IP REDUX; Confluence !!!

After a long time today is one episode where I felt like I watched the episode from bird's eye view. I remember the moment episode ended, everything went blank for a moment. Every scene was distinct from each other and it depicted different track. This is the reason I agreed to the title - "Confluence". If we see the literary meaning of confluence then it will be defined as concourse; flowing together of two or more streams and now I see many of you will start again that - "Here she goes again with baby split". Right isn't it??? Sorry to barge in your thoughts, I am not. Confluence I said just because today's episode was all about merging the various tracks and moving towards the center and delivering the final result. Yes, indeed it was confluence of ideas, one river born of many streams rolling in one blaze of binding light.

Before I get into the details of episode, I really want to say something about the editing department and camera department. Why do I have the feeling Hrishikesh Gandhi is back??? After a long time today's episode made me feel that old IPK magic is back. Didn't I say this in my "Parineeta" analysis that IPK's editing department and Camera department is getting worse day by day??? Yes, I did and I think it was good that I pointed the flaws of the editing department and the camera department. One of the best Photographers I have known is Hrishikesh Gandhi and since he cannot be at all the 4 Lions sets at the same time, I knew his assistants were capable enough to take the burden on their shoulders but I must say that they have failed miserably. But look at the scenes today, especially the scene with Khushi, NK and Naani and the Havan one were FANTASTIC. Now that what you call is the work of a perfect professional. The same way today's editing department did a nice job. They perfectly managed to keep the flow of the scenes; what scene to follow which one and how it should show a connection with the previous ones; just perfect. Even though all the scenes were good independently and not at all good for the cinematographic students and the analysts to connect the tracks ahead but it was also not so complicated for them too. From a layman's perspective this episode is purely entertaining and easy to understand about the current track but at the same time it was equally hidden with the hints for the tracks ahead. I loved the episode today just because it felt as if all the departments did their job whole heartedly. Just like they say, the interest in doing your work reflects in the final product, it was exactly that today. I cannot say about tomorrow's episode but today's one was beautiful both story wise and technical wise.

"And see the confluence of dreams, That clashed together in our night, One river born of many streams, Roll in one blaze of blinding light!!! " ~ Russell, George W.

Let's start shall we. As I mentioned earlier that while watching the episode I had a feeling of watching it from bird's eye view. I will be analysing it scene wise and not track the sequential wise as today's episode was scattered in terms of flow in the storyline but it was fantastically joined character and frame wise. Yes, it was indeed a confluence of all the tracks and threads that we have been discussing since ages and today it all seemed to have fallen in places. Now this is what you really call an episode where the message is delivered to the entire 100% of the viewers and still what was required from the 10% of your audience who sees beyond what is shown to them also served the purpose. This is what you term as intelligent designing. 4 Lions have improved and I could see the changes today. The rest 90% of the people would always take the episode at face value as they watch it with the intention of entertainment; always remember they watch it with the intention of spending their evening which will start from 7pm and would go on till 10pm. That is their daily routine but not the 10% audience for whom this is exclusive viewing and they prefer to keep it that way. Never ever forget that. There are 2 things you need to understand business wise:-

1. 90% of the audience provides you TRP

2. 10% of the audience helps you to improve in quality

Hence, always keep this in mind that you need both of the categories. You need numbers and also quality; otherwise it will be tough for you to climb up the ladder and maintain your portfolio for future endeavors. Today, I will try to explain the episode scene wise and make you all understand from the same scene what 90% viewers will grasp and what 10% viewers will grasp. Let's start.

Scene 1:-

We have NK started his interrogation with Shyam and finally was convinced that there is more to this man that meets the normal eye. When Shyam started mishandling the conversation we had the suspicion getting darker in NK's eyes and he started to have frequent eye contacts with Khushi in affirmation to her argument. We saw NK and Khushi peeped to witness Shyam's actions after that and hence, there confirmation about Shyam being the kidnapper been solidifying. This was the scene right??? Now, what will be the 99% audience thinking??? That Khushi have the support of NK who will help her in searching Arnav and Shyam will soon be caught. Isn't the purpose of the scene solved here??? Didn't the story progress here?? Yes, it did, indeed.

