Heer Kothari unveils the nuances of the plot in The Final Call
Introduction
The Zee 5 original, Final Call is adapted from Priya Kumar’s novel, I Will Go With You. The plot is interestingly deviced around an ex-Airforce officer, who pretty much takes the entire flight down. The cast comprises industry stalwarts including Arjun Rampal, Javed Jaffery, Neeraj Kabi, Sakshi Tanwar, Anupriya Goenka, and Surabh Goyal.
The plot
The scene opens at the ATF office where the environment is relaxed, and easy. Members of staff are all set to celebrate the retirement of K. Mirza (a role played by Sakshi Tanwar). But before that happens they are faced by a major predicament. Flight no. SL502 displays sketchy responses on the communication with the Air Traffic Control (ATC). This has given rise to suspicious goings-on, causing a stir at the ATC.
As time passes the Anti-Terrorist Squad is called over, almost ruining the negotiation proceedings carried out by Sakshi Tanwar (Chief of Air Traffic Control) and in flight commander Arjun Rampal. According to actor Javed Jaffery, who plays the role of a successful business tycoon, “The plot isn’t a typical hijack or an action oriented one. It comprises of an interesting mix of spirituality, philosophy, reality, and fiction. It is indeed a well balanced plot. “
As the plot unfolds we will see other aspects involving the life of an astrologer, played by Neeraj Kabi, who has made peace with the fact that death is inevitable, and tries to impart knowledge on the same about life to everyone around him. Arjun Rampal, an ex-airforce officer; who pilots the passenger flight along with two other co-pilots has displayed signs of anxiety. The flashback scenes throws light on the cause of his anxiety.
The flashback also reveals his plan of ending his life on the flight. But while he is actually on the flight there is a strange turn of events that takes place. The lethal drug that is brought out by Arjun Rampal, and that was to be consumed by him (he plans on committing suicide while on duty); is accidentally consumed by his co-pilots that causes the flight to go astray. To keep the can of worms from opening up, Arjun resorts to fibbing, in a way of abating the tension. Anupriya Goenka plays the part of the in charge flight attendant, who smells a rat from the very start of the trip.
Critical acclaim
Vijay Lalwani, could have reworked certain aspects of the web series to keep the interest alive. The cast is a prolific one, and their talents could have drawn a better response if the flashback scenes were strategically planned. However, according to Javed Jaffery, “The web series was well directed and everything was simply on point!
Vijay Lalwani has done a wonderful job indeed! The plot and the nuances could alter the interest of some, and rev the interest of another. How the movie/web series is crafted is seriously a very subjective matter.” While all the eight episodes of the web series are currently airing on Zee 5, there are no plans of season two yet. However, Priya Kumar’s The Wiseman Said should be going on floors soon.
End note
The Final Call could prove to be interesting if certain aspects of the plot were re-visited. The interesting bits get discounted as too much time is invested in showcasing the flashback portions. Viewers reach the helm of action, and are directed to elongated flashbacks, that only causes a bit of a brain-racking experience as to where they had actually stopped last. Last but not the least, while it is a good webseries, it is not a no-brainer.
