Sony TV’s latest launch Appnapan – Badalte Rishton Ka Bandhan produced by Balaji Telefilms has started on a good note. This family drama series has Cezanne Khan and Rajshree Thakur in lead roles. The story is all about a separated couple who are trying hard to cope up with the hardships involved in raising kids alone. While there have been a lot of ego barriers between them, the flashbacks reveal that there was love too in the relationship earlier, which probably faded with time.

Pallavi runs her restaurant Amma’s Kitchen, and is aided by friends Lalita and Ranveer in her entrepreneurship. On the other hand, Nikhil, now called Nick in New York is a successful high-class chef who owns many chains of restaurants.

While Nick lives with his sister and daughter Manna and son Harsh, Pallavi lives with her three kids Barkha, Badal and Gagan.

The story and concept are emotionally driven. It will drive families to watch it. While Pallavi tries really hard to do everything right for her kids, they do not give her the respect she deserves. On the other hand, Nick has become such a workaholic that he does not give much of his time to his kids.

Hindi television has seen love stories, drama revolving families and much more. But this is a sort of new territory with a separated couple meeting again, and life giving them a chance to rekindle their lost love and respect wth probably their grown-up kids playing a pivotal role in it. This coupled with the responsibilities that the two of them have as parents, indeed makes it an interesting watch.

However, the drama in the show at times tends to go overboard, to the extent of becoming melodramatic. The instance where Barkha goes out of the house and does not come back even at the wee hours of the night, and how the mother reacts, is filled with an extra dose of drama. The manner in which Pallavi presses the panic button and later, goes on handling her problems can be shown a bit subtly, rather than giving it a melodramatic version. She did the same when the school principal called her to talk about Badal and his rustication. Maybe a more subtle playout of drama will work in the show’s favour!!

Coming to performances, Cezanne Khan plays the part very well. As for Rajshree, she is a versatile performer, no doubt, but as said earlier, her tension-filled scenes can be shot better. The expressions on her face are so clouded that it is tough to understand whether she is tensed, scared or even reacting to the problems she is facing. Having said this, Rajshree we are sure, will convince her viewers as she sinks well into the character.

As for the younger actors, they for sure, need more grooming. Their dialogue delivery can be better.

What works in favour of the show is the emotional drive that the concept holds. A good and gripping narrative with emotional punches will keep the audience glued.

What can be made better, is to get the basics right, as far as the emotional sequences go, especially when it comes to Pallavi’s family.

The show also stars Anju Mahendroo, Rinku Dhawan, Mrinalini Tyagi, Anmol Kajani, Shraddha Tripathi, Gautam Ahuja, Mehak Ghai, Jatin Shah and Keshav Mehta.

Anju Mahendroo as the mother of Pallavi is rock solid. Rinku Dhawan has a very different role to play here, and is seen as Nik’s sister who very well knows his past. Mrinalini Tyagi has a meaty role, that of Pallavi’s friend and colleague at work.

We hope that the story plot remains true to the emotions involved.

We credit Appnapan: Badalte Rishton Ka Bandhan with 2.5 out of 5 stars.