Sapne vs Everyone
Introduction
Onto the next release of the weekend and I have finished watching the new Hindi series Sapne Vs Everyone which is now streaming on Youtube. For years now, TVF has been a pioneer for relatable content having captured stories of characters from different walks of life. As a result, every demographic has been covered across the board, so much so that their content has found patronage amidst their target audience. But one minor criticism that the viewers do have is that their shows are very ‘safe’. Yes, the relatability factor is always there but the writing has often sugar-coated the issue in play. Personally, I have not had a problem with the content of TVF and have admired their consistency. But deep down I do feel that given their strong foundation of the writing, it wouldn’t do them harm to experiment with content by introducing for instance, a dark world with edgy characters. This, while I had no clue that there was a show of theirs in the pipeline that was doing exactly that.
When I did watch the trailer of Sapne Vs Everyone, I was intrigued by the world in which it was set in. The show did hold tremendous appeal in a zone that was largely untapped by TVF. And the only thing that bothered me once I started watching the show was the bizarre strategy of releasing weekly episodes over the course of 6 weeks. I have never been a fan of this strategy and have also called out other OTT platforms for the same. Speaking of the OTT Platforms, I was amazed at why Sapne Vs Everyone wasn’t procured by any OTT Platform. All I can say is, if there were to be a second season of the show, there shall be many buyers. Yes, the show is that good and stick around to find out why!
Story & Screenplay
Sapne Vs Everyone follows the story of two individuals, both polar opposites who find solace with each other amidst the backdrop of morality, resistance and their dreams. Now, I haven’t revealed anything about the plot but the show marks the first time that TVF has ventured into a dark space which is edgy without any floss around. Amidst this, their tradition magic of believing in your dreams is used as an undercurrent. What you are served is nothing short of a spectacular show that has all its emotions in check while you identify yourself in each of the two individuals on the show. The screenplay standing at 5 episodes ranging from 60 odd minutes to 90 odd minutes might seem a little long but the situations presented are so pure(while being edgy), that you form an unconventional bond with the story and the characters.
The drama opens with two individual timelines(while later branching into the third one which is the past), wherein you are introduced to the two protagonists who find themselves at the opposite side of the spectrum. Prashant is the subdued one, a man of few words but a lot of emotions stacked inside him, as he quietly tries to balance his life between doing a day job in order to support his family and his ailing mother, while also wishing to keep the actor in him alive. Jimmy, on the other hand, is a character that may not be affable from the word go. He exudes of an attitude that he wishes to show-off to rich kids and the outer world that he has developed a disliking to. And secretly deep within, all he ‘dreams’ of is to extract revenge from his uncle whom he oftens blames for the death of his brother, while also accusing him of disrespecting his estranged father. As the two worlds collide, you slowly find themselves being an uncanny support to each other.
Like is the case with every TVF production, this show also sets it world around the stock broker environment, particularly related with the possession of flats. And while Prashant, a man of ideals, finds it hard to complete his target while having to reach his play rehearsals by 7 in the evening, it is Jimmy and his street smart attitude that helps his tackle his cocky boss who will stop at nothing to put Prashant down. Yet, the vested interest of Jimmy joining the workplace of Prashant can be stemmed to the fact that his revenge saga is still intact. The proceedings are engrossing while being layered to a large extent. As a result, what might seem like a perfectly edgy drama on the surface, has some pure emotions that are used as an undercurrent. These emotions are relatable while you often find yourself empathizing with the characters. Yet, writer Ambrish Verma ensures that the characters are not coated with a single colour. As a result, there is considerable amount of grey in all characters. And for characters that aren’t grey, for instant Sumit sir, the situation created around him is grey.
The situations created around Prashant was also reflective of his mental state in life which was essentially of surrendering to his fate. But for Jimmy, it was the exact opposite. And somewhere in between these two spectrums lay the truth of dreaming and fighting for your goals. The show does enter the heist mode in the final act with a parallel subplot unfolding around Prashant’s personal life and his equation with his not ‘dying’ mother who wishes to see his as a lead in his play, just once before she departs. All of it culminates into a bittersweet end(perhaps a little lesser in the resolution only just) where the resolution itself isn’t sugar-coated but much layered with its messaging. Overall, the screenplay is masterful in so many ways that I would be revisiting the show everytime I am low, just to quietly remind myself on MY Dreams that I need to fight Vs Everyone around me.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are edgy while being perfectly in sync with the tone of the drama. The dialect of the characters add authenticity to the setting as well. But what truly hit home were the couplets at the end of every episode which in itself told a story while imparting a life lesson along the way. The music is terrific with the soundtrack being less of melodies and more of rap to signify chaos while also imparting a fiery sense of hope. The BGM perfectly captures the vibe of the drama while contributing to the edginess along the way. The cinematography is often backed by a yellow filter with minimal to bleak lighting that sets the mood of the drama perfectly from start to finish. The frames are more often that not trippy to represent Jimmy with some tight shots or at times shaky ones. But there is a level of calmness to showcase Prashant’s journey with the exception of only one instance at the end wherein a fight sequence is backed by trippy undertones.
