I recently watched Bandish Bandits, an Amazon Original Series. It presents an array of talented actors, incredible music and a captivating story-line. This show stayed with me days after I watched it. That could be counted as one of the reasons for this post. When I began with it, I stopped after a couple of episodes giving up on Radhe, that he would lose focus and go the other way. But the series kept my mind occupied with picturesque Rajasthan, Tamanna’s “do not give up” attitude, Pandit Radhemohan Rathod’s search for perfection, I watched it till the end without a break. And O’boy, what an amazing way to merge music, love, tradition, dedication, patriarchy (yes!) to create a unique watching experience. It carves a niche of its own on the OTT Platforms, giving the audience a musical extravaganza.
Bandish Bandits: Radhe is a singing prodigy determined to follow in the classical footsteps of his grandfather. Tamanna is a rising pop sensation desperate to become India’s first international popstar. Radhe’s world is turned upside down when he falls in love with Tamanna. Torn between helping her achieve superstardom and staying true to his own music, he tries to juggle both and risks losing everything he has.
(The above paragraph taken from the Description of the YouTube Trailer embeded here)
At the very outset, I must say that Music is the Essence of Bandish Bandits, the harmonious and rhythmic tunes, soulful music and fresh melodious songs transport me back to scenic beauties showcased in the show. Shankar, Ehasan and Loy have added the most symphonious feather to their musical creations. The Theme song, Chedkhaniyaan, Couple Goals, Sajan Bin, Virah, Garaj Garaj, Lab Par Aaye, Dhara Hogi, Mastiyappa, Padharo Maare Des, Garaj Garaj JugalBandi.
Pandit Radhemohan Rathod (Panditji) played by Naseeruddin Shah, keeps the audience spell-bound with his expression right from the first episode. His flawless acting raised the bar and took the show to a different level.
Digvijay Rathod, the strong-willed Atul Kulkarni leaves no stone unturned, be it delivering dialogues or singing performances. His performance is sturdy,screen presence is intimidating and his smile is magical. I am eagerly waiting to see him in Season 2.
Mohini Rathod, the strongest characters in the series, in my opinion, has played a vital role as Radhe’s mother. Sheeba Chadda’s talent is in the calmness she brings when she is on screen, she speaks volumes without words. Her character respects Panditji the most, she is the person who takes care of him. (Spoiler Alert). She is the person who has been restricted by him as well. She has been the perfect mother to Radhe, and if her character was flawed, Radhe wouldn’t be the way he is.
Rajender Rathod played by Rajesh Tailang, the man unflinched by his father’s success, deals with the real world, away from music suits the bill and plays his role as Radhe’s father with a touch of simplicity. Once can see him smile on SOME of his posts on instagram.
Devendra Rathod’s with his Devlin and French connection lightens up the scenes and meal times where Panditji’s sterness gears up with all might. His rapport with Radhe makes Amit Mistry a favourite of mine. His character is capable of the Ghata bhandan and it is portrayed through his honest determination to see that Radhe succeeds. Puneeta sarees are also my favourite now.
Tamanna Sharma, the viral voice, knows what the millenials want, has treaded the path with conviction and done complete justice to the role given to her. Her character has highlighted the fact that childhood is the phase where children must be encouraged more than rebuking them. A strong lesson for all parents out there. Shreya Chaudhry on her Royal Enfield with her blue streaks is the new trend set. I remembered her instantly from her short film “The Other Way” on YouTube where she is addressed as “Bride, smile”. The smile at the wedding mandap is infectious.
Radhe Rathod, the dedicated singer idolising Panditji, also a risk-taker, is at the peak of his career, winning all the way. His character teaches one how to blend traditional and modern. Ritwik Bhowmik’s simple acting skills have allowed him to carry the show on his shoulders as the lead actor. He is super talented, earnest and mesmerising.
Kabir is Radhe’s support and life-saver. However he does leave a deep individual impression during the series apart from being the lead actor’s friend. His style, his repartee, his friendship with Radhe shows that Rahul Kumar, known to all 3 Idiots fans as millimeter, jo tab centimeter ban gaya tha, has inched higher with Bandish Bandits.
Sandhya is the next strong character, who finds herself in the series. She is as relieved as Radhe. I particularly liked her in the scene where they are shopping for sarees. Tridha Choudhary has played her part to the T, we see her as a strong character that makes peace with herself and agrees to get marries. But is more at peace when she doesn’t have to hide anything anymore.
Harshvardhan Sharma is the cool dad to Tamanna, his role is to see that his daughter is not hurt by outsiders, in the bargain, the insider damage done poses as one of the reasons for Tamanna’s thoughts of mediocrity. Rituraj Singh has clearly come a long way from Banegi Apni Baat telecasted between 1993 and 1997.
Aaghya’s straight talk colleugue, friend is the one who pushes her to the next level in her career. He can practically read her mind, sometimes more than what she can express. Kunaal Roy Kapur is at ease in front of the camera, and leaves the audience in splits with his vocabulary.
Avantika Sharma played by Meghana Malik ,whose absence makes up for her presence during the show befits the role of a mother who wants her child reach the stars traversing turbulent storms. It would be interesting to see Tamanna face her inner demons while interacting with Avantika in the further seasons.
Set in Rajasthan, Bandish Bandits is a bouquet of emotions. It has something in store for all age groups. Panditji holds the show, Tanamma, catches the attention of the insta-loving youth, Radhe wins over us with his dedication and sweet smile. Mohini is my strength derived from this show. She holds her grit and stays strong after patriarchy raises its head, eventually shines in the end. Digvijay with a winner in his name sums up the perfection with which Bandish Bandits has taken off into the world of music and drama.
Questy Musings is a musing with a question. Which character of a book, TV show, series, film or short story has touched you in a unique manner? Be it imbibing the qualities of the character, be it standing up for that character or just feeling it so close to your ownself.
This is not a review, it is my take, my perspective on, my thoughts on this voguish show called BANDISH BANDITS.
Bandish Bandits Official Trailer, a new Amazon Original Series starring Naseeruddin Shah, Atul Kulkarni, Shreya Chaudhry, Ritwik Bhowmik, Amit Mistry, Sheeba Chaddha, Rajesh Tailang, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Rahul Kumar, Tridha Choudhary, Rituraj Singh, Meghana Malik and others.
Directed by – Anand Tiwari Created by- Amritpal Singh Bindra, Anand Tiwari Written by – Amritpal Singh Bindra , Lara Chandni, Anand Tiwari Producer – Amritpal Singh Bindra Produced by – Still and Still Moving Pictures Dialogues by – Adhir Bhatt, Gopal Datt & Anand Tiwari
Music by – Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy Music Supervisor – Akshat Parikh Background Score – Soumil Shringarpure Lyrics – Mame Khan , Tanishk S Nabar, Sameer Samant, Divyanshu Malhotra, Shankar Mahadevan Singers – Shankar Mahadevan, Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty , Shivam Mahadevan, Mame Khan, Armaan Mallik, Jonita Gandhi, Javed Ali , Pratibha Singh Baghel, Farid Hasan, Mohammed Aman. Music Producer – DAWgeek Music Arrangements – Aditya V. Oke Music Programming – Amit Padhye Classical Music
Questy Musings 