AARYA, Seeing a strong female character at lead is as inspiring as impressive. And to see our beloved Miss Universe 1994 making a comeback with a series as empowering as Aarya is infact very exciting. Aired on 19th June, 2020 in Disney+Hotstar, the series of nine episodes have caught the attention of the nation and not in a negative sense.
Based on a brilliant Spanish series, Penoza by Pieter Bart Korthuis, Aarya showcases the story of a seemingly perfect family that is not so perfect underneath. A mother of three is thrown into the web of a sketchy family business on the death of her husband and that is when the hell breaks loose on her.
The plot and perfectly imperfect storyline of the series is penned by Sandeep Srivastava and Anu Singh Chaudhry.
The show is co-directed by Ram Madhavan, Sandeep Modi, and Vinod Rawat and produced by Endemol Shine India and Ram Madhavani Films. Ram Madhavan, after Neerja, has once again chosen a strong independent woman as the lead in this series of 9 episodes.
Sushmita Sen as Aarya
The lead of the show is Aarya whose role has been rightfully bagged by Sushmita Send who is an epitome of grace and unquestioned command. Aarya is a woman of impeccable taste in everything, right from her elegant wardrobe to an ornately decorated house. But behind that perfect family is a rotten secret. All that glitters is not gold gains a new meaning in the series where the pastel cladded, flawless lady is thrown at the face of disloyalty, crime, and lawlessness. She fights the law and backstabbing friends and family all the while keeping her perfect nail polish unchipped, even if she is forced to pick up the gun. The nuances to convince the audience of this powerful character is mastered well by Sen. There is a raw power in her delivery of dialogues and an unmasked strength in the portrayal of the woman, mother and protector who will do anything to keep her family and business safe.
Technicalities
The setting is that of a stingingly rich neighborhood in Rajasthan. Although, alongside the wealth, the reality of dingy streets, grubby walls of a police station, and shady garages where drug dealings are done is also efficiently captured by Harshvir Oberoi who has shot the series. The editing has been done by Abhimanyu Chaudhry and Khusboo Raj.
Overall review
The crime series takes a surprising ethical turn by incorporating teachings from Bhagavad Gita. The balance of conscience and the need to do what is necessary is a dilemma that we often face and the choices we eventually make is a difficult one.
The work is realistic, different and thrilling. Enough to keep you at the edge of the seat, the series is a must-watch. The character of Aarya is impressive and is appreciated by women all over the country.
As typical of Ram Madhavani, the series has a touch of retro music and you can’t help but groove to Roop Tera Mastana and Khoya Khoya Chaand.
The other characters of the series are remarkable as well. Daulat( Sikander Kher), Tej Sareen (Chandrachur Singh), Shekhawat (Manish Chaudhary), and ACP Khan (Vikas Kumar) are also equally memorable as Aarya herself.
All in all the series is a success and has gained the support of a broad audience in India. Especially during this pandemic, this series will definitely keep all entertained.
Mohona Bhattacharya
Banaras Hindu University
2nd Year, English Hons.
Varanasi, UP.
Mohona is an avid reader and an equality seeker. She takes a keen interest in painting and finds solace among books, coffee, nature, and dogs.
