Posted:
'You here?' she asks (are the CVs reading us, because they've thankfully done away with the concentration on lips, eyes, cheeks, ears for half-a-minute introduction!)
'I want plenty of food' he says, barging in.
'How much are you going to eat? You've been eating ever since you've come'
Within the first minute that I heard those words, there was a broad smile on my face... and the scene that finally prompted me to write something about the serial (apart from the Chanakya-CGM angle) that I genuinely enjoyed watching. This pairing is cute, very unusual, and a welcome breath of fresh air in this serial. She makes him look 'normal' - and this, even if his eyes don't betray much of an emotion. He has the slightest - ever so slightest - soft corner for this friend. And just 2 minutes of conversation has proved that in a scene, which was neither forced nor rushed. Basically, a scene that was natural.
It's amazing how Chandra has brought a subtle difference of emotion, when in the presence of the three (about to be) main women in his lives -
With Nandini, it's primarily annoyance and indifference at this stage.
With Helena, it's been symbiotic, a welcome dependency, a mutual understanding that involves no one else and the slightest bit of admiration too lately - he knows she's smart and not one who would be taken advantage of (maybe because he's seen his mother and even Durdhara's mother being whipped by their husbands)
With Durdhara - there's the comforting sense of familiarity, the tu-tu main main, the evident lack of discomfort even when discussing very sensitive topics (for e.g. him rebuking her dad's unending appetite, or speaking casually of how they have 'nothing' going on. And all this in the first half an hour of a meeting that's taking place after 6 months!)
Besides, Durdhara looks simple and sweet - not overdressed. It added to the 'sweet' factor of the scene!
A very interesting point to note during all of these scenes, Chandra has not smiled or smirked once. He hasn't changed, per se. All this 'difference' has only been conveyed by his voice, his words, his demeanour, his body language and his eyes.
Btw, the scene with Vaishali - Mura was interesting. I was surprised Chaya could identify her mother so quickly. Nevertheless, the scene was not too long, not too dramatic and conveyed the right sentiments in the right setting.
As for the 'Chandra has arrived' - there couldn't have been a better introduction for the Emperor. A field full of people, waiting to see who this professed warrior was! A warrior who has been rightfully 'built-up' by this famous Acharya with lofty plans for Bharat Mata!
Chandra walks in slowly - like a king, like an unchallenged lion. His attire is simple - just slightly more elaborate than the saffron clothing he'd been wearing so long - shows that he's not here for wealth or fame, but to claim back his motherland. His expressions remain focused. Chanakya's proud expressions as he beheld his star pupil joining him, added to the splendour of it!
I enjoyed this introduction far far more than the spear introduction - and it goes to show how a simple-well thought scene can achieve more than artificial effects ever can (Again, have the CVs been reading us? There's an obvious decrease in the VFX!) All in all, it was exactly like the introduction of a simple-man-who's-going-to-be-emperor must be!
The fashion-makers also deserve an applause for both, CGM's new pre-emperor look - and for Nandini's sheet of armour. I was very very impressed with the latter. Seems influenced from one of the Samurai styles, I have never seen a woman wear that kind of armour, but it looked perfect.
On the night before the war, as a lone CGM stands under a tree, brooding, Chanakya gives his pupil support and advice. Crisp and well-directed. Of course, the scene itself and Chanakya's words would have reminded us of a Krishna-Arjun parallel before the Mahabharata war - and rightfully so.
All in all, the best episode of CGM yet!
Thank you CVs😊
CID
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
