Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel is ZEE5’s web series exploring a socially apt narrative woven in an engaging and intense storyline. The series marks the debut of RJ Mahvash in acting. Set in North India, the show, as the title suggests, is a tale of revenge that struggles to impress at times.
The series follows the story of a young boy, Bablu, played by Anshumaan Pushkar, belonging to a lower caste. He gives up on his UPSC exam preparation in the middle to follow his father’s footsteps performing ‘Launda Nach’ for an upper caste family, the Singhs. However, beneath his choice lies a hidden motive that sets the stage for drama.
Dressed in a saree, Bablu turns into Lali, entertaining the male guests. What adds twist to this drama is Bablu’s love connection with Aarti, played by Mahvash, the daughter of Sona Singh, the patriarch of the family. However, Aarti, away for studies, is unaware of Bablu’s shifting agenda in life that steers him in an intense direction. Aarti looks confused seeing Bablu, and then the tables turn when Aarti gets into a clash with Diamond Pandey, played by Ati Kusum Singh, the younger son of Pandey, who isn’t a good person, and the same is true for the younger son of the Singhs. Amidst that, Bablu wins the trust of the Singhs, but what makes the show engaging is the hidden plan set to seek revenge for his father’s traumatic death.
The series aggressively shows the reality of how the so-called upper caste treats the lower caste people, from humiliating and oppressing to discriminating at every point. Through Bablu’s emotionally intense and vengeful tale, the series attempts to highlight the aggression, hatred, and negativity it spreads in society. The film succeeds in showing the harsh reality; however, the slow pacing and unnecessary stretch affect the experience.
Anshumaan Pushkar and RJ Mahvash rule with their presence, portraying their roles set in Uttar Pradesh. They did justice to their roles in terms of their attire, body language, and accent. At the same time, Kumud Mishra adds more drama. Director Jai Basantu Singh effectively portrays the socially relevant narrative with sensitivity, but the storyline feels a bit stretched. Overall, it is a good one-time watch.
IWMBuzz rates Satrangi: Badle Ka Khel 2.5 out of 5 stars!