Now my question is that is this really the main purpose of the scene??? Yes, it was definitely that NK will start believing Khushi but was that the only purpose or there is something we majorly missed here??? Now, I'll tell you what the 1% of the audience will think. You might be noticing that I have mixed the percentages here; yes, because 99% of the audience won't judge the story line but the daily 20 mins episode matters to them while 1% will think about the story and the quality. I also think 1% is a huge number but still will keep it a whole number to make my life easier.

Here, NK said 2 important things; one, when he said - "Izzat liye bina aap ke jootein bhi try kar liye" and "Stain ko 1 min mein gayab kar sakta hoon". Then the moment NK came out and they started to eavesdrop, we saw Shyam was cleaning the blood stain with water and while cloth, mostly handkerchief. Isn't it??? Both water and white stands for purity and Shyam was using them both to clean the stain. What did this scene interpret??? Yes, you all know - "Stigma", but this scene also interprets that Shyam will clear everything and clean the image of Khushi in front of all. Didn't I say this yesterday??? It will be Shyam have to trigger the stigma and he will have to clear it and polish it. If you all can then read the analysis "Parineeta" where I described the Bank phone message and the significance of the time 16:34:54.

A small portion I am pasting here:-

Number 16 is "Love"; Number 34 is "Identification" and 54-34 = 20. There is no such significance as number 54. Now how did Laxmi saved Khushi and Arnav??? Khushi found Arnav near Laxmi Nagar, and they both went to a separate place where they were united in souls and their "Love" have established. Now Khushi and Arnav's love will help them to plan on catching Shyam at the terrace and there is where the number 10 will be established by Shyam and he will identify himself as the "Culprit and blurt out his entire Masterplan". To enter into RM lawfully Shyam needed to identify himself as in number 34 and this is where he will be given the redemption where in Maami will be also involved in the last. Here is where the 5 star and 3 chances fit because we need the trumpet blow by the 7th Angel.

Hence, Shyam will have to clear the Stigma and "Identify" himself; only then he will be allowed to enter RM and will earn his third redemption chance. But before that NK also indicated that Shyam will be beaten by ASR heavily at the terrace with the "Izzat" and "Joota' dialogue. ASR will leave no stone unturned and show him his true position without any respect. What NK said there??? "1 Min" right??? Yesterday's watch at the diagnostic lab had all the numbers but we always needed 2 witnesses to establish that. This is where NK jumps in because it will be Maami and NK who will witness the truth at the Terrace and we need him say the number 1 because it denotes - "UNITY". Now, you all clear what was the purpose of this scene.

For regular watchers this scene was perfect as well as for the special audience who watches entertainment to learn.

Scene 2:-

This scene I loved because of the "CAMERA" work. In this scene we witnessed NK and Khushi discussing about their problems ahead and Naani came to check her kids and at the same time shared the information about the "Rakhsha Havan" that Anjali have organized; she also informed that the main priority is Arnav for this Puja and instructed NK and Khushi to return to their beds. While leaving NK also have some wise advice about being careful in future and warned Khushi's stupidity.

Now this scene was very very important. Aesthetically of course. But what about the 99% of the viewers??? For them this is very logical. NK and Khushi need to create a rapport and NK is supposed to understand Khushi's stance in all this; so whatever discussion they had it's very justifiable; being any family person Naani's coming and checking on kids is definitely appreciative; she also informs the duties for next day and as a Matriarch of this family it was perfect. There was no flaw in this scene and all perfect but was this the message??? No, the actual message was hidden in the Camera work and the characters involved. Now, here is the scene designed keeping in mind that 1% audience. The camera focused on Khushi and NK looking outside the "Door". What does "Door" signify??? Door is to enter into the vast world and see beyond the limit and actually it meant see the world without the "Blinkers". Door opens the avenue for you to enter the vast opportunities and create your own world out there with a perfect vision and path. Just after this Naani enters and instructs them to be prepared for the next day. What NK said - "Hum baatein bana rahe hain". So, nice indication by NK. Yes, he will help Khushi for the "Wolf and the Lamb Track". She also hinted that it will be important for Arnav as she said - Aur Khushi bitiya ee sab sabki suraksha ki khatir hain". Here see the connection now with the first scene. NK said - "Mojri" and we know Naani is the "Shoemaker" here; so, we got our 2 elves - "NK and Khushi". Nk then said - "Nannav ko unkein chumbak se chura ke leke aayenge" and Khushi corrected him with - "Chumbak nehin changul". Yes, Shyam will stick like a Magnet with ASR until all his plans fails to take over the property. What is the main morale of the story??? That is "Humanity" and taking care of each other's need and the proper "GUIDANCE" which is only possible with an Elderly and knowledgeable person. Who better than Naani???

