|Dil Bole Oberoi| {Ishqbaaaz Forum NL#1}

64/100

It's been a mixed bag of progress and stagnancy this fortnight on the show. Whilst, there has been slow, yet steady progress in terms of all three couples and the Tej-Jhanvi-Swetlaana track... there has been an evident lack of poignancy, continuity, and convincing content that would both tie towards the overarching story as well as tie within the current tracks.

CONTENT (34/60)

Content is the backbone of any kind of fiction, be it in any medium. And the three most important questions relevant here are:

- How has the story (broadly) progressed in these 2 weeks? (10/15)

- Has there been measurable consistency in the writing in these two weeks? (3/10)

- How much is the current track feeding into the overarching story? (8/15)

Whilst, it's obviously a no-brainer that none of us as audiences can even begin to fathom the handwork and 'behind-the-scenes' work that the creatives' and writers put in for each episode to actually even get on the floors for their execution - it's imperative that the critical opinions and reflections of the audience be taken into consideration constructively so that in hindsight, it is all the three - the show itself, makers, and audiences that stand to benefit.

The first week started off with the Oberoi's (and non-Oberoi's) bidding their farewells to Pari. And the last episode (Friday, the 4th of Aug) ended on the note of all three couples in various stages of realizations, confusions...and some almost confrontations of their relationships. However, whilst there seems to be a clear sense that the tracks are obviously moving forward, there are also huge gaps in the writing that are glaringly obvious - for example: What is the crux of the problem between ShivIka at the end of the day, now? Is it the 'truth' itself? Or is it the mistaken belief that they both themselves have planted in each others' heads of having moved on? What should the audience take away at the end of these two weeks for ShivIka's story?

Consistency in writing is a basic prerequisite of any kind of writing. Here, consistency pertains to: character growth, story/track consistency, and even scene consistency. These past two weeks of the show (eerily reflecting the whole journey too!) reeks of inconsistencies! For example, what does Gauri really want from Omkaara? Is she in love already? Does she WANT to be his wife? Or are the creatives' angling her to go the Annika way of labeling their marriage as friendship' too a few months down the line when Omkaara actually starts falling in love? LOL

There are so many gaps and glaring loopholes in the writing that it is almost impossible to name all! But some pertaining directly to the current track are How does Prinku now fit in this story? Why has Rudra not been stepping back and shown to internally reflect on the Saumya chapter/s of his life? Where are Kaamini and Mahi? Didn't Kaamini actually try and kill Shivaay? Why is Shakti not even a part of this track when he clearly is at the centre of all of this? How is Tej-Jhanvi-Swetlaana relevant to the overarching story? And didn't Tej legit try and kill Jhanvi only a few weeks ago?

See where I am going with these? The character flips are EVERYWHERE. Thus amounting to extremely patchy writing at best thus reflecting the scores mentioned earlier.

The next question is: Has there been measurable progress in all three: ShivIka, RiKara, and RuVya stories, individually, during these two weeks?

ShivIka (4/5)

Apart from Annika's flip' in the last episode, the track clearly showed slow- yet continued build-up and progress from where it had started. The scene where SSO is intoxicated and is finally told the "truth was especially beautiful in terms of both writing and execution.

RiKara (3/5)

While there seems to be a lot of progress between the two, there are way too many inconsistencies within the writing that sadly take away a lot from the experience' of the track. From Gauri's sudden realizations of inferiority to her drive for helping Omkaara find his inspiration and finally confronting the truth of what Omkaara actually thought of her there actually has been a LOT of progress there. However, it falls short in terms of continuity, thus making it feel sort of incomplete.

RuVya (3/5)

Being the freshest/youngest couple they do seem to have a LOT more going for them. Especially since it is a brand new dynamic...and there has been quantifiable progress within their track. From their increasing involvement with both each other as well as within the family we see both of them portraying a range of emotions (more openly in Rudy's case) like care, attraction and definitely haq'. However, the scene cuts to them randomly trying to have in-depth symbolic' conversations so early on in their relationship takes away the beauty of their journey. There is obviously a lot of potential here, however, growth of this relationship needs to be organic which sadly has been missing in the current track.

Another imperative content related question is: Has there been an effort to show progressive' tracks in the last two weeks? (3/5)

Barring a few clichs, there has surprisingly been an apparent effort to show new tracks in the story. From Bhavya's dedication to her job to Omkaara's dialogue about Gauri being different not inferior there is reason to celebrate #nayisoch this fortnight after all!

FEEL-O-METER (30/40)

At the end of the day, the aim of the show needs to be that the audiences not just watch' the story but actually experience' the story. So the relevant question here is: Did the individual tracks ShivIka, RiKara, and RuVya connect with the audience in these two weeks?

ShivIka (8/10)

As mentioned earlier, there was an evident slow build-up in the angst for ShivIka these 2 weeks. Also, the humor that is often underlying in their scenes is been more or less consistent throughout their show (of course discounting the sometimes OTT lines that are mixed in-between for Annika)...all of it has more or less gone a long way in giving them feels!!!!

Special mention: Nakuul Mehta he has been an explosive performer in this last week!

