"Kahnewale kuch bi kahenge, I'm just a working mother." This dialogue with the Investigating Police Officer ACP Yunis Khan (Vikas Kumar), in the last episode of the second season of 'Aarya', encapsulates the mindset of Aarya Sareen (Sushmita Sen), who is no stranger to the criminal underworld due to her family's connections.
So lucid is the narrative that those who have not seen season one of the series will not have any difficulty following the thread of events in season two.
This eight-episode series begins from where it left in season 1.
After Aarya's husband Tej Sareen, a reluctant crime syndicate operator murdered for stealing drugs worth 300 crore from Udayveer Shekhawat (Akash Khurana), which belonged to the Russian Mafia, her father Zorawar Rathod (Jayant Kripalani) and brother Sangram (Ankur Bhatia) are accused of his murder.
How Aarya struggles to balance raising her three children, keeping the police investigation at bay, and is invariably sucked into the sticky web of dodgy deals, violent threats, and double-crosses forms the crux of this narrative.
So innocuous is Aarya's approach to her tumultuous life that it makes the series appealing. The first episode, titled 'Mujhe Yahan Se Bhaagna Hai', exposes her desperation to flee the country due to the impending threats they face. What follows are, 'An Eye for an Eye', 'Ab Hum Vaapas Jaa Rahe Hai', 'Sangram Kahan Hai", '300 Crore Ka Consignment', 'I Hate You', 'Phir Se Panje Baahar Nikaalo' and 'Isko Mere Raaste Se Hataa Do'.
There are also a few moments in the series, especially events in episodes four and eight, dealing with the weaknesses of the characters that appear trite, formulaic, and forced.
But overall, the script ignites your interest with enough sympathy and an equal amount of intrigue and brilliance. The best of which- springs in episode six, where the tormented mother in desperation leaps like a ferocious tigress.
This inspiring and jaw-dropping moment is enough for you to root for Sushmita Sen, who essays Aarya effortlessly - balancing reluctance, innocence, and zealous determination, with a compelling grit.
Season two of 'Aarya' is once again Sushmita Sen's canvas. And she shines as; a mother bonding with her three children, a disgruntled daughter who dislikes her father, and a concerned sister, friend, and confidant. Sushmita delivers her part earnestly, thus making Aarya a believable character.
She is aptly supported by a group of ace actors who slip into their characters with natural grace. Among the casts are; Viren Vazirani, Virti Vaghani, and Pratyaksh Panwar, who portray Aarya's Children Veer, Arundhati, and Aditya. Sikandar Kher plays Zorawar Rathod's loyalist and Aarya's well-wisher. Dilnaz Irani plays the Public Prosecutor.
Apart from the acting, it is the production values, inclusive of the locales and the cinematography of the series, that are worth a mention. But moreover, it is the usage of the peppy, old Hindi film songs used as background score that brings a familiarity to the telling and elevates the viewing experience.
The final episode ends on a cliff-hanger, ensuring that you look forward to season three.
The Maharashtra Congress and Aam Aadmi Party have moved the Mumbai Police demanding action against Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut for her recent "real freedom" statements that have sparked a nationwide political furore.
The actress can be seen donning the Indian cricket team's jersey as she has a moment of joy with her cast members. 'Shabaash Mithu' is directed by Srijit Mukherji with story penned by Priya Aven. In addition, Taapsee has an interesting slate of upcoming films like 'Dobaaraa', 'Mishan Impossible', 'Loop Lapeta' and her debut production 'Blurr'.
Rhea had filed a plea seeking release of her gadgets like an Apple laptop and an iPhone, and access to her bank accounts, according to her lawyer Nikhil Maneshinde. The gadgets were seized while the bank accounts were frozen by the NCB after her arrest last year in connection with the probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Rajkummar Rao recently introduced the cast of the show through an innovative video saying that his reputation of a well mannered 'Rao' is under threat from the new 'Rao family' of the show. Responding to the video, Lara Dutta has expressed her gratitude towards Rajkummar for introducing the show's characters and has ensured him of securing the Rao surname's reputation.
While granting conditional bail to the trio, the Bombay High Court had stipulated, among several other things, that they must visit the NCB office every Friday between 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., deposit their passports and not leave Mumbai or India without prior permission.
Both Ranbir and Alia chose to don the shades of blue on the festive occasion. Many film personalities like Jacqueline Fernandez, Zoya Akhtar and Anaita Shroff Adajania put up love reactions under the couple's picture.