Look at the CAMERA WORK here. All the 3 characters were standing in front of the opened door ready to start their work. This is what you a "designing" a scene where scripting, camera and direction were apt. Always remember we need 7 Angels and Naani is one of them; all the 7 angels will guide Khushi to the truth and 7^th Angel, Maami will blow the "Trumpet".

Let me say it again who are the 7 Angels??? They are - Naani, Payal, Maami, Maama, Buaji, Garimaji, Bauji.

Scene 3:-

We have Shyam and Anjali here discussing about their baby and travel but the interesting part was Anjali saying - "Aap humse jhoot bol rahein hain". This scene started with NK and Khushi eavesdropping on Shyam's various actions and we witness that how Shyam manages to dust Anjali's thought process and safes manages to saves him. Khushi then informs NK to search the briefcase and she helped with the unlock code - 666. Any idea how a layman would view this??? Yes, a very interesting scene where Anjali started to suspect Shyam and we will be heading towards that; Now Khushi and NK have started to work towards finding Arnav and he will be rescued soon. Does the PH need to show anything else in this??? NO. It's perfect and remember that it's a daily soap and they need not provide too much information in one single episode. There should be multiple tracks running simultaneously and we need to see the track unfolding slowly slowly. Perfect isn't it???

Now, was this the message of the scene??? Absolutely NOT. The message is very very big here. One question here I want to ask all of you??? If this scene was so simple to understand then wouldn't this track end in a month??? Yes, right??? We need many different tracks to run in simultaneously which actually makes the episode interesting; for a writer, for the BG departments, for the actors, for the director and also for the viewers. Always remember that this "Complexity" will make the series more and more interesting. We need to have several plots and various characters and this is why it is a "Daily Soap" and not a "Movie". Movie has one single track whereas in a daily soap if you DO NOT have various tracks then it will dies in a Month. Believe me when I say this.

Let see what the track in this. We have Shyam saying - "Adalat jaa rahein hain Rani Sahiba" and then immediately Anjali said - "Aap humse jhoot bol rahein hain". Right??? Then she clarified with the call of SK Travels because Shyam's phone was unreachable and so it came on the landline. Shyam came up with an excuse that he planned for a "Vacation" before the baby arrives for both of themwhich Anjali buys but at the same time discards and insists that he should be present in the "Havan" as it's for the baby. Whatever Shyam's plan was, it's been postponed. Who had eyes on Shyam here??? Khushi and NK. Yes. This is the "Track" for the "Second Attack" that Shyam would be planning in the future. How??? Here goes:-

Shyam said 2 things - Adalat and SK Travels. SK stands for the babies. Baby Shyam and Nanhi Khushi. The plan would be taking Anjali away from RM and he would go underground and kill the babies in the womb itself after which he will go to the Adalat for transferring the property. But this plan will be failed as Anjali rejected and after then Shyam said - "hum aapke ghulam hai" because he will be exposed in the "Snow White" track and will be serving his "Trail Period" as in number 40. Now think about the scene when Anjali went hysteric and Shyam instructed for Arnav to make a call BUT on the Landline. There Arnav ' Aakash conversation was "Phone unreachable hain". Remember??? This is how it is connected. This is the Snow White track that is why we see NK is involved as he was involved in the "Mirror - Mirror" scene. This plan will be failed as Khsuhi will come in between and just after this the "Fake Miscarriage" track will start which will be triggered by "KHUSHI" herself; this was determined by the last scene. Wasn't this scene important??? Yes, it was.

Scene 4:-

The Havan scene was my FAV. Excellent work By Hrishikesh Gandhi and team. Before I talk about the scene, I will describe the scene here. Maami checking on Khushi and the progress; we have all ready for the Havan and then Khushi apologizes to DM and we have her enquiring whether NK was successful in his mission or not. But since NK was not successful, Khushi herself went in for a search and Payal helps her in finding the keys for the briefcase. The episode ends. Now, tell me what was wrong in that scnene??? Nothing . It was perfect, just for the 99% viewers the only qualms will be why Maami still quiet after watching Arnav been carried away to another place. But that was justified with her sprained ankle and Khushi's concern of breaking the reality about Shyam. Perfect and for everyone the story moved ahead, isn't it??? Yes, it is. Now, who thinks that PH have never thought in this scene from a regular viewers' perspective??? I don't see any flaw in this scene.

