- Date of Release: 27 February 2025
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- Language: Hindi
- Watch On: Amazon MX Player
Aashram Season 3 (Part 2)
Introduction
The two biggest strengths of the Aashram universe lay in its characterization and the ability of the writing to simmer in its conflict while delaying the inevitable. As a result, it allowed you to be in the moment with its characters, feel their pain or alternately be infuriated with their actions. It was a unique way of exploring the deep, dark and murky secrets of the Godman, while completely investing in the narrative. But one look at Aashram season 3 part 2, and you know that these strengths in the narrative are significantly diluted. There is a sense of an uncanny urgency wherein the makers do not quite wish to stay in the moment, while more than willing to hop, skip and jump on the next available conflict. What this ensures is that you as a viewer aren’t entirely invested in the drama unlike the previous seasons that had a raw energy engulfing the narrative as an undercurrent. This, by no means is a washout season with all the ingredients in place to contribute to the eventual conclusion. But I would be lying if I say that this season wasn’t rushed. As a result, even the ‘high’ stakes in the narrative don’t feel that high while you are witness to the proceedings that threatens to take-off but never quite creates a similar stir like the previous outings. Having said that, the events still remain watchable.
Story & Screenplay
You can clearly make out that the current curtailed season of Aashram may have a lot to do with multiple issues erupting with the erstwhile MX Player (before being provided relief by Amazon), or its overtly explored political undertones (which is a no-no in the current climate). Its repurcussions are directly visible amomgst its characters, some of whom are either conveniently side-lined or just not there, this time around. It is almost like a regig to the world in order to get done with its conclusion sooner. But if I were to scrap a little more, there was some definite redemption to be had here. The shifting character dynamics definitely take center stage in this season of Aashram as well, even though the writing isn’t as layered here. The most important shift in the dynamics is between Baba Nirala aka Monty (Bobby Deol) and Bhopa (Chandan Roy Sanyal) who share an indifferent bond this time around. And much of it has got to do with the cautious approach of the latter, who is quick to warn Baba Niraala about the sinister approach of Pammi (Aaditi Pohankar), who had previously scrammed from the Aashram before being caught. Clearly, Pammi has a lot at stake here with her sole purpose being that of revenge and justice after a series of personal losses including the death of her brother and father, while being violated by Baba Nirala himself.
The politics does take a bit of a backseat this time around, even as the focus remains mainly on the revenge plot that unfolds tactfully. Thankfully, some of the traits of the characters are retained from the earlier outings – Baba Nirala is still that figure who wishes to win at all cost while cutting out a scheming figure and a dark soul that is way murkier than his white attire. His partner-in-crime Bhopa also remains faithful but the change here is in his cautious approach, coupled with his unsaid aspiration for power that draws him towards a seductive Pammi whose intentions can easily be guessed from a viewer’s perspective. But while the focus remains on these characters, some of the other characters are reduced to the background. For instance, Babita (Tridha Choudhary) or Ujagar (Darshan Kumar) have little to do here, despite previously having personal stakes in the game like Pammi. The focus remains on the trio of Pammi, Bhopa and Baba Niraala, and their ever shifting dynamics between the three.
One little issue that I had with the writing here was that the stakes aren’t as high as the previous outings. Yes, there is a surprise death of a character that transpires against the run of play but it doesn’t necessarily impact the flow of the drama here. What was interesting to witness though was the specific dynamics between Bhopa and Pammi even while venturing into the intimate space, with the sole motive being that of revenge. It was more interesting given how even Bhopa may well have been aware of the intentions of Pammi, but still fell prey to the femme fatale while skewing his dynamics with the Godman. Parallely, the little backstory of Baba Nirala also did provide some level of richness to the writing. The origin story did boast of an individual with no redemption to begin with, yet slowly but surely climbing the ladder of power dynamics that was uncannily similar to the political setup doing the rounds today. So with regards to the relevancy, the origin story is infuriating and still holds true with respect to the hunger for power and the quest to win at all cost.
The final act here did feel like a mixed bag for me. While I was fairly satisfied with its conclusion, I couldn’t help but think how simplistic and convenient the events were. It almost felt rushed at many places as opposed to a layered conclusion that would have further highlighted the tussle for power and justice. In the writing, I could see a few layers to be explored but the issue remained on how the makers weren’t committed to delay the inevitable while wishing to go from 0 to 120 on the speedometer in a jiffy. The convenience in the screenplay could have been drastically lowered if the proceedings were slowed down while allowing the viewers to explore the shifting character dynamics and eventually investing in them. In other words, the shift in dynamics did work in a moderately satisfying conclusion but it all unfolded too soon thereby summing up the screenplay which is watchable but severely diluted and rushed, this time around.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are grounded and definitely manage to impress while creating a calming ambience of intrigue. The BGM is subtly impactful and stimulating with respect to the proceedings that incorporates a shift in the character dynamics, this time around. The cinematography captures the intriguing vibe of the drama quite well with some wonderful wide shots that symbolize the glittery world of the Aashram, while balancing it out with close-up mid-shots that allows you to peek into the psyche of the characters and being acquainted with their motives. The editing is crisp here but at times too crisp for my liking. With regards to the editing, the focus remained on going from Point A to Point B swiftly, while not quite allowing the drama to simmer. It was decent but still a red mark in the report card. Director Prakash Jha does a good job here although the direction remains less impactful if you were to compare it with its earlier seasons. Yet, he does handle the shifting character dynamics pretty well which was the highlight of the season here. The characterization remained diluted here for sure, as did the final act but overall the direction still managed to score while making the show watchable.
Performances
The performances are good although not all characters are given proper arcs to play with. The likes of Anuritta Jha as Kavita, Preeti Sood as Sanobar and Parinitaa Seth as Sadhvi Mata are good but the writing never fully allows them to bloom. Kanupriya Gupta as Mohini has her moments to shine. Darshan Kumar as Ujagar, Rajeev Siddhartha as Akki, Sachin Shroff as Hukkum Singh and Tridha Choudhary as Babita are wonderfully understated in characters that are also underwritten this time around. Chandan Roy Sanyal as Bhopa is the real deal here. He is intimidating with his presence and mannerisms while also showcasing his vulnerability wonderfully well. There is an underlying layer of eccentricity that drives his character through the multiple shades of power and revenge that makes for a solid act. Aaditi Pohankar as Pammi is natural to the core while possessing an unabashed and uninhibited streak that drives her character and her motivations here. The ruthlessness that you witness with respect to her character with an irresistible charm is what makes her performance excellent to witness. And Bobby Deol as Monty aka Baba Nirala is pretty good here too. He is calm and collected with his act while also possessing a restless streak. In a scene, you see him at his vulnerable worst in front of Bhopa, almost being in a state of panic which was reflective of his human nature (as opposed to being depicted as a Godman otherwise). His sinister smile adds a layer of unpredictability to his subtly ruthless performance in a show that will best be remembered for his grand comeback!
Conclusion
Boasting of solid performances, the second part of the third season of Aashram is rushed but fairly satisfying with its conclusion in a drama that makes for decent watch. Available on Amazon MX Player.
