Okay, heya people. So after the longest time, as in from Season 1, have I enjoyed watching Naagin. For me Naagin ended with Rithik and Shivanya - rest all seasons went past me, because I did not enjoy any of the pairs at all - neither Shivangi-Rocky nor Bela-Mahir and neither the recent one, Dev-Brinda. Season 3 and 4 started off fine because there was a sense of mystery in both - in one it was who is the real Ruhi and the other one was who is the real daughter Naagin. But in all fairness, I just knew bits and pieces of the stories and did not follow any of them until I chanced upon this concept of Adi Naagin. So without going off-topic, let me tell you what I liked about Naagin 5.
Mythological Aspect👍🏼- So I am an ardent follower of mythological, mysterious, historical stories. And they incorporated this aspect in this season. Who was the very first naagin? How did she become a shape-shifter? What is her story? The lineage of shape-shifting snakes all traced back to Naageshwari who became the first ichchadhari naagin. They executed this part very well. They explored the ancient concept of natural enmity between snakes and eagles and incorporated that element.
Chemistry between Aakesh & Naageshwari 👍🏼- I am not sure whether everyone would agree or not, but the naag and naagin chemistry was very bland and lukewarm. I did not find any love or intensity between Naageshwari and her counterpart Hriday. I mean common creatives, if you want to emphasize the love Naagin has for her naag, they should drill in some chemistry between the two. Instead, I am sitting and watching more chemistry between two natural enemies here than between two lovers. Sorry Naageshwari, but I ain't feeling sorry for ya if Hriday dies, because frankly, good riddance. You are better off with Aakesh. Their chemistry stole every scene - be it showing Naageshwari her human reflection, or the way they look at each other or the constant eye contact even when being beaten to a pulp, everything was very fine-tuned.
Dheeraj & Hina👍🏼 - Well, I haven't seen many shows of Dheeraj, but whatever I saw in the episode was a superb job. Dheeraj has outdone himself in just one episode👏. And so has Hina. There isn't a bit of OTTness, even though they are playing shapeshifters, which I have seen in the past Naagins. Hina was subtle and strong as Naageshwari, Dheeraj was manic and crazy as Aakesh and both of them together were fierce and fiery. Their enmity had more fire than the love between Naagin and her partner.
Let Downs & Disappointments
Mohit Malhotra as Hriday 👎🏼- I have seen Mohit in many shows and unfortunately his acting range is limited and monotone. He acts the same in every show, and there isn't any fun watching him. He has worked with Hina before, still, he could not work out the chemistry between himself as Hriday and Naageshwari. Also, he seems to be the least powerful piece of this trio because the real power and emotional struggle is between Aakesh and Naageshwari. Sorry Mohit, if you are bumped off as Hriday, I won't miss you. You did not leave any impact on me.😵
Could have made it a period fantasy😔 - Honestly, they could have made it a period fantasy show where thankfully, after ages the trio does not involve two naagins and one human. The trio is fantastic with a power struggle of love and revenge between a Naagin and Cheel, and the Naag is the bone of contention. Had this been set in Satyug, they could have shown so many mysterious stories and hunts for mythical objects and whatnot. Modern-day interpretations to 4 seasons se dikha hi diya hai. Kuch purana aur fantastical dekh lete for a change. The story of Adi Naagin and Aakesh. So many things could have been explored. But, alas.
Promotions of Dheeraj, Hina & Mohit - This is one of the massive disappointments for me. Coz after this, we won't see Dheeraj and Hina anymore. The story will shift to Kalyug. Then why this OTT promotion of Hina and Dheeraj and Mohit, for what? Jabki unki story to 2 episodes se jyaada hai hi nahi. And what mystery they want to show about the reincarnations man. I know Surbhi Chandana is a good actor, but I don't know if she will have the subtlety of Hina as Naageshwari or not. Also, is Sharad playing Aakesh or Hriday? And Mohit Sehgal kaun bana hai bhai? I truly hope that Sharad is Aakesh, and Mohit is well,🤢 Hriday. Cause I feel Sharad has that range to perform the role of a vicious Cheel and Surbhi can perform as the vindictive Naagin, but both Mohit's for me are a big no-no. But I will watch it and then give an opinion. Maybe Mohit Sehgal will do a better job as Hriday than Mohit Malhotra. But I think from a viewer standpoint, I am looking forward to Sharad and Surbhi as a couple.😊 Sadly, I will miss Hina and Dheeraj as Naageshwari and Aakesh.😭