This new serial, which started in November on the new channel Star One, is now raking in TRP?s. In the first few episodes itself, it has gathered a massive audience. And no doubts for that, for the serial is a wholesome treat!
PLOT:
The serial revolves around Raj and Sameer, who are twin brothers born to a middle class family, to Bhavana and Babu Kamet. Babu Kamet, an adulterous criminal, sells one of his sons to a rich industrialist named Mr. Thappar, owner of Thappar enterprises. Babu Kamet later goes to jail, but the whole family and the twins grow up unaware of each other?s existence.
They come face to face, when in an accident, Raj is badly injured and Sameer takes him to hospital. When he comes to know about Raj, he registers him as Sameer Kamet in the hospital, calls his own family and takes Raj?s place.
Raj is now caught in amnesia, and his memory is gone. His conscious tells him that he cannot be Sameer, but seeing the circumstances and surroundings, he adjusts to being Sameer. As such, he has to face a lot of problems, as he is not flirtatious or easy-going as Sameer was.
On the other hand, Sameer relaxes in luxuries, but is always afraid of being caught in his office. Raj?s step-brother and his mother always try to destroy Raj and get all his property. As such he takes a clumsy, yet intelligent man, Dasgupta, in his confidence, tells him the truth, and fights them both with Dasgupta?s help.
The serial takes us through several rib-tickling moments, some subtle comedy, and some highly emotional sequences. An extra advantage- two heroes means two love stories!!
CHARACTERS:
Raj- Brought up by Mr. Thappar, he is a man of very refined tastes. His only interest is his work. That is why his father has great faith in him, and has made him a director in the company. He stays away from girls, but slowly comes closer to Dr.Varsha, who is treating him for amnesia. He is a very silent and broody person. He is always plotted against by Mrs. Thappar and her son Pran.
Sameer- He is a very active and happy-go-lucky person. He is generally good at heart, only is a little immature and wants material luxuries and a rich girlfriend for a happy life. As such he jumps to the opportunity of changing lives with Raj, as he is very much tired of his annoying family circumstances (father in jail, mother being close to her ex-boyfriend, middle class life, and so on). As Sameer, he works in a café as a waiter, and because of his good looks and magical tongue, is very popular. He is also very fond of girls. All in all, not very conscientious. He falls in love eventually with Neha, who has been planted by Pran to gain Raj?s confidence and destroy him.
Dr. Varsha- She is a very sweet, yet practical person. She helps the actual Raj get over his amnesia without complicating him. Slowly they become good friends.
Neha- She has to destroy Raj( Sameer in Raj?s place) because her mother is very sick and Pran can harm her anytime. But slowly she starts loving the actual Sameer?s carefree and romantic ways. She does not want to cheat him by marrying him.
Dasgupta - He was earlier only a simple man in the office, who didn?t get credits to his potential. However since Sameer as Raj needed someone to do all the office work, he raised him to a good position and gave him a lot of work. At first he was very grateful. But when he came to know the truth about him, he decided to help him as he knew that Pran and his mother want to destroy Raj and it is better for him to stay out of the scene for a while. Thus he is very loyal to Raj and makes it a point to see that Sameer does not squander away all of Raj?s wealth. He helps him in the most confusing situations.
DRAWBACKS:
The first thought that comes up on hearing the storyline is ?the prince and the pauper?. The story has been directly lifted from a book. Yet it is not very original for there have been severals on the same (Hum 2 Hain Na, films like Judwaa, sita aur Gita and many others) whose main characters are twins separated at birth and different as chalk and cheese. Unless you actually watch it, you won?t know the difference.
The time, that is 9:30 is another drawback as it has plenty of competition from Jassi Jaissi?, Kkavyanjali and Kareena Kareena. Also since Star One is a new channel, it isn?t very well known. The serial becomes very irritating at times, especially when the three sisters, who are rivals of Sameer?s café, come up.
Some of the characters seem to have been straightaway lifted from Ekta Kapoor?s serial. For example, Mrs. Thappar reminds me closely of Vasu in ?Kahiin To Hoga?. Same chiffon sarees, same blouses, same curly hair, same behaviour, same love for property.
However, the rest of the characters are coolly sketched.
PLUS POINTS:
The concept of ?twins separated at birth? is such that neither the makers, nor the watchers can elude it. Besides, it is not completely similar to the films as mentioned above. There are no repeated scenes where people mistake one for the other and the twins don?t even suspect anything, which seems very foolish. Showing Raj as suffering from amnesia was a good idea.
The characters are down to earth and very real. Be it Raj or Sameer?s family or the twins themselves, everyone has that sense of realism.
The situations are understandable and do not make the story drag. Raj?s self-analysis or Sameer?s mother?s scenes are emotional without going over the top. Sameer?s scenes with Dasgupta are hilarious. Dasgupta is the confused, silly character of the show, who thinks that he is the hero who will clear the whole mess. His character is excellent.
The sets are amazing and fresh. There is a wide variation in the sets, from Raj?s palacial house to Sameer?s simple yet comfortable middle class home, and from Raj?s serious Thappar enterprises building to the fun filled streets of Sameer?s café.
The title song is breezy and active, certainly hummable. The picturisation too is mind blowing. Just by watching the song, you get to know the theme of the serial. The background score too is not bad.
The actors are fine, and suit their roles completely. Gaurav Chandana portrays the role of Raj and Sameer with perfect ease, although I personally think he fits the role of Sameer better. He however needs to improve his flow as the Raj in Sameer?s place, for at times his dialogue delivery is not appreciable Dr. Varsha and Neha are good too. The three Punjabi sisters are equally comical. Dasgupta is one more of my personal favourites.
The dresses and accessories are not over the top, instead they have been decided based on the characters. The whole look, as a result is very convincing. The dialogues are not preachy or complicated, rather they are just the type we use in ordinary life.
CONCLUSION:
The serial is decidedly fresh and subtle. The serial is expected to run as a whole, but only if it is not dragged, and the flow between comedy and serious drama is maintained. The distinction between the twins and the suspense is the spice of the show, and hence should be maintained.