The editing is crisp and sharp with not a single dull moment that would end up being preachy. The costume department needs a shoutout too for designing attires for the characters. Prashant is given sobre shades of the shirt while the more flamboyant Jimmy enjoys darker shades in his attire. This perfectly is reflective of their characteristics as well. Director Ambrish Verma is honestly a superman dabbling with different departments here. His direction has a raw energy that would ignite a spark, while always balancing the narrative with the larger messaging. I liked how committed he was to not take sides, and instant have conflicting emotions integrated in both characters who are flawed in many ways. Yet, he doesn’t once compromise on the emotions that unfold beneath the surface. The direction was spot on here!
Performances
The performances are excellent by the ensemble cast. Naveen Kasturia as Sumit Sir is such an earnest character and performed with that much conviction and care by a prolific performer. His words imparting wisdom have been resonating in my ears ever since in a gently towering act. Bhavya Sharma as Neetu and Babla Kochar as Jimmy’s father have their moments to shine. Neeta Mohindra as Prashant’s mother is all heart and she delivers such a delicate and heartfekt performance that often brought tears to my eyes. Akshit Grover as Jatin is first rate. Kirandeep Kaur as Anjali has a lovely screen presence and her character is spiritually in the same boat as Prashant, scared and subdued while silently hoping on not giving up on her dreams. Eklavey Kashyap as Samarth is a character who may not be so affable but therein lay his strength of convincing the viewers for the same. His body language and mannerisms contribute so well in keeping his character trait in check.
Ishan Anuan Singh as Chauhan is perhaps that one character who is more white than black. He is willing to guide Prashant while silently rooting for his success. And this was quite an endearing act by him. Sukhwinder Chahal as Grover is excellent and he does a wonderful job here as being the undercover personnel of Jimmy. Jairoop Jeevan as Panditji is spectacular and his dialect and mannerisms paints a fascinating picture of a slogging theatre group. Vijayant Kohli as Kukreja is intimidating with a daunting presence and he is simply terrific while being a perfect nemesis to Jimmy. Vaisakh Shankar as Prashant’s cocky boss Shishir will make your blood boil, and if that happens then you know how brilliant the actor has been in conveying his emotions. He was astonishingly good, silently coward as his trait but exuding of over-confidence.
This brings me to the twin champions of the show – Paramvir Cheema as Prashant and surprise surprise, Ambrish Verma as Jimmy(who is omnipotent, just seen doing everything). Now I have watched Chamak wherein Paramvir had a very edgy character who was rebellious in many ways. Here as Prashant, he is quiet and subdued while allowing his such beautifully expressive eyes to do all the talking. He is even careful to not over express himself, often resorting to stoic expressions to represent his helplessness. Yet, there is an endearing quality in him that always makes him so likable that you are invested in his journey and always wish him the best. Mark my words, you are going to hear his name for times to come. This was an acting masterclass of the highest order.
Speaking of an acting masterclass, you rarely find two in a single show or film. And Ambrish Verma as Jimmy delivers that and more! His swag and his attitude while being vulnerable deep within, the edginess and rawness that Ambrish brings to his character was unparalleled. I have been following his interviews, and like me, he too is an Engineer and a man of few words in real life. But onscreen, his screen presence is at another level. Quite honestly, Ambrish Verma is the best thing to have happened to TVF in the last five years, and I hope this partnership is fruitful even in future. Yes, a towering acting masterclass this was. Both Paramvir and Ambrish are going to be household names if they continue doing such good work, more power to them as the fan in me would be secretly cheering for both!
Conclusion
Sapne Vs Everyone is perhaps an early contender for the best show of 2024 already! A drama that marks a memorable debut for TVF in the edgy and dark space, and boasting of brilliant performances, this show comes with my highest recommendation. Available on Youtube and Highly Highly Recommended.
