Sapna and Saudagaar: My quick take on web series "Ek Thi Begum"
When I started watching this 14-episode long web series about a 'Begum' having 'gum'ption to take on and rattle th
e dark world of D company, I thought it must be a poor cousin of RGVs 'company' or Satya. Initial episodes gave me that impression. But later on, when I switched over the language of the series to Marathi, the whole complexion of the tale changed, and an element of authenticity got added. The best part is that the typical 'bumbaiyya' lingo is used as it is, i.e. Marathi characters use Marathi and others talk in filmi Hindi (mindi).
Most of the underworld plots shown so far on the silver screen have in a way tried to glorify the evil deeds of sinister sitting across the seas, but seldom we have seen a plot of someone taking on this Karachi Bhai. The series proudly claims to be based on the true story of "Savita" who in the 80s made news in the Mumbai underworld. Her story is too filmi to be believed, if true then its incredible metamorphosis from a 'Burka' clad to 'Bandook' wielding begum. (If I am not wrong, Vishal Bhardwaj was to make a movie based on this character and he had roped in Deepika Padukone to don the beretta)
The best part of the series is the length of episodes, it's less than 30 mins (maybe it was designed for TV slots). Secondly, it’s designed on a typical Bollywood masala track, hence don’t be surprised to see some songs in between. Thirdly the characters are very realistic and look authentic.
On the performance front, Anuja Sathe (remember she had played Bajirao’s sister in Mastaani) literally ‘don’s the role, she has attempted a heavy lifting to play this multi layered shady performance. Looks-wise she will remind you of yesteryear’s Vidya Sinha and she is having as wooden expressions as miss Sinha. I was damn impressed by the performance of Abhijit Chavan who plays a highly corrupt cop, this Marathi stage actor is a treat to watch (in fact he is more remembered for his comic timing in fu bai fu comedy show). The actors playing local dons (Arun Gawli and Nana Mahtre) are impressive too.
There are many ‘cinematic’ liberties taken by the director, hence one may get a feel of a Bollywood masala movie albeit an elongated one, but he manages to keep the plot interesting. He also ends the series in a way that arouses your curiosity about a forthcoming sequel – maybe it will be called “Begum phirse”
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