“Bindiya ke Bahubali,” streaming on Amazon MX Player, attempts to carve its niche in the ever-growing genre of hinterland crime dramas. Directed by Raj Amit Kumar, the series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including seasoned actors like Saurabh Shukla, Ranvir Shorey, Seema Biswas, and Sheeba Chaddha. While the premise holds promise—a power struggle within a gangster family after its patriarch is imprisoned—the execution often feels familiar, preventing it from truly standing out.
Plot and Premise:
The series is set in the fictional town of Bindiya in Bihar, where the Davan family reigns supreme, controlling the illicit liquor business. The central conflict arises when Bada Davan (Saurabh Shukla), the formidable head of the family, is arrested just as he’s about to enter the political arena. This creates a power vacuum, leading to a fierce internal battle for dominance, primarily between his ambitious eldest son, Chhote Davan (Ranvir Shorey), and other family members, while a determined supercop, Murli (Sushant Singh), aims to clean up Bindiya. The narrative weaves through shifting loyalties, betrayals, and personal agendas, attempting to blend dark humor with a gritty crime saga.
Cast and Performances:
The show’s biggest strength lies in its stellar cast. Saurabh Shukla, as Bada Davan, starts with a commanding presence, though his character’s impact diminishes as the series progresses. Ranvir Shorey embodies the ambitious Chhote Davan with conviction, showcasing his desperation for power. Veterans like Seema Biswas, Sheeba Chaddha, and Sai Tamhankar deliver strong performances, even if their characters are occasionally underserved by the script, particularly in terms of depth and agency. Sushant Singh’s portrayal of the cop, Murli, is competent but lacks significant development. While the actors bring their usual prowess, the writing often doesn’t give them the nuanced arcs they deserve.
Direction and Production Quality:
Raj Amit Kumar attempts to create a world that’s both chaotic and darkly humorous. The portrayal of the small-town atmosphere, with its dusty streets and simmering rivalries, is convincing. However, the pacing tends to be sluggish, especially in the initial episodes, which can test the viewer’s patience. The narrative feels overstuffed with subplots and characters that don’t always come to fruition, leading to a somewhat meandering storyline. While there are flashes of genuine tension and intrigue, they are often too infrequent to sustain consistent engagement. The music, featuring the popular indie band Indian Ocean, is decent in its background score, but the original songs don’t quite hit the mark. The cinematography is competent, but the editing struggles to maintain a cohesive flow, contributing to an overall messy product.
Themes and Messages:
“Bindiya ke Bahubali” explores themes of power, ambition, family dynamics, and the corrupting influence of politics in rural India. It delves into the dark side of human nature, where lust for power drives characters to betray their own. The show attempts a satirical take on the crime genre, but the dark humor doesn’t always land effectively, often lacking the biting wit seen in more successful similar series.
Overall Impression and Recommendation: If you’re a fan of hinterland crime dramas and enjoy watching a talented ensemble cast, “Bindiya ke Bahubali” might offer some moments of entertainment, especially given its availability for free on Amazon MX Player. However, if you’re looking for a fresh, tightly written, or particularly impactful series in this genre, it might leave you wanting more. It’s a show that relies heavily on tried-and-tested tropes without bringing much new to the table. While it has its moments, particularly due to the performances, the narrative’s lack of novelty and occasional incoherence prevent it from reaching its full potential.
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