RiKara (6/10)

It is the lack of consistency and depth in the story line that again interferes with the audience-connect' here. There is again, potential for a lot of exploration, like the scene where Omkaara talks about his art (sort of opens up) to Gauri for the first time... However, the hurried nature of the writing and run towards bringing intensity' too early on in their story is failing to leave its mark with the audience. Having said that, it does need to be said that the actors themselves, especially Shrenu Parikh's performance in the emotional scenes, have not only been beautiful and convincing, but also are the biggest redeeming factor.

RuVya (7/10)

Being the youngest couple (and the freshest') hasn't stopped this pair from falling headfirst into their own journey of realizations, growth, confrontations...and eventual love. And this seems to have struck the chord for the audience. From having their role-reversed (brooding male lead is swapped for a more cautious female lead, while the wearing hearts on sleeve quintessential female lead is swapped for a much more carefree...sheltered male lead) to balancing between their emotional scenes that more often flow into light-hearted comedy there is a lot of things that have the audience connecting to them.

However, having said all of this, it needs to be highlighted... for more audiences to fully embrace this newest couple, there still needs to be better closure for Rudra Saumya. How did everything all his fights and even their marriage (annulled?) reflect on him and his state of mind?

Another aspect that really impacts the feels' level of audiences is the miscellaneous aesthetics. Thus, an essential question here is: How did the overall aesthetics, drama, background scores, and acting all come together to connect with the audience in these two weeks? (9/10)

Numerous fans have already said this before, however, it needs to be highlighted here too. Ishqbaaaz has one of the finest ensembles cast on Indian television. From Mahesh Thakur to the newest, Mansi Srivastava the actors are not only extremely talented but are also one of the show's biggest selling point.

Of course, the character background scores', O Jaana, Saathiya ... old classics and other instrumentals that are used to add to the scenes are absolute strengths of the show. However, the editing and graphics team sometimes have the tendency to run away with their ideas (Examples: Shivaay and Annika seemed to be levitating on the bed during the Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' sequence...and the smoke behind Gauri during the inspiration' scene...) all of these whilst making for incredible troll' material...do in hindsight come in the way of audiences' connecting and experiencing the full range of the scene and their characters'.

Special mentions: It has been an absolute treat to have to OBro's sharing and reflecting on their emotions together...and as a personal favorite... AniOmRu as well as Rudy-Gauri too have been incredibly heartwarming to see. Whilst not explicit, these equations within this family has gone a long way in making the audience fall completely in love with the show.

-Lily

The Title for dialogue of the Fortnight, goes to Shivaay, in the confrontation scene, where Anika finally tells him the truth.
So the dialogue of him, was, "Main...Najayaz Hoon..?"

One of the most heartbreaking and awaited scene as well.
It was just one dialogue, but it had so much emotions, underlined meaning
He literally first, asked it as a question, then trembled, as the truth seeped in, and broke down, cried. The great wall of Shivaay who stands strong, every time, even hen he is hurt, it wasa heavy truth for him. Like, all relations changed in a second, as he said, the person he thought and loved as a mother wasn't, not even was the family his. His NKK theory which he believed, lost the base, on which he always judged people, this was like a mirror to him.
It was so hard for him to accept him as himself, and also what would people feel now? Will they give him the same love as he received when he was SSO?
Also Shivaay is the wall and strength of the family, and it was a heavy blow for him, even Tej may not miss this opportunity of cracking him.
Even the Obros moments, the brothers bond, as everything for him is so much connected with NKK and his pride, and that shaken, he just shattered. The battle was more with himself and accepting the truth.
Though Anika tried to support him, heal him, he was too broken, though amidst it, he apologised to her as well, as she did so much for him.
Nakuul just potrayed all the emotions, turmoil brilliantly, and you could feel his vulnerable state.

-Madhura

Fortnight 2

-Vrinda

Best Dressed - Annika

For this fortnight, Annika wins the best-dressed character. While at times, her outfits got a bit too adventurous (and at others, down right hideous!), Annika's outfits this fortnight had variety, simplicity and elegance. The jeans and tops she donned in this period were all simple but flattering. For the more formal event, the navy saree was beautiful, while its blouse was elegant the only place the outfit fell short was the bow near the midriff. While saying this, Annika's yellow checkered dress was easily a fashion failure as the cut was unflattering, the colour was washed out and the accessorizing was sub-par. However, on a relative note, she was still this week's best dressed character.

Special mention to Omkara while his outfits are overtly simplistic, they usually flatter his look well. His blue and white floral kurta was absolutely gorgeous!

Best Outfit - Bhavya

Bhavya looks beautiful in this simplistic, Kashmiri suit in plain ivory. While the look is simple, it proved to be the best outfit of the week due to its flattering fit, as well as its elegance.

Special Mention/s Gauri

While Gauri looks beautiful in this demure, taupe sari, the adventurous blouse detailing did not suit the overall outfit, as well as the character. While the halter-neck may have still worked with the outfit, the embellished fringing could not be forgiven.

