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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Aug 29, 2020, 10:21 AM IST
Cast: Bobby Deol, Aaditi Pohankar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Anupriya Goenka, Tridha Choudhury, Tushar Pandey, Vikram Kochchar, Darshan Kumaar, Adhyayan Suman
Director: Prakash Jha
Duration: Nine episoders, each of 45-53 minutes (i.e approximately 8 hours)
Stars: 3/5
Where to Watch: MX Player
Various crimes unfold around an Aashram, which is led by 'Baba Nirala' (played by Bobby Deol). The Baba has every government official under his control, and keeps expanding his reach. However, a few government servants are still willing to do their duty. Will they be able to expose Baba, is what makes the story.
Bobby Deol has made his digital debut with 'Aashram', and director Prakash Jha explores his full potential through the web show. There are very few moments during the show when you are too bored to watch it ahead. Every episode, from the nine episodes, has a mystery unfolding, each revolving around the Baba, played by Deol.
The show has typical Prakash Jha elements - politics, caste difference, and crimes around them. This time, however, he explores the spiritual world through the lead character Baba Nirmal, who has built his Aashram base-by-base on lies, deceit, politics and brains.
The first episode of 'Aashram' explores the caste difference - about how the higher caste people make living difficult for the lower caste in remote villages of India. It also gives a hint about how being involved in politics can make lives easier for people in such areas. It also dwelves into the future, where a female wrestler Pammi, played by Aaditi, takes a stand for herself. A flashback into her character shows that she was mesmerized by 'Kashipur wale Baba' (Deol).
By the second episode it is clear that Baba was involved in the murder of a young woman whose corpse was found by the forest recently. He wakes up every night sweating after having a nightmare about the dead woman. Thereafter begins his journey of being innocent on the forefront and shady in real. Prakash Jha has made sure to keep his story subtle and on-the-face. If there is a fact that needs to be told, he doesn't play around, but just goes for it.
Through the other seven episodes, it is clear that 'Baba Nirala' is indeed a conman who makes sure that his followers are attached to the Aashram for life, leaving behind all kinds of 'moh-maaya' (especially the ones attached to you). He does so, to enjoy the luxuries all by himself, something which his wife reveals in one of the episodes.
While Bobby Deol plays the dark-shaded 'baba', he finds an aid in Chandan Roy Sanyal. They share a bond from before joining the 'Aashram', which is visible through various scenes in the show.
Meanwhile, 'Mary Kom' and 'NH10' actor Darshan Kumaar is a cop who is tired of the politics and is adamant about unravelling the truth of the murder, which took place under Baba's orders. Whether he can come close to the evidence or prove anything, is left for the part 2 of 'Aashram' season 1, which was announced as the show ended.
With the spiritual world at its brink and politics, girls, money and fame being a massive motivation, it would be safe to say that Prakash Jha has his own 'Sacred Games' with Bobby Deol as the central lead, with Chandan Roy Sanyal as his aid. Darshan Kumaar could end up becoming the 'Sacred Games' Saif Ali Khan of 'Aashram'.
'Aashram Season 1 Part 1' verdict:
Dealing with very real subjects like caste difference, blind faith, and deceit, Prakash Jha-Bobby Deol's 'Aashram' is a must-watch. It does not bore you either.
