Sushpective: Saved by the last dialogue - Page 2

I watched the show yesterday after a gap, and though I was happy that the intensity was back, I agree with you about the lack of subtlety.

Audiences are moved when there is subtext, when there is conflict between what the audience knows/ hopes, and what exists on the screen. This came out very well in the scenes like Khushi talking about her marriage to her friends and then to her mother. It came out well in the drive after the near-kiss on Diwali--it is exactly what you mentioned, Sanaya's expressions of normal were flat today, without that subtle subtext of underlying pain.

It could have been there for us the audience, and not for Arnav---Arnav could have continued to think she is acting normal, but we should have been given hints of her pain. This is what has been missing in the last weeks when I skipped the show and watched the YT version FFing them most of the time-- the expressions of mindless comedy on Khushi, where an underlying hint of suffering could have done wonders.

I found Arnav's stalking off after dropping the bombshell quite in character, he has been running away from this confrontation so long-- what gets him to confront her a second time is her 'normal' behavior---which was all logical for me. The lack lay in direction (because we've seen Sanaya do similar scenes with subtle nuances of hidden pain beautifully before)---scenes which could have been heart rending, turned absolutely mundane.

Also was irritated by BS's stubble look in one scene and clean-shaven look in the one right after---don't the production team have anyone looking at consistency when they shoot scenes separately? I guess we'll get used to it--BS is on a 11-day leave, and there would be inconsistencies galore.

Hey Sush!!

So when the episode ended, ASR's behavior left a bitter taste and I did not want to defend him because what he did today was wrong. All, but one thing and I'll mention that later. This isn't a defense, it's the other side of the coin.

But, then I was reminded of the terrace scene. ASR's heart broke into a million pieces that day and we felt it. His face dropped, he was shocked, he didn't want to believe his eyes and then he turned away heartbroken and in tears. (Probably some of Barun's finest performances were that week).

His heart broke that day because after the traumatic experience that left him so scarred and so insecure, he let himself "fall" in love, operational word being fall, because that was something he could've controlled had his guard been up stronger.

All his insecurities that were developed because of that traumatic incident and because of his sister's insecurities, surfaced again and he did what he did. If she kept quiet, hoping Shyam would change, he took action, hoping Shyam would change, blackmailed her to marry him and threw her out on their first night among other things.

But then, that was 3 months ago, he has lived with her for 3 months, observed her, learnt some more things about her, most of all has seen exactly why she is the way she is by living with her family and observing their values and lifestyle. Then why didn't he let all that information get the better off him today when he lashed out at her? Insecurities again. His insecurities about his di, his insecurities about being left alone again, about trust, all came back to haunt him, and he let it out, all of it. It was in the moment and when you're so seeped and insecure; your temper will get the better of you. And it seems to be a recurrent theme currently in his life, because he will still not trust what she's saying.

It takes two to tango, if he has been with her for 3 months, so has she, and neither one stepped forward to address Anjali's messed up marriage. Where he stands, he thinks right, she won't say anything because she loves Shyam. Where she stands, she thinks right, how would I tell you I do not love him if you don't ask me.

I did not like what he said on the terrace one bit and the throwing of stars was too close to home, he shattered her, Diwali night was revisited again today. And so were they roles, ASR's insecurities got the better of him today, sadly.

But then, he fought back, his heart fought back and he was conflicted, he had that brain vs. heart conflict yet again, and I am very hopeful of that Holi scene. Something tells me that scene will be a prominent feature in all his FB's once he's kidnapped and the RTR starts.

Now, unlike many, I will defend him on that one , perhaps not so acceptable, but one that would work "dead parents" line of his. He only brought her parents into in to make her react. He couldn't stand the Khushi who was ignoring the situation and ignoring him and what all he said. He wanted to know her side, he wanted to hear her side of the story and that would only be possible if he made her react in a way where she would speak up. He pricked her where it would hurt her (and him much more), but he got her to speak up and that's why right after he said that and she started fuming, there was that tiny glint in his eyes. He had done it. He even said "muhje batana zaroori nahin samjha", the jilted lover wants to compromise if it makes her happy, he just wanted to be included, he thought he could be because he loved her.

