Naagin review:ArNi's supernatural drama is a Glossy Version!!!

Ritik Raheja, scion to a royal family and dashing heir to a business empire is at grave risk due to the bad planetary position of the stars. He must be married before the age of 25 to get rid of the situation. His mother is worried due to a past calamity, the curse of which can ruin his life. On the instructions of the priest, they head to their family home in Panchner, which they had not visited for 25 years. Unaware of his family's secrets, Ritik who has recurrent dreams of a snakewoman (Icchhadhari Naagin) is the target of a Naagin, who has been waiting for him for years. What is the saga of his family history and what does destiny have in store for him is the crux of the plot.

What's hot

The producers have not spared any expense to make it look lavish. For a thriller, it is important that the opening sequence holds your interest and Naagin does manage that. It is a classic story of vendetta packaged in a glossy manner. Unlike a daily soap, where we see a set type of characters, Hritik's family has its share of eccentrics. From an alcoholic sister to a nerdy one and gluttony Bhabhi, they are quite a bunch. The good part about Naagin is the narration. It is quick; in fact quite break neck at places. The dose of mythology is interspersed in between the dialogues. Arjun Bijlani looks dishy from the first scene and projects the charm that's expected from someone of a royal lineage. He is pretty effortless. Pooja Sharma, who plays his fiance, is quite bubbly. As expected, Sudha Chandran is a little over the top as is Adaa Khan (at least in the first episode). Mouni Roy makes an entry as a catering help with whom Hrithik finds the instant connection that's called love. The Gajner Palace looks fantastic and the use of Baahubali's Shiv Stotram builds up the mood. Hrithik's family is a huge one and we are guessing the details will be revealed in the coming episodes.

What's not?

The makers have packed in a lot in the first episode, which can be a drawback, in the sense that it robs some of the intrigue. Hrithik's meeting with Shivanya (Mouni Roy), especially the interlude by the lake seems too hurried (they have met only an hour before!). The VFX and CGI is not very good and some shots of the snakewoman looks tacky. We have the usual characters of a folklore-based supernatural saga like the old man, who talks about Bhairav (Lord Shiva) and his love for snakes. In a build to enhance the effects, they have used a lot of lighting. From shades of green to yellow and purple and pink, it looks garish at times. Some of the actors are a little over the top, which can be irritating especially in the group scenes.

What to do?

Naagin is a break from the saas bahu soaps on story. However, it is a classic story of revenge that is known by all. It would take some good surprises to keep the viewers enthused. In the mean time, the women can check out Arjun Bijlani.

Ratings: 2.5/5