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So it seems like only really bad episodes or else really good episodes prompt me to post full reviews. This episode was so bang on, one of the most balanced episodes we've had in a LONG time. Normally, the Parud moments stand out, and the other characters either get side-lined or get annoying. Not this time. The pacing was bang on too! I'm not a big fan of dramatics, the romantic episodes have more repeat value for me. But this episode measures up to even some of the more romantic ones.
So, I'll deal with this review character to character, rather than chronologically, starting with my warm fuzzy moment and ending with, of-course Paro and Rudra.
My warm fuzzy moment, Maithali and Samrat! Someone please go give that woman a hug!! And while you're at it, pat Samrat on the back as well. For the FIRST TIME EVER, I saw him being a supportive husband. Don't get me wrong, he's a good guy, he loves his wife very much. But he never stands up for her. He doesn't seem to have much of a backbone in front of his mother. And, he seems to be the kind of guy that gets overwhelmed and takes out his frustrations on his wife. And his wife, what an angel. Is supportive, understanding, loving, without being the meek, obedient wife that has no opinion. Oh, she's a meek obedient daughter-in-law for sure, but not with Samrat. Today, we see her worried about Paro and Rudra, and Samrat comforts her. Doesn't tell her to mind her own business like he has in the past, doesn't shush her up, he smiles, his little smile betraying the warmth he feels for this woman who loves others so much. He reminds her of her own advice, and he makes her smile. What a beautiful relationship they have. So glad to see the CVs give them a little attention. I really hope this continues, and we see more of them growing together.
Laila! For the first time in a long time, her presence did not irk me. Laila was always this street-smart, sharp, conniving woman. She had to be, to be Rudra's khabri, and to have tolerated him all these years. But she was reduced to a caricature vamp when she snuck into the Ranawat haveli, sneaking around with Mohini playing kitchen politics. Laila is so much better than that. And today, her true colours come flying out. She is fearless! And she is smart! Something Tejawat should have recognized from the get-go. He didn't and he will suffer for it. She puts her plan into action and smuggles Mala out of Tejaway's den. AND, can I say without the simpering over-acting she had been treating us all to all this while. She was smart, appeared sincere to Mala, and acted her part well with Tejawat. Shabash Laila baisa! Welcome back!
Tejawat. Aah my dear Teju. I read some posts saying how he was reduced to a caricature. That he is smarter than this. Maybe. But he is also extremely arrogant. He thinks that he is in control. Always! AND...he always underestimates his foes. Here, he underestimated Laila. Actually, he never even considered Laila worthy enough to be a foe. He just thought to use her. But he should have paid attention. The whole running around looking for Mala, though might seem comical, kinda made sense. He still loves his wife. He will always love her. Not enough to admit his faults, not enough to let her go free. But he still cares for her. We saw that when he rushed in with concern seeing Mala knocked out on the floor, only to realize it was Laila. When he realized Mala was gone, he sprung into action, without a second thought, wanting only to find her.
Mala. Mala is, quintessentially a weak and selfish person. Not a bad person. Just weak. Mala will always choose what's best for Mala. Maybe not to the same extent as Tejawat, but still at a relative level, Mala cares about her own happiness. When we first met her again, we did not see her grieving for the trouble she put her son and ex-husband through. No, we saw her grieving for her own fate. Grieving over the fact that SHE made a mistake that cost HER. Mala is not repenting her mistake of leaving her son, she is repenting the outcome of her situation, based on the choice she made all those years ago. All these years, she lived a life of superficiality and comfort. She was never shown to think much of the mess she left behind. She claims to have gone back for Rudra once, but in 15 years, she never thought to look for him? Clearly Tejawat knew about this son of hers. She couldn't have asked him to use his influence to find Rudra? When she visited the Ranawat haveli, she mentally commented on how she was sorry she couldn't meet her sister, making me feel that whatever animosity might be there, was one-sided. So in all these years, she never thought to reach out to her sister? Even after we find out about her relationship with Rudra, she never once mentions or thinks about Dlisher. And today, with just a quick second thought, she agreed to, actually rushed to exchange places with a mere stranger, so that she could get her freedom, even knowing that Laila would probably be killed. She is not evil no, but she is selfish.
