I finally watched today's episode and felt compelled to write this post, specifically to appreciate the new directors skills. Till now, especially after the old director left, there was a decline in the quality of episodes, partly maybe due to covid lockdowns. We all noted it. Editing glitches, impromptu transitions and sound issues. I think for a good one month or so. What made most of us continue was Raghav and Pallavi, just them (And Farhad ❤️). Today's episode felt so good, for various reasons, summarized as below:-
1. Pacing - One very important aspect of anything that pops up on TV is its pacing. This episode had the right pace, starting with cringe of the D's, which made me almost throw up in my mind, drama at RR mansion, to Raghav coming and taking Pallavi home (right amount of tashan), their bedroom scene (right amount of Romance) and finally to the 3 day transition period (my fav part of the episode - right amount of anticipation). Previously, we'd see episodes that would start fast, become slow and end fast.....But today it was so seamless. Every character had a part in today's episode without making it look crowded on TV.
The irony is that my fav episode so far was from this time, and I chose to ignore a few things.
2. Editing and transitions- PERFECT!!!! - Digressing slightly, just as the fight scene between Raghav and Mandar was perfect and cherry on the cake was when Raghav ducks even though he could not see as well as when he punches Mandar with his eyes closed.
3. Sound - The song - Tum mere ho was so well placed, I'm still gushing over the entire 3 day transition period shown. The time was so well utilized, emphasizing on Mandar's obsession vs Raghav's genuine care and love. Obviously, Pallavi being the pivotal character here. I feel this song gave us just the right amount of creeps and actually set foundation of the future track - Obsessive Mandar, Loving Raghav and Pallavi who initially may be a pushover but she will learn how to fight back the D's. Hopefully this time she cuts all ties with that family because this is the most obnoxious family I've ever seen.
4. Clash of two alphas - I'm so glad there is a new alpha in the picture. Raghav Rao was always here and will always remain but the issue was that without an antagonist, it becomes a bit tiring for any one actor to carry everything on his shoulder (from an audience perspective). Initially, Raghav was both the protagonist and the antagonist so there was really no need for a villain, until he turned over a new page in his life, which makes him the protagonist. There was a general gap here because villains like Sulo and Sanki are not powerful enough to challenge Raghav. Nor is Ved or Sunny. And this is not because of the actors or their characters, but they have nothing in particular that can make Raghav stumble. Mandar has this leverage over the other villains. He has the right over Pallavi, or at least that is what he thinks, and this is enough to get Raghav working day and night. The office scene of Raghav lost in thought while having a meeting with the lawyer was enough to tell us that he will fight tooth and nail. His nonchalant behaviour over breakfast was a cover up. He is thinking hard. He is working even harder.
Coming to Pallavi, this time, she may fumble slightly in the relationship because of her inherent nature of being kind, giving and very naive. It is now time for Raghav to show the same trust and effort Pallavi showed in him when he was going through his problems. Because Pallavi will be torn between her responsibilities and her love. She will learn over time that the D's truly don't deserve her.
5. Cinematography
- The bedroom scene was beautifully shot with the right amount of slow motion and romance, with apt background score.
- Coming to the 3 day transition, the camera angles were really nice, especially showing Mandar through the mirror, focusing on Pallavi's photo frame. Then how the calendar was wavering due to the wind,
- Coming to Raghav and Pallavi, the scene where she burns her fingers and he tends to her - There was a very soft look in Pallavi's eyes, duly appreciating Raghav's tenderness - right amount of slo mo and her hair flying ......this is what I missed in some episodes.
On a side note - Along with memory loss, Mandar seems to have forgotten about words like consent, a woman's rights and the fact that a woman is not anyone's property to claim and own. While the situation is difficult, it's not impossible to resolve it. He was declared dead and Pallavi was a widow. Marrying a second time will not constitute to bigamy. As for him claiming his rights as a husband, can someone narrate to him that a woman has the right to object? Jeez.
Someone please put some brains back into this man's mind along with his memory?
Experience truly matters. I hope we continue getting such amazing episodes. The director is the captain of the ship, rightfully said. Without a good captain, talent cannot be consolidated or maximized.
Precap - Enough has been said about it but let me just end by saying that it was the most tender yet intimate scene I've seen on ITV, and to make it perfect, it was mutual. And Raghav smirking always means a good thing.
Each time I intend to write a brief post, it turns out to be as long as a love letter 😆
Cricket
Anupamaa