But, again this is one important scene in the track and for the rest 1% of the viewers this scene explains volumes. Maami is the 7^th Angel and her knowledge of the entire "Truth" is important. What an Innuendo by Aakash??? He said - "Aap ko sab pata hain Maate". Indeed, and you know how Gautam and the camera dept proved it today. I will explain that angle later but let me say in short the scene. When Shyam will be given the "3^rd Redemption" chance then he will be under the scanner and Maami and Khushi's scene proved that perfectly. His every move will be watched by Khushi and Maami who will save Anjali from "First Attack". Now, we have the Havan scene where NK comes and informs that the briefcase is an old one, hence 666 not working and we need "Key" for the same. As you all know 666 is the number of "Evil" human being and that is already out so now no need for the number but still one thing is left to be uncovered and that is "Key". Whatever Shyam has inside the "OLD" briefcase is the "TRUTH" and the key is needed to reach there. Notice what NK said after that - "HP guzar gaya" and then Khushi saw HP walking across and she corrected - "Tapak Gaya".Interesting isn't it??? Remember what Khushi said before all the conversations??? She said - "Havan mein badha daalni padhegi". When NK asked her what he will inform if any one enquires about her, she replied - "Havan ka samaan lane gaya". Beautiful. Fantastic.

NK informed the briefcase is an old one which means that Shyam will be exposed here after the truth of "Snow White" attack. Remember my "Tremors" analysis ??? That was the ME episode and I said Anjali will learn the Fake and Original Shyam here and Shyam's dialogue - "Hum purane kaagjaad thik kar liye". He will learn the actual Will and with the "Key" to the briefcase Khushi will learn the "Motive" behind Shyam's attack to the babies. This is why she said - "Havan mein badha daalni padhegi" which means she will "Fake Miscarriage" here to save the babies. What was the Havan for??? ASR and the Baby, right??? Khushi would need to save both because if anything happens to the baby the entire property will return to ASR and then Shyam would be after ASR's life. So, Khushi will be the one suggesting the "Fake Miscarriage" which why she said - "Havan ka samaan lane gaya" to make it real for Shyam. From this point Shyam's 40 period will start and he will be "Ousted" from RM. Beautiful this was and it reminded me of Shyam's "Swaha" after he came with the Havan's list for Anjali just before the "Terrace Confrontation", remember??? Yes, I know. What a connection Gautam did here. Perfect.

Payal is another Angel who helped Khushi to search the truth but what my attention here is the "Ear Ring". Last time after the Sangeet when Arnav returned her ear ring, we witnessed the Terrace Confrontation and this time we saw Payal returning the ear ring. It was Payal who said - "Shyam ko milte hain" and let's wait for tomorrow for the rest of the scene as it will be continued tomorrow.

Now, look at the above picture and tell me what you see here. I see the "BRILLIANCE" of Camera Work and beautiful capture. Just look at the scene. Maami at the Apex, Khushi and NK at the Base. This entire triangle is facing the "Havan Kundh" with DM at the Front and we have Maami at the centre with NK at the right and Khushi at the left. This is DM's "TRIDENT" a.k.a "TRSIHUL". Look at the picture and the positioning where we have 3 of them as 3 points of the Trident. Beautiful. Symbolically this represent way of knowledge, path of action, path of devotion; we can characterize this as Maami being the knowledge, NK being the action and Khushi being the Devotion. Tant helped in understanding this as I am really poor at Lit but since I loved this camera angle she helped me with the literature behind this. Do you all know the 3 evil that Trishul destroys with its points??? Yes, that is 3 evils; Lust, Anger and Pride and who is that in IPK World??? Yes, Shyam Manohar Jha.

Trishul (Trident) is a weapon, symbol of war which explains "oneness in many" in Hindu Mythology.

The Trident in Sanskrit is Trishula or 3 spikes or points; It is associated primarily with Shiv - Durga. The 3 points of Shiv's Trident also stands in reference for 3 rivers and Shiva is known as the lord of 3 rivers/braids; this is referred to as "Triveni".The Sanskrit term TRIVENI refers to the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati at the town of Allahabad. Yes, Sangam.