And lastly, Paro and Rudra. I just loved their interactions today. We started off with Rudra approaching her and asking her why she is leaving. He started off calm, and as he observed Paro's reaction, you could feel the heat rising, tempers soaring, until he snapped.
Firstly, Rudra is damaged and he knows it. And he owns it, unlike most flawed leading men of TV today, who believe they are perfect and act that way. Rudra knows that he is damaged goods, he has always known it. When he confessed to Paro about his mom, he told her, that love is a beautiful state, and I know it is, but I don't know if I have the ability to believe in it. And today, he tells her again, what love should be. And why he has a hard time giving in to it. He has seen "love" destroy everything that meant anything to him. Love destroyed him, and his father, and he does not want to allow anyone to have that kind of power over him. But denying love does not mean that it disappears. And our Rudra-bana is learning that.
The he compared Paro to his mom and tells her that she can't love him, because this is not love. And Paro looks on shocked at the accusation. Accuse me of anything Majorsaab, but not of this. Do not question my love for you, because that is all that I am. That is why she runs after him. Because loving him is her very identity. She can sacrifice her everything, but not the sanctity of her love for him. So she runs after him.
The other unique and amazing thing about Paro and Rudra is that they are equals. They always have been. Even when Paro was scared of him, she stood up to him, never letting him have the last word. And even today, after he threw unjust accusations at her, she ran after him to correct him. And made sure that she clarified. They have always been open and honest with each other. And they've always trusted each others' version of the truth, whether they believe it themselves or not. So the issue here is not that Rudra believes that Paro betrayed him. The issue is that he cannot understand her viewpoint. He will not accept any justification that allows her to just walk away from his life. Whereas for her, it's simple. She meant what she said. Beyond his life, nothing else was important when she made her vow. Not his feelings, not hers. Just his life. Because he is the most precious to her. Nothing can match that.
Rudra's expressions here were bang on. He looks at her, almost exasperated, with desperation at her adoration, as though trying to say "don't love me so much, Paro. Do not put me on that pedastal, I am not worthy of your love." He knows she is sincere in her love, but he can't yet accept the responsibility of her love.
Paro describing her love for him, the metaphors with the tree, and the parched earth were interesting. First I thought, that actually sounds more like Rudra than Paro. But then I thought back to the girl we first met all those months ago. The shy timid creature that was just waiting for her life to start, so that she could leave the horror of her parents' death behind. And I realized, no, this is Paro. Her life was stand-still, until Rudra showed up. He is her everything.
The last scene in the station was my favourite. Their little 'in-mind' conversation was really bang on, reminding me of the last time that happened, when Rudra was trying to pacify Paro. Paro doesn't want to leave, but she must. But as long as she is still there, she cannot bear for Rudra to misunderstand her. As she starts walking away, Rudra remembers all the poignant moments with her. His mind is telling him to recognize that she is important. And his expressions, haunted, desperate, tells us that he doesn't want to give in, but he has to. At the very end, he decides and his face turns hard and firm. No more trying to convince her. This is war, and Rudra is a veteran at complicated battles. He may not yet accept that he loves her, but she has a place in his life, whether she likes it or not.
Many have commented how Rudra standing on the tracks is filmy and OTT, and trust me, normally I would be the first person to agree and shake my head in exasperation, but this time, this actually makes sense. He knows that Paro will not listen to logic, only desperate measures will work. AND, Rudra the major plays with no rules. From day one, we were introduced to a brash, brazzen Major, who followed no rules but his own. He did what he had to to get the job done. Nothing about the way he handles his missions is conventional. And so here too, Major Rudra will do what he needs to to get the job done. And if it means standing on the tracks, then so be it.
Awesome job by the CVs today. Please continue giving us some balanced, (relatively) logical and intense episode! Sanish, kudos to you both!
Sorry for the essay guys!
Shy
So, I'll deal with this review character to character, rather than chronologically, starting with my warm fuzzy moment and ending with, of-course Paro and Rudra.
My warm fuzzy moment, Maithali and Samrat! Someone please go give that woman a hug!! And while you're at it, pat Samrat on the back as well. For the FIRST TIME EVER, I saw him being a supportive husband. Don't get me wrong, he's a good guy, he loves his wife very much. But he never stands up for her. He doesn't seem to have much of a backbone in front of his mother. And, he seems to be the kind of guy that gets overwhelmed and takes out his frustrations on his wife. And his wife, what an angel. Is supportive, understanding, loving, without being the meek, obedient wife that has no opinion. Oh, she's a meek obedient daughter-in-law for sure, but not with Samrat. Today, we see her worried about Paro and Rudra, and Samrat comforts her. Doesn't tell her to mind her own business like he has in the past, doesn't shush her up, he smiles, his little smile betraying the warmth he feels for this woman who loves others so much. He reminds her of her own advice, and he makes her smile. What a beautiful relationship they have. So glad to see the CVs give them a little attention. I really hope this continues, and we see more of them growing together.
Laila! For the first time in a long time, her presence did not irk me. Laila was always this street-smart, sharp, conniving woman. She had to be, to be Rudra's khabri, and to have tolerated him all these years. But she was reduced to a caricature vamp when she snuck into the Ranawat haveli, sneaking around with Mohini playing kitchen politics. Laila is so much better than that. And today, her true colours come flying out. She is fearless! And she is smart! Something Tejawat should have recognized from the get-go. He didn't and he will suffer for it. She puts her plan into action and smuggles Mala out of Tejaway's den. AND, can I say without the simpering over-acting she had been treating us all to all this while. She was smart, appeared sincere to Mala, and acted her part well with Tejawat. Shabash Laila baisa! Welcome back!
Tejawat. Aah my dear Teju. I read some posts saying how he was reduced to a caricature. That he is smarter than this. Maybe. But he is also extremely arrogant. He thinks that he is in control. Always! AND...he always underestimates his foes. Here, he underestimated Laila. Actually, he never even considered Laila worthy enough to be a foe. He just thought to use her. But he should have paid attention. The whole running around looking for Mala, though might seem comical, kinda made sense. He still loves his wife. He will always love her. Not enough to admit his faults, not enough to let her go free. But he still cares for her. We saw that when he rushed in with concern seeing Mala knocked out on the floor, only to realize it was Laila. When he realized Mala was gone, he sprung into action, without a second thought, wanting only to find her.
Mala. Mala is, quintessentially a weak and selfish person. Not a bad person. Just weak. Mala will always choose what's best for Mala. Maybe not to the same extent as Tejawat, but still at a relative level, Mala cares about her own happiness. When we first met her again, we did not see her grieving for the trouble she put her son and ex-husband through. No, we saw her grieving for her own fate. Grieving over the fact that SHE made a mistake that cost HER. Mala is not repenting her mistake of leaving her son, she is repenting the outcome of her situation, based on the choice she made all those years ago. All these years, she lived a life of superficiality and comfort. She was never shown to think much of the mess she left behind. She claims to have gone back for Rudra once, but in 15 years, she never thought to look for him? Clearly Tejawat knew about this son of hers. She couldn't have asked him to use his influence to find Rudra? When she visited the Ranawat haveli, she mentally commented on how she was sorry she couldn't meet her sister, making me feel that whatever animosity might be there, was one-sided. So in all these years, she never thought to reach out to her sister? Even after we find out about her relationship with Rudra, she never once mentions or thinks about Dlisher. And today, with just a quick second thought, she agreed to, actually rushed to exchange places with a mere stranger, so that she could get her freedom, even knowing that Laila would probably be killed. She is not evil no, but she is selfish.
