Viraat Weekly Review – 06th – 10th Aug 2012
I know it has been commented upon a lot, so adding my voice to it as well: CVs are doing real cancer victims and survivors a disservice by showing Maanvi's hair regrown so quickly and with such a nice style, too.
Shame on them.
06th August 2012
Rucksha-Bunddhun and family gathering – Viraat was in character there.
Overhearing Virain-Jeevika's conversation – understanding Jeevika's pain, and resolve to do something about it.
Overhearing Svammini Boaa-Inder Cha-cha – trying to understanding her POV and a slightly different kind of resolve.
The difference was noted and well enacted by Kushaal.
With Maanvi on the phone – a small smile of pride that they are truly on the same page without even sharing thoughts/information, and a kind of resigned-but-lets-move-on gusto about the speech. I liked that Viraat still sought Maanvi's advice over their next course of action because she has, indeed, guided him in his path in many different aspects of his life. That part of their relationship remains intact.
Nix on the lip curling, please.
Partitions are not only difficult, but impossible; yet resolute intentions work only so far. Leaving it up to fate is the road chosen.
ARGH! Atrocious french!😛
I can only shake my head… and feel embarrassed for him (and her, for repeating it!). This is viewed by a certain number of French-speaking international/national fans, too.
Kushaal was strictly just OK. I think he could have brought a lot of depth to his lines. It felt superficial and appeared as if he was in a bit of a rush to get the call over with. He is potentially losing the love of his life, and far greater emotion was called for – if not expressed, at least visibly repressed; seething underneath.
With Dadaji – A simple presentation of one's mature decision. Sangfroid (and that is a French word) was present, and body-language was one of 'no-entry'.
I can understand wanting to hold back one's emotional turmoil at this decision from leaking out, and presenting a faade of locked arms only reinforced the impression of gates, behind which he was barricading himself against the onslaught of emotional arrows that were slinging at him. Good work; simple, but effective.
Family gathering to go to Hrishikaysh, and Viraat quiet, but with the family.
A moment of not understanding Dadaji pronouncing Maanvi's name and then… heartfelt, overwhelming joy - was not present.😕
Lackluster happiness.
Badly done, Kushaal.
07th August 2012
Insipid expression of such an unexpected turnaround in his fortunes continued with a singularly miserly smile. A small expression of confusion at Dadaji's proclamation of going to Hrishikaysh right then, and then that parsimonious smile returns. Finally, toddling forward to take Dadaji's blessing was all right, but again, no wildly exuberant happiness – I felt that was required. Heck, I saw it on Inder Cha-cha's face!
A hug to most everyone, then standing quietly and with humility in front of Svaamini Booa as Dadaji praises Maanvi and her influence on Viraat.
Finally, the heartfelt hug to Dadaji after a welling up of emotions – apropos; even the tears and the subdued yet proud expression was done well.
An appeal to S. Booa for her to accompany them to Hrishikaysh, but Viraat gives up quickly enough and is somewhat upset as she leaves the room – but that was in character for the situation.
A restrained smile at seeing S. Booa in the van; then, the rather odd monologue out loud; but it turned out to be cute; probably as the Director envisioned it and Kushaal executed it well.
08th August 2012
Side Note 1: Hideous T-shirt on Viraat; horizontal stripes on er... wider individuals only serves to make them appear akin to the broadside of a barn. The color did not help.
Viraat at Hrishikaysh – The sweet surprise was… sweet. I expected more of a twinkle in the eye, a sense of restrained happiness for Viraat; after all he is bursting to tell her the good news; but it felt very ho-hum sweet.
Ah, the Indian not-nod-not-shake.😃
The miming was not required in a setting that was filled with emotions – teasing has its place, and it could have been done in another manner. A somewhat smug Viraat enjoying Dadaji's teasing was good and in character, as was the proudly abashed look as Dadaji presents his proposal for Viraat ,and Vunshika plays up his case; also, the fond smile at Budee BG.
Sweetly shy in answering in the affirmative – very cutely done; as was the heads banging together during blessings.
Viraat was happy, but I wanted to see it brimming over as his fondest wish – the one that seemed to be destined to be unfulfilled – came true. Kushaal was a little too restrained for someone who had to be whoopin' and hollerin' and doing cartwheