Flop The Series (Season 1)
Introduction
If the cultural chaotic presence of the city of Mumbai wasn’t enough already, there is a very specific part of Mumbai called Versova, that amplifies this very sentiment. And the new Hindi show ‘Flop’ testifies this with aplomb when a character in a scene says that every second person in Versova is an actor. He isn’t wrong – Versova is the film capital of the Hindi Film Industry, particularly for the kind of talent that it continues to brew month after month. It is a kind of addictive vibe that one would associate in the lives of several artists who thrive there day in and day out, trying every hack in the book to make things happen. Just like throwing a stone anywhere in Bangalore, only for it to land on the head of an Engineer, Versova holds a similar distinction of an actor being spotted at every nook and corner of Aram Nagar, being increasingly hopeful that one day they will feature on a film poster. And such has been the story, each time I have made a trip to that part of the city (invariably being a part of the same fraternity) – being witness to this meditative chaos on the outside, and a full blown crisis on the inside.
Story & Screenplay
Written by Ankur Sharma, Shivaji Storm Sen and Hamil Tamkin Wassan, the tone of Flop The Series remains playful and chaotic at once during its opening credits – encapsulating a satirival love letter to Mumbai and the film industry against the backdrop of showbiz in its rawest sense. The mood remains that of a mockumentary, a specific genre that instantly took me to the 2013 Hindi film Sulemani Keeda which also featured the struggles of two aspiring writers. The setting remains that of a talk show known to ‘Smell The “Koffee” ‘ and ‘Spill The Beans’ that establishes an early form of subtext with regards to two competing filmmakers with varied styles in play. The hierarchy of influence and power form the bridemaid of the conversation, instantly resulting in a bet that would go onto put 6 struggling artistic lives at stake in Versova – Madhavi (Madhavi Rao), Arbaaz (Arbaaz Khan; Bhai ka Bhai nahi, Bhai), Shristi (Shristi Sharma), Aishwarya (Aishwarya Shanker), Sankalp (Sankalp Joshi) and Lachu (Aiswarya Suresh), with a budding filmmaker Raju (Ankita Mithal) tasked to film their lives. In other words, the Welcome (2007) movie meme felt real – ‘Sadak Se Utha Ke Star Bana Dunga’ (I’ll Make Any Tom, Dick And Harry From The Streets, A Star).
The experimental humour is a key ingredient in a narrative even as you remain a fly on the wall through the multi-cam mockumentary setup that gives you an inkling of a film within a film. As much as the proceedings unfolding like a satire, there is a whiff of madness to the layout in a format that essentially plays out like smaller skits. And these skits remain a series of misadventures that are utterly relatable for anyone who has had a tryst with the film industry! It is zany, funny and extremely ticklish.
The humour in play is slightly more edgier than the other ‘Versova’ series titled ‘Industry’, almost willing to dig deeper into the dark lives of the characters. In a scene, you see an assistant director being witness to starry tantrums. In another, the prevalence of hierarchy being in play even as a caterer asks a ‘tertiary’ actor to eat elsewhere given that the food on display is for the ‘stars’ only. Elsewhere, you notice the antics of the condescending casting department towards a ‘struggling’ actor, or even the chronicles of inconsequential money-making acting workshops that are conducted by actors who themselves are struggling to make an impact in the industry. It is a sad reality that is presented with dollops of humour.
You are also acquainted with the routines of the struggling actors on display – a passage that is laced with dark humour and the harshness of reality. In a scene, you see a casting director objectively objectifying a female, all in the pretext of her having to tone down. In another, a character hitting on another during a formal meeting. Elsewhere, a character trying to convince his family member that he is doing well in the field of art (and oh boy, is that difficult). From paid side gigs at a club to endless workouts in the gym, from fleeting moments of obsession by partners, to switching jobs as a part-time content creator on Youtube, the drama is sprinkled with consistent bouts of humour, while spreading it on a blanket of relatability. And yes, there is no space for depression – mostly been spent at a house party filled with alcohol and s*x!
The one distinct criticism that I had with the show was with respect to his coherence, particularly from one scene to another. The lack of continuity made this show feel like individual set-pieces put together, even though care was taken to maintain a mockumentary tonality with the proceedings. The other criticism remained with respect to the pay-off, or rather the lack of it wherein a late twist met with an abrupt ending, even as the character arcs were left incomplete. For instance, a random monologue on the importance of art amidst the frivolousness being sold in the name of it, had no real payoff from a writing perspective. But these remain only specific bouts of speedbreakers in a show that is immensely snackable and a lot of fun to witness.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are quirky and witty at several instances, while only specifically faltering when they try being a little over-ambitious during some ‘serious’ monologues. The music and BGM are peppy and playful, almost instantly giving a refreshing vibe to the proceedings. The cinematography maintains the edginess of the proceedings with shaky hand-held frames that add to the texture of a mockumentary. And I loved the use of lighting too, that invariably created a contrast for its characters – from being a different version in front of the camera, to capturing the dark realities of their individual lives.
The editing pattern can be judged on two accounts – the 20-odd minute 7 episodes that immediately makes the drama bingeable. But also the lack of coherence while traversing from one scene to another, that made some parts of the show look like a reel (it is debatable if this was a deliberate attempt). Additionally, the moments of lag in the narrative cannot be denied either, something that partially lowered the overall impact of the drama. Director Shivaji Storm Sen does a solid job in capturing the specific vibe of Versova through his colourful characters who essentially drive the narrative. Each of the instances shown may have been borrowed from real events, something that instantly maintains the relatability factor. This, while the debutant filmmaker doesn’t compromise on the humour of the show – delivering blow after blow even in moments of lag that maintains the momentum of the proceedings. The direction is pretty good here.
Performances
The performances are wonderful to witness by the members of the cast. There are sparkling cameos by Suhail Nayyar, Aditi Sivaraman, Ronjini Chakraborty, Ashish Verma, Saloni Batra, Shreya Mehta, Sunny Hinduja, Faraz Khan, Amrita Bagchi, Sid Kher, Priyasha Bhardwaj and Mark Bennington that will put a smile on your face. Sharib Hashmi and Ashwin Mushran lend able support here with characters that are colourful and satirical in nature. The likes of Bhuvan Arora and Saqib Ayub are phenomenal wherein their comic timing is impeccable to witness here. Priyanka Charan and Akshitaa Agnihotri manage to hold their own while putting forth commendable acts despite a limited screentime. Swagata Naik manages to tickle your funny bone with her unhinged snooty act as a casting assistant. Ankur Sharma and Durga as the two varied filmmakers maintain a solid posture while adding chaotic grace to their persona. Both of them are impressive to witness here.
Shristi Sharma has a good screen presence, and her understated yet predominant personality equates to some rich bouts of humour. The ‘hot yoga’ scene was relatable and hilarious to witness. Aiswarya Suresh and Madhavi Rao maintain an earnest outlook with measured performances that consistently contribute to the humour of the show. Sankalp Joshi is an incredible actor, and literally essaying the role of ‘an odd one out’ with respect to his style quotient, he manages to put forth a wonderful act. There are several bouts of relatability pertaining to his character – on his idea of convincing his family that all is okay whilst being in a sea of people wanting that one opportunity. He was a treat to witness here.
Arbaaz Khan firstly sings beautifully, and he formulates one of the many artists with multiple areas of expertise, while still struggling to make it big in the industry. And a scene tells you exactly that when a casting associate tells him that he fits the role of a singer except for the fact that his body isn’t toned enough. He is confident and does a solid job here.
Aishwarya Shanker has the best written part amongst the strugglers, and she carries a confident charisma to drive the antics of her character. There are shades of dark humour with respect to her and the folks that she meets along the way, and she flaunts the humourous side of her with aplomb.
Ankita Mithal as Raju delivers a measured act through a character who remains a silent witness throughout her interactions with struggling artists around her. The humour is extracted through her irritated expressions and timely voice-overs that add a fresh dimension to her character. She was a delight to witness here in a pretty good job done, overall.
Conclusion
Despite a few flaws, ‘ Flop The Series ‘ is a satirical love letter to the Hindi Film Industry packaged in an experimental mockumentary that makes for an entertaining watch. Available on Youtube for free (search for the channel ‘FLOP By Embracing Chaos Productions’).