DNA: Complex but intriguing-Dastan review

Complex but intriguing

Chaya Unnikrishnan

Badalte Rishton Ki Daastan
Zee, Monday – Friday, 10 pm

What is the show about: A patriarchal joint family where the head of the family in the form of Balraj rules with an iron hand. Two women Nandini and Meera unknown to each other are in love with the same guy, Aniruddh who dies after romancing them! One of them Nandini, is his wife and is pregnant. And now Meera has decided to go to Aniruddh's house! Actually, the first episode had so many things happening — drama, romance and rivalry — you would be forgiven if you got confused. But yes, it is intriguing enough to grab your attention.

Visuals: The outdoor locales that are shown in the title track are eye-catching and so is the huge haveli where the family resides. It keeps moving from haveli to the streets in Delhi and other locales at a fast pace. The makers have gone all out to up the scale of the show, which is welcome.

Characters: A combination of veterans and newcomers, the serial has got a good mix. Kiran Karmarkar makes a strong presence as the dictatorial Balraj, Mona Ambegaonkar is unrecognisable as the beeji but she seems to be the only one who can influence Balraj. One has to wait and watch how Additi Gupta as the pregnant widow tackles this complex role while Sanjeeda Sheikh is right now just eye-candy. Her character is yet to be established.

Way forward: The story has several plots. And unless they unravel in a clear and interesting manner, it could get lost.

—Chaya Unnikrishnan