Introduction
Summer announces some sweltering bytes, as HotStar sounds off the release of its newest political thriller, titled, City of Dreams. The series is co-created by Applause Entertainment and Kukunoor Movies.
The 10-part series stars National Film Award winners Atul Kulkarni and Sachin Pilgaonkar. It also involves well-known TV and film actors Priya Bapat and Eijaz Khan and the popular Marathi film actor Siddharth Chandekar, all essaying key roles. Nagesh Kukunoor and Rohit Banawlikar have written the series.
The series has been inventively devised around the political ambit in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, during the times of an election. The prolific writer/director has once again managed to keep audiences at the edge of their seats as the thrilling series takes interesting twists and turns.
The basis
In the yesteryears, sibling rivalries extended only to the male members of the family. The climate of change is inevitable, as women are getting more and more emancipated. The supposedly weaker gender (as accorded by the whims of patriarchal society) has now woken up, smelling her coffee, and rightfully claiming what belongs to her.
The series
The opening shot showcases the panoramic vistas of the city’s ever evolving infrastructure. This gradually shifts focus on Mumbai’s prominent political figure Ameya Rao Gaikwad (Atul Kulkarni) who has come to Nariman Point to pick his favourite ‘paan’. While he is at it, an anonymous rider comes by, gunning down Ameya Gaikwad, riddling his back with bullets. He is rushed to the hospital, and Ameya’s aide summons his children on an immediate basis. Elections are round the corner, and it is becomes necessary to choose a suitable successor to take Ameya Gaikwad’s place.
Ameya’s son Ashish (Siddharth Chandekar) takes it for granted that he is the natural heir apparent to the political throne. However, owing to his hotheadedness and yet tardy ways he isn’t fit to become Ameya’s successor. Ameya’s aide, Jatin, tries to push Ashish aside, as he knows that the seat is at stake if he takes over. In spite of all the odds, the chief minister supports Ashish, and asks him to address the important rally that is just a few days away. However, Jatin feels that Poonam (played by Priya Bapat) makes for a better political fit. The sibling rivalry gradually comes to the fore as Jatin makes Poonam aware of her calibre of taking over as Ameya’s successor. It is a treat to see her perso-na unfold from being a docile house-wife, to a fierce diplomat who is all set to take over the political premise.
On the other hand, inspector Wasim Khan (played by Eijaz Khan) is set to look out for the individual who has attempted to murder Ameya. Ironic but true, in his heydays Wasim did extremely well, and this case has given him the opportunity to revive the former glory. Khan invests in a lot of effort at resolving the case. He wades his way through the political roadblocks that go well against him being a Muslim, in a Hindu dominated political regime. Politics is hard at work at it keeps Khan from receiving his requisite dues.
The plot
The beauty of the plot lies in how the same has been staged. The story evolves progressively and grows on the onlooker. There are some bits and aspects that could become rather predictable. But regular Indian audiences always find a family drama ever entertaining. The political aspect coupled with hints of lust and romance gives a relief from the hard-hitting aspect of the story.
Kukunoor has shot the film in a strategic manner. The emotions have been well explored through characters and accorded in a manner that logically infuses the twists and turns on the path. What is even better is Kukunoor has made an effort to explore uncharted waters of politics and fiction (a category that was less explored by Indian writers earlier). The message on communism could be portrayed better, as somewhere it got lost in oblivion.
End note
All in all, City of Dreams proves to be an interesting watch!