And lastly, Paro and Rudra. I just loved their interactions today. We started off with Rudra approaching her and asking her why she is leaving. He started off calm, and as he observed Paro's reaction, you could feel the heat rising, tempers soaring, until he snapped.
Firstly, Rudra is damaged and he knows it. And he owns it, unlike most flawed leading men of TV today, who believe they are perfect and act that way. Rudra knows that he is damaged goods, he has always known it. When he confessed to Paro about his mom, he told her, that love is a beautiful state, and I know it is, but I don't know if I have the ability to believe in it. And today, he tells her again, what love should be. And why he has a hard time giving in to it. He has seen "love" destroy everything that meant anything to him. Love destroyed him, and his father, and he does not want to allow anyone to have that kind of power over him. But denying love does not mean that it disappears. And our Rudra-bana is learning that.
The he compared Paro to his mom and tells her that she can't love him, because this is not love. And Paro looks on shocked at the accusation. Accuse me of anything Majorsaab, but not of this. Do not question my love for you, because that is all that I am. That is why she runs after him. Because loving him is her very identity. She can sacrifice her everything, but not the sanctity of her love for him. So she runs after him.
The other unique and amazing thing about Paro and Rudra is that they are equals. They always have been. Even when Paro was scared of him, she stood up to him, never letting him have the last word. And even today, after he threw unjust accusations at her, she ran after him to correct him. And made sure that she clarified. They have always been open and honest with each other. And they've always trusted each others' version of the truth, whether they believe it themselves or not. So the issue here is not that Rudra believes that Paro betrayed him. The issue is that he cannot understand her viewpoint. He will not accept any justification that allows her to just walk away from his life. Whereas for her, it's simple. She meant what she said. Beyond his life, nothing else was important when she made her vow. Not his feelings, not hers. Just his life. Because he is the most precious to her. Nothing can match that.
Rudra's expressions here were bang on. He looks at her, almost exasperated, with desperation at her adoration, as though trying to say "don't love me so much, Paro. Do not put me on that pedastal, I am not worthy of your love." He knows she is sincere in her love, but he can't yet accept the responsibility of her love.
Paro describing her love for him, the metaphors with the tree, and the parched earth were interesting. First I thought, that actually sounds more like Rudra than Paro. But then I thought back to the girl we first met all those months ago. The shy timid creature that was just waiting for her life to start, so that she could leave the horror of her parents' death behind. And I realized, no, this is Paro. Her life was stand-still, until Rudra showed up. He is her everything.
The last scene in the station was my favourite. Their little 'in-mind' conversation was really bang on, reminding me of the last time that happened, when Rudra was trying to pacify Paro. Paro doesn't want to leave, but she must. But as long as she is still there, she cannot bear for Rudra to misunderstand her. As she starts walking away, Rudra remembers all the poignant moments with her. His mind is telling him to recognize that she is important. And his expressions, haunted, desperate, tells us that he doesn't want to give in, but he has to. At the very end, he decides and his face turns hard and firm. No more trying to convince her. This is war, and Rudra is a veteran at complicated battles. He may not yet accept that he loves her, but she has a place in his life, whether she likes it or not.
Many have commented how Rudra standing on the tracks is filmy and OTT, and trust me, normally I would be the first person to agree and shake my head in exasperation, but this time, this actually makes sense. He knows that Paro will not listen to logic, only desperate measures will work. AND, Rudra the major plays with no rules. From day one, we were introduced to a brash, brazzen Major, who followed no rules but his own. He did what he had to to get the job done. Nothing about the way he handles his missions is conventional. And so here too, Major Rudra will do what he needs to to get the job done. And if it means standing on the tracks, then so be it.
Awesome job by the CVs today. Please continue giving us some balanced, (relatively) logical and intense episode! Sanish, kudos to you both!
Sorry for the essay guys!
Shy
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