Tamannaah Bhatia makes her web series debut with Ji Karda. The story of the Prime Video series has a certain tang that persists even after the credits roll at the end of episode eight. It is humorous, wholesome, captivating and partly whimsical but is shouldered by a very talented set of actors. For the unversed, the series is headlined by actress tamanna bhatia, Aashim Gulati, Suhail Nayyar, Anya Singh and others like Sayan Bannerjee, Samvedna Suwalka and the writer of the show himself Hussain Dalal.
It is the perfect respite from the world of crime, thriller and mysteries as the story unfolds systematically and touches on some really important and insightful topics. In Arunima Sharma’s world of childhood friendships that survive into adulthood, there is a connection like never before.
The series revolves around seven ordinary school children who are visited by a soothsayer at a Christmas fair. They learn about some bizarre and over-the-top future points about their adulthood but they ignore it. Fast forward 15 years, the astrologer’s words hover over them as they sort out the complexities in their respective lives.
There’s a lot to navigate when it comes to our protagonists. Rishabh and Lavanya (played by Suhail Nayyar and Tamannaah Bhatia) have been together for a long time. But it is only at Sameer and Sheetal’s anniversary party that Rishabh finds the courage to get down on his knees and ask her to marry him. Sameer and Sheetal have their own problems to deal with, namely living with their parents in the suburbs of Mumbai. The lack of space and intimacy slowly eats away at their privacy and intimate life, a performance that grows more terrifying with each episode.
Gradually, we meet other characters, some zany and others, well, dare we say a breath-taking microcosm of complexities. There is Melroy D’Monte (Sion Banerjee) who is openly gay and has a hot-headed boyfriend who is yet to come out. While constantly dealing with the inclusivity of his relationship, Melroy also has some other belongings related to his childhood. Shahid Ansari (Hussain Dalal) doesn’t have much going for him except a class full of students who like him. His life takes a turn when a new colleague joins the school as a teacher, Preet (Anya Singh) who is a smart and sensitive counselor in love. We also meet Arjun Gill (Aashim Gulati), a carefree but extremely popular singer of the group, who is always ready to bring the house down with his energy.
With these characters, Arunima Sharma deftly explores the world of modern-day relationships through personal as well as interpersonal turmoil. The story treatment appears to fluctuate in terms of highlighting one’s individual journey in relation to the collective journey of the group. As a viewer one can feel a sense of constant bargaining and an aura of uncertainty as they interact with their outside world.
It’s quite encouraging how the makers pan their lens across a bunch of subjects who might be in their 20s and 30s. These include navigating through the throes of loneliness, interacting with your partner at opposite poles of parenting, decompressing trauma, and seeking validation from others, among other topics. But the ferocity of all that is largely overshadowed somewhat by a decadent sense of familiarity with each of the characters.
What adds up to Ji Karda is the non-linear style of storytelling. It may come across as jarring and unconvincing in the first episode, but once you get to know the characters well and the lives they live, the glimpses of their friendship from their school days make for an impressive It serves as a point of logic and reference. To recognize how they have grown and possibly grown apart over the years.
The sepia-toned flashbacks might give you a good dose of nostalgia as we see the origins of all their issues that have buried them in their adulthood. It’s cute and forms a strong connection with their respective sub-plots. The wholesome part of their childhood makes for an interesting and delicious recipe, in contrast to the rifts in their friendship in the present day. There are some examples which seem grim and unrealistic and at times unnecessary. But the show will keep you hooked mostly because of its quirky, coming-of-age nature.
It is refreshing to see Tamannaah Bhatia using her craft properly. She is very likeable and presents a more caring side of him. Aashim Gulati is like a chameleon and should be applauded for his choice of roles. Between Taj and Ji Karda, the change in their personalities is palpable. His portrayal of Arjun will remind you of Ranveer Singh as he radiates the same energy and banter with his fictional character. Sayan Banerjee is another charmer with his screen presence and his natural demeanor.
In short, Jee Karda is a very light-hearted show but has real life problems and issues at its core. It is a refreshing bouquet of love and friendship served up with drama and nostalgia in a soulful and melodious album of songs composed by Sachin-Jigar. It’s unlike any other show we’ve had on our roster in recent months.
