There has been this sudden rush of online series in India ever since few vloggers got lucky in 2014, but that doesn't mean that all web-series are good; there are average ones, too. One such series is Man's World (2015). And one that stands on the line is Bang Baaja Baaraat.
Pawan (Fazal) and Shahana (Dhar) are two hot millennials who meet on Tinder, have a few pints of beer, and subsequently decide to get married. Pawan, being a rich gourmet chef, plans a destination wedding at a 7-star and invites his and his fiancée's quirky parents for the wedding ceremony. The series follows the difficulties that they and their parents experience before the D-Day and the surprising secrets that tumble out of the closet one by one.
While the show definitely has potential in this harried times, depicting and ridiculing the humdrum chores and banality that surrounds a wedding, realism is a factor that has not been embraced much. This seriously affects the viewing experience, because it neither challenges the reality nor does it showcase any unlike those hit web-series like Permanent Roommates (2014) and TVF Pitchers (2015) which definitely look like were inspiration behind this. A few jokes here and there, a few cleavages and butt clefts in slow-mo there and here, and convoluted relationships just to induce slapstick humor, and the writers thought the audience would like, comment, and subscribe.
Unfortunately, the audience are getting more and more intelligent. Sometime ago, Shabana Azmi opined that art which irreverently showcases woman as an object of sensuality only surrenders to the male gaze. Which is what primarily happens in the first three episodes. Why else is there not a bachelor party?
Anyways, not getting too critical with the show, the actors do a fine job at enacting the characters. Special love for the parents, and mainly Gajraj Rao. Apart from those mentioned above, the series is shot and directed well. Of course, it would be foolish not to follow YFilms and their creation in the future, but if it continues to mimic YRF (like it did in episode 2, introducing a small clichéd twist), then we better stick to international sitcoms.
BOTTOM LINE: Bang Baaja Baaraat is not a great show, but it sure is a pass-time drama that will appeal to today's generation mostly because of the topic of marriage it unrealistically tackles and how. Enjoy the show for its lightheartedness, nothing else.
GRADE: C-
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO
Vulgarity/Profanity: Medium | Kissing/Alcohol: Low
