these man-made identities, he removed all these and saw me for who I am. I saw myself in his eyes. Free. " 

"You opened your heart completely in the very first meet. Totally bare with all the cracks"

The concept of pansexuality in itself is a new idea even for people of alternate sexuality. For once, it was not so much about sexuality, but about love, bonding, and companionship. 

Riddhi Dogra has given a stupendous performance. She is controlled, courageous and brilliant in every scene. Monica looks effortless on the screen but I am not sure if the work was. She has a presence on the screen that fits the character of Peeplika like a glove. Exception yet natural storytelling makes this series a must-watch. Kudos to writers Jaya Misra, Surabhi Sarat, and Aparna Nadig. 

Rating : 4.25 / 5