UNPAUSED: NAYA SAFAR - V View Reviews #55

Five filmmakers joined together to make short films with a backdrop of covid 19 pandemic. The first season was released in December 2020, a tale of simple human emotions, loneliness and the people's eagerness to socialise, whereas this season stress more on the work front and the importance of family. The pandemic changed the situation of the economy and the employment of people upside down. How the people face it is beautifully shown. This series is all about hope, love and a second chance to celebrate life.

THE COUPLE::(By Nupur Asthana)

Akruti( Shreya Dhanwanthary) and Dippy(Priyanshu painyuli) are in lead roles. It is a story of an affluent couple in a high rise building, both are working in a corporate pink slip environment and their relationship. Crisp writing, good chemistry and strong performance are its good points.

WAR ROOM:(By Ayapaa KM)

Sangeeta(Geetanjali Kulkarni) is in a lead role. It is a story of a widow school teacher at a Covid crisis centre. Her tragedy amidst her professional and moral dilemma is the theme. It is beautifully edited by Dipika Kalra. Shubham's screenplay is full of rich details. Shortage of pens, continuous phone calls, the power cuts that interrupts the flow of information, reference of money being exchanged for hospital beds. It is well written and the background score is also praiseworthy. There was an unexpected twist, the knotty tension was easily resolved remained unexplained. The actor Sangeeta is a perfect choice for that role.

TEEN TIGADA:(By Ruchir Arun)

Three thieves with contrasting personalities are struck after unloading goods into an abandoned factory. They are waiting for further instruction amidst never-ending lockdown. Though a dark comedy, some hilarious moments are smoothly delivered by the actors. This part of the series emphasises that Covid and death don't spare even the rich. Chandan(Saqib Saleem), Dimple(Ashish Verma) and Ajeet(Sam Mohan) are in the lead role.

GONDH KA LADDU:(By Sikha Makhan)

Susheela( Neena Kulkarni), Rohan(Lakshvir Singh) are in the pivotal role. It is a story of a grandmother, who is unable to travel due to covid constraints. But then, how the elderly lady adapts the new technology, learn the use of courier services to send Laddus to her daughter and what happens in the process is the plotline.

VAIKUNTH:(By Nagraj Manjule)

Manjule himself plays Vikas, a crematorium workers worries for Covid 19 positive father and is left homeless with his son after the second wave 2021. Piling bodies, unavailability of spots at crematorium ashes dumped near Lord Shiva's painting,  all appear authentic, poignant and moving. He operates without a PPE kit or even gloves or proper mask. It emphasises on miserable conditions of living during a pandemic. True, rich and poor are all one when they come to the crematorium.

Unpaused Naya Safar is the story of endless optimism, a second chance to live. It tells us a positive outlook towards life's journey. Therefore, the title is 100% justified.

There is no awkward moment with family due to language or scenes, something very uncommon these days on OTT. Simple five drama with five episodes streaming on Prime Video.

The good point is that at the end of the story it feels good. Stories successfully touch the different aspects of pandemic and the situation unimagined and its effect on various classes and castes, rich and poor alike.

The bad point is that the tale is sometimes unnecessarily dragged, relying on the audience to read between lines. Coming out of Pandemic in real life and seeing it all over again in reel life cannot be an entertainer.

Pandemic has not left any of us untouched. Stories here are straight from the society we live in. It's about the people from all classes and people next door. If you can understand things portrayed symbolically than dialogue, this is your show.

For me 2.5/5 stars