Before you start reading, I want to make one thing clear - this is NOT a post to compare the two versions of Rangrasiya, compare as in if the old one or the new one is better (I don't even wanna call it new RR or RR 2 because for me it is a new story entirely but I don't have another name, so I'm going with it). Both have their good points and drawbacks and I'm just taking a note of the differences between the two. Many of us loved the old RR, many of us hated it, many of us love the new RR and many of us hate it. So please put forth your feelings respectfully, no bashing of any kind will be allowed.
I wanted to wait one week to let the new story develop and for the characters to come to light properly. Last Thursday we were introduced to the new family and new story, and I think this is the right time for this post.
Old Rangrasiya vs New Rangrasiya
Theme -
RR 1 - Story of a military officer with a troubled past and an orphan village girl, and how they affect each other's lives, in the background of cross country illegal arms deal, and woman trafficking.
RR 2 - Story of a widowed man and his child and how they deal with it when their lives collide with an exact look alike of their wife and mother respectively.
The theme of RR 1 was unique, nothing like what we have seen on Indian TV before. The theme of RR 2, on the other hand is somewhat been-there-done-that type.
Characters -
Old Rudra: He was physically strong, like a fierce tiger he sprang to action at the slightest provocation. And he was equally weak on the inside, due to his troubled past. He was impulsive, and emotionally vulnerable. Throughout the story, his character develops, as he learns to cope with his past and fight with his demons with the help of his love - Parvati.
New Rudra: Parvati had transformed him into this. Now he is a strong man, both on the outside and inside. He is neither the man who would start a fight at the slightest provocation nor the man who would cry and get drunk thinking about how life has betrayed him - despite losing the love of his life. He has learnt to contain himself and his feelings and tries to be a responsible father, just like his wife at taught him and expected him to be.
Paro: She was the soul of old Rangrasiya. It was not her story because mostly the CVs messed up with it but every character's life essentially revolved around her. And probably she is also the soul of new Rangrasiya as well, because the story still revolves around her and in fact without her, there wouldn't be a new Rangrasiya at all!
Myrah: She is the new girl in town, literally. Everyone is talking about her; many of us are already in love with her but she is still a mystery - there's not much we know about her. She is the true new character of RR 2 and it's still too early for me to comment about her. She is fun to watch and I am enjoying it so far, that's all.
Old Mohini: She was cunning and scheming, a mother-in-law with a vile tongue and a potential murderer, having attempted it twice. Her dark sense of humor made her famous.
New Mohini: She is the exact opposite of the old one - she has lost her sharp tongue, she is funny - engaging in petty pickle wars with her daughter-in-law and she also appears to love her granddaughter. I don't know what caused this transformation - probably the fact that she has no enemy now? That her worst enemy is already ruined beyond repair? That the causes of her bitterness are all dead? Interesting questions...!
Dhruv and Koel: They are most probably the main attraction of RR 2 for many. Their cute brother-sister bond lights up the screen!
The other characters have mostly remained more or less the same. If anyone wants to differ, please add it in your comments.
The characters of old RR were unique, one of a kind - be it Paro, be it Rudra, be it Dilsher or be it Mohini - all had their own flare and a place in the story. The new RR has killed off many of the important characters and neutralised the rest. They still have alot of scenes and are not mere props but they have lost their uniqueness. But on the positive side - new RR gives the viewers a positive vibe, the presence of the children, the funny characters - it all adds a feel good factor to the show which was missing in RR 1 as it was more dark and twisted -yes, it was meant to be that way and I loved it but I think I like this too.
Storytelling -
RR 1: It used to be intense in the beginning but then due to whatever reasons it became shoddy. The pace was uneven - running sometimes at break neck speed and sometimes normally, and many tracks lacked proper closure. The episodes were still quite nicely done but the story as a whole was destroyed.
RR 2: It's still very, very early to judge but so far the running has been smooth - the pace is good, dealing with one thing at a time in one episode and the emotions and intensity is also coming out well. How it does in future, only time will tell.
The whole thing is just my POV. Please share yours!
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