Worst Dressed - Gauri

For this edition, Gauri wins worst dressed. Her suits this week have been bad fits and were usually overbearing on her petite frame. The use of the overly loose sleeves, the adventurous shoulder cuts, and the baggy midline cuts were highly unflattering. The dupattas that she characteristically wears are beautiful, even these do not save her suits. Saying this however, her taupe sari early this week was beautiful, however, the loud blouse hampered the outfit. On a secondary note, Rudra's outfits this fortnight came close to winning worst-dressed most of his outfits were mismatching, or had unflattering cuts.

Worst Outfit - Annika

Ironically enough, Annika also wins the worst outfit of the week. This yellow off-shoulder checkered outfit was completely unflattering. The midline cut that followed through the bottom was a bad fit, and the pale yellow seemed washed out. Paired with the pom-pom pink pendant, this outfit was easily one of the worst outfits of the week.

-Innika.

Episode date: 26/07

This was the scene when the O'Bros, Shivay, Omkara and Rudra were tied to the chairs with rope and were successfully captured by the goons on the gun point on Rudra, suddenly Bhavya prance in the air and kicked one of the goons, why did she jump was the question when suddenly the goon tug her dress all the way in the midair, which arises an another question that does the law of gravitation exists or not.

But the main miracle happened when he successfully pulled off her dress and Bhavya landed in her police uniform.

Now, how on the Earth, Bhavya managed to be in the midair for such a long time, how did the goon managed to pull off her dress in the midair, especially leggings and the main question how Bhavya can wear leggings on the Police uniform.

Episode date: 01/08

The scene was that after whole 3 months of ShivIka separation, Tia and Shivay collided with each other, coincidentally, which is fine but how they managed to wear the same outfits which they wore on their last meet that too together, which was flashing as the flashback. We understand that they have shot both the scenes on the same time, but a costume change, please?

-Aditi

Fortnight 1:

Goodbye Pari

A little angel in form of a 1 year old baby had entered Obros' lives and changed it forever. They were sad because of their respective relationship problems but little Pari's entrance lifted up their life and filled it with happiness. Not only Obros but our Obahus too ended up being attached to Pari. So when the time came to say goodbye, none of them could stop their tears from flowing and their heart from breaking.

The scene began with the main six arguing about whose name did Pari say. Little Pari started crying on seeing them argue and everyone started dancing and singing to cheer her up but this family moment gets disturbed as Pari's real family enters. They explain the situation and now want to take their baby back. The Oberois get a big shock but they can't do anything to stop her. As Shivaay dejectedly says "Hum rok kaise sakte hai." One by one, everyone says their goodbye to Pari, some recollecting their moments with her, some giving her life advices while one chose to have a silent goodbye.

Pari left their house and their lives but not without changing them. Shivaay realized how NKK doesn't matter anymore and felt guilty for judging Anika on her lack of it, Om wanting to return to his artistic side and sharing his lack of inspiration for it with Gauri while Rudra becoming more mature and trying to accept how Bhavya might also leave like this.

Words like love, care, compassion define the bond called 'Obros'. Obros is all about holding each other when falling and standing up with each other for each other. And like they say, 'One for All and All for One'. After many moments with 'One for All' we are having 'All for One' moments. Om and Ru are trying to detangle the complicated love life of their elder brother.

-Mali

Fortnight 1

This is the scene when Rudy was handcuffed on the bed by the supercop Bhavya, who has manipulated and cuffed him and now he was shouting for the help. Suddenly ShivOm who were in their own "perspiration" related sequence were passing from there and heard Rudy shouting and ran to rescue.

But when ShivOm encountered Rudy they blasted into the fits of the laughter looking at the condition of their younger brother, "Haye re bechare chota Bhai"

Shivay opened Rudy's blindfold and now the "spice" of the double meaning comical dialogues and teasing-taunting has started.

"Tum Dono ka rishta yaha tak pahuch gaya hai? Upar se very very nice aur andar se full on spice"

Shivay started teasing him with an expression of "dikhta hu mein swaami type ka par hu bada harami type ka" and laughed with Om.

Om the philosophical sidha sada artist did not leave the chance to tease the younger brother being an older one and washed his hands in behti ganga "Hey Bhagwan ye 50 shades of Rudy dekhne se pehle main mar kyu nahi gaya"

It was simply visible that some company of dramatic Gauri and Annika was working on their respective partners.

But still Shivay did not left a chance to the last bite and continue it by dragging Dadi's ideology, "Kya hota agar dadi aajati, wo humesha kehti hai Bahu wo ho jo parivar ko bandhe rakhe...par ese" and blasted into laughter, but Om surprised us by not leaving even Khanna, "Arey dadi chod, Khanna aajata to"

And Rudy the bechara chota sa nanha sa munha sa abla bhai did not have any option except, pleading but the height of the O bro comedy was when both ShivOm left taking their partner's name and left their nanhe se munhe se Rudy handcuffed, as it is and the only rolling over the floor dialogue, "Arey salo kamino, padosiyo ke bhai ho kya"

But ShivOm did not bother to hear him and left with fits of laughter.

-Aditi

Fortnight 2