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Jamuna Paar remains a popular destination for web series creators and writers. While Pataal Lok was the pioneer, setting the stage for a deluge of content, the location continues to captivate with its blend of crime, quirkiness, corruption, and colorful characters.
This series stands out with its protagonist, a chartered accountant from Noida who is not only an honest government official but also has an extraordinary talent for making women very happy. His routine life, involving a cake-baking wife, two kids, and dodging a greedy superior, is disrupted one day, plunging him into a world of land-grabbers, bribery, kidnappers, and killers. He encounters a variety of characters including demure housewives with a penchant for guns and a nightmarish mother-in-law (Yamini Dass). His side hustle thrives on the principle that satisfying women’s desires brings mutual benefits.
This narrative boldly centers on female sexual desire, a rarity in mainstream Indian entertainment. Unlike the grimy portrayal in Bollywood’s B A Pass, this series is elevated by a strong ensemble cast and a reversal of traditional gender roles. Women, who would typically be dismissed as immoral, confidently seek the services of a ‘purush veshya’ (male escort).
Manav Kaul shines as Tribhuvan Mishra, a multi-tasking CA who excels in his profession and pleases his wife Ashoklata (Naina Sareen). He strives to provide a good education for his children, impress his scheming brother-in-law (Sumit Gulati), and manage the demands of numerous women seeking his attention. Kaul transitions smoothly from initial awkwardness to confidence in his unconventional business, handling threesomes, leather, whips, and other scenarios with ease.
Kaul, previously seen sizzle with Vidya Balan in ‘Tumhari Sulu,’ explores his full range of talents here, portraying a decent man who uses empathy to please his clients. His portrayal of Tribhuvan as a man who brings not just pleasure but happiness to women is compelling.
The show’s unique premise, advocating for women’s right to pleasure, initially shines. However, it eventually succumbs to clichéd, vulgar language and stereotypical crooks. The dialogue becomes repetitive and uninspired, with crude references to mothers and sisters. The lengthy episodes (nine, mostly an hour long) suffer from unnecessary filler, making the show feel stretched and tiresome at times. Extended fight scenes and drawn-out shootouts further detract from the narrative’s impact.
Despite its flaws, the series introduces some intriguing characters worth spending time with. Raja Bhaiyya (Shubhrajyoti Barat), the Bhujiya King of Noida, runs a sweet shop with a shady staff, including loyal sidekicks Dhencha (Ashok Pathak) and a friend sharing a long-held secret. Bhujiya King’s wife, Bindi (Tillotama Shome), takes drastic steps in her quest for love. A pair of cops, one corpulent (Faisal Malik) and the other slim, and a muscle-bound gym trainer, also make appearances.
The series retains some appeal by exploring themes of loneliness, unfulfilled love, and ambition. Certain moments resonate deeply, although others are overly explicit and predictable. A past connection between two antagonists raises questions about their potential had circumstances been different. The series does well in some parts but falters in its reliance on worn-out insults and vulgarity.
In a show aiming to empower women and challenge male dominance, the climax fails to deliver a strong punch. Reducing the offensive language and focusing on character development could have enhanced the narrative. The creators might also consider exploring new settings, as Noida’s familiarity is wearing thin.
In conclusion, while the series attempts to offer a fresh perspective by celebrating female desire and subverting traditional roles, it is hampered by clichéd dialogue and excessive length. Nonetheless, it introduces engaging characters and poignant themes, making it worth a watch despite its shortcomings.
Also read: Mirzapur Season 3 Review: High Stakes But Low Thrills
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