"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 lyrics of the album 'Super Sitaara' have been penned by Sameer Anjaan. The veteran lyricist has given 90s super hit songs in films like 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Beta', 'Saajan', 'Coolie No. 1', 'Raja Hindustani', 'Dhadkan', 'Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham', and 'Devdas', to name a few.
The 30-year-old actor also has the film "Dhamaka" lined up, which is slated to release on an OTT platform. Kartik was in the news for his controversial exit from the Karan Johar-produced "Dostana 2".
Twenty-six-year-old Zoya Afroz, from Mumbai crowned as the Miss India International 2021 and will now represent India at Miss International 2021. She promotes Girl child education and financial independence. She wants women to acquire basic knowledge and the right to opportunity. Afroz has done a lot of movies and thoroughly enjoys performing arts.
The film has a star-studded cast comprising Ranveer and Alia, along with veterans Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. Other details about the film are still under wraps.
Manoj said in a conversation with IANS: "It is a big win not for me but for the team of 'The Family Man', because be it film or a web series, it is teamwork that matters. Yes, my character, Srikant Tiwari, has been loved by everyone and it is also one of the top shows in the world now. So, I am happy that the web series worked, it has got loved globally! That is fantastic.
The timeless diva will be doing a special voiceover for a tree in the promos of the show, hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan on television. The new season of Bigg Boss is going to be filled with twists and a lot of "Sankat in jungle" as the contestants will have to endure many challenges before they make their way inside the house.
