Series Review: Bada Naam Karenge
The story is uncomplex, just as we have come to expect from Rajshri production. Yes, there is some tension, but not too much, just as we expect from their stories. The ending is happy as we want. There is a joint family, and that dynamics plays a huge role in the story, just as we expect. The characters are relatable, likable. There is simplicity and cuteness. Everything is mostly believable. Everything is very Rajshri.
This doesn’t mean there isn’t anything new. There is plenty. The Covid pandemic plays an interesting setting for the story to begin. In spite of having a familiar canvas to paint on, the writing manages to add more than a few interesting brush strokes. More importantly the story is modern, even when the boy’s family is very old fashioned.
When the series starts in the small town of Ratlam, Rishabh Rathi (Ritik Ghanshani) is reluctantly agreeing to his family’s wishes that he meets the girl with whom they are considering to have his marriage arranged. What he is not expecting is that the girl turns out to be Surbhi Gupta (Ayesha Kaduskar). The two families are not aware that Rishabh and Surbhi have already met in Mumbai. Rishabh is in love with her, and is near confident that she is also in love with him. Of course, now he wants to get married, but the reason for how they met and their friendship will have to remain a secret. Else his conservative family will not accept Surbhi as their daughter-in-law. But the family also disapproves of lying, and can disavow those who lie. That creates the dilemma.
This is resolved, almost satisfactorily, over 9 episodes. The past is revealed in multiple patches of flashbacks. Considering the simplicity of the story, I think such nonlinear structure was necessary to make it interesting. It works well.
The cast is full of actors who have perhaps played such roles many times and it’s not a surprise that all have acted very well. But the lead pair was a pleasant surprise. They are one of the main reasons why this series works. They both exude a simple charm and come across as kids next door. Their acting creates a believable chemistry that is so critical in love stories.
All other departments - dialogues, script and overall direction - are also handled adeptly. Music is a standout with quirky and catchy songs.
I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a clean and simple enjoyment. These days, finding a series with such qualities is not easy. This provides a welcome break from the dark, action packed, loud shows that have become so common these days.