I know today belonged to Khushi, Sanaya and Barun and not ASR, but I had to give my 2 cents on ASR. He was wounded young and that has left him vulnerable, his guard is extremely strong, but his heart isn't and that is why he lets his insecurities get the better of him, because he trusts them and works to defend them. His life has been tough and he has had to face many challenges to get where he is, has always put everyone else before himself, except Khushi; he has taken her down with him. Khushi's love will be one of the biggest ones, he will completely breakdown before he embarks on facing that challenge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPCo9uDyk5Y

My heart went out to Khushi today, she was spectacular on the terrace and on the road, I had my W*F moment when she acted so coy in the middle, but that is her defense mechanism, as we've learnt. Sanaya and Barun were fantastic today and based on the new photos and filming spoilers posted, I am very hopeful on how this week will play out.

PS: Vee, it's the beard for sure. When he's clean shaven the buck teeth aren't that obvious!

PPS: I am going to maintain this post today and tomorrow because we all know tomorrow the forum will chant "Team KKG-SR". But I will maintain it for the next few episodes, adding whatever I feel fits!

Great post as usual Sush. I actually agree with you almost all the way.

I am in a different view from you today.

Sush:

Woohoo!'. money shot with tremendous Tuesday, 3 weeks running. The best part is that for the first time in a long time, I feel like we are on an upward trajectory - that today may not necessarily be the best episode of the week. When did that last happen? Possibly holi week? Sorry, this one didn't work for you Sush --- I ❤️ this episode!

Blessings? The entire episode, it was definitely a reward from Devi Maiyya for our patience! Aasha hai unki kripa hum pe bani rahegi! All my peeves from yesterday vanished in a poof. The pace and the flow were great, we got plenty of intensity, great acting, and a well-staged and well scripted show. The entire team did a stellar job. The glitches (there were a couple, the one I had trouble with most was "you don't have "A" character" and it was in FB for Sanaya and I suspect we'll see that in a few more FBs!) were readily ignored.

The money shot of the episode: Khushi essentially saying to Arnav - stfu and go fly a kite ; I don't owe you any explanations. Sanaya was absolutely fantastic in that last segment. I feel for Sanaya - when she can deliver like this, she is misused as a vehicle for bad comedy with bad lines and bad slapstick routines. Some of her screwball comedy is great - she clearly relishes it and she can be very funny but post the wedding the comedy has really been terrible and of steadily declining quality.

And Arnav babua --- he really makes it hard for Khushi and for us to forgive him, no? Luckily for him she is a much more generous and giving soul than most. When he wounds, there are no half measures. He deals near mortal blows. The reference to her parents being better dead than alive was beyond the pale. It takes an extraordinary spirit like Khushi's, which is all heart, to be able to weather that kind of blow and rebound.

But he also makes it hard for us to unequivocally hate him --- that's why we fell in love with his character - this dark, tormented, oh-so-flawed, damaged soul. Just when you think you can dismiss him as an unconscionable brute, he gives you hope that he has it in him to be redeemed by the love of a good woman! So today he stayed true to his reserved, undemonstrative character - but it was clear that he shares warm vibes with his in-laws just as Khushi does with hers. He did what we were crying out for yesterday. He sifted through the conflicting evidence - Khushi at the sangeet, Khushi at holi. Unfortunately the terrace scene is branded on his brain and still blinds him. And just when he seems an object of pure hate, he asks with those melting eyes and that soft voice why she didn't think to explain her actions to him. Dear or dear -what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to conceal!

I still think Khushi should kick him where it hurts his macho self most (and I'll cheer if she does) but I'll also feel just a wee bit sorry. He refuses to budge until she spills the beans, he is rough with her physically, he shatters that romantic picture of the two of them that she holds close to her. BUT, he so wanted to be proved wrong, even when he's decided the evidence is incontrovertible! Can one be more conflicted?

Tailpiece: Not sure it's possible to resist entirely the lure of Team Khushi today, although we're all Team ArHi. Khushi spirit broken, helplessly sinking to the floor where the stars lay shattered at her feet, was heart rending. Khushi the tigress, refusing to defend the indefensible, was inspiring, but Khushi the wronged, rising to brook no sullying of her scared memories was... soul stirring. Special hat tip to Sanaya for not only bringing back the Khushi we fell in love with and but for taking her to the next level. Can we please keep this Khushi around for the foreseeable future? Pretty Please?

Gals, after today's epi I am increasingly convinced that the wait for a confession or the no- holds- barred hug is going to be a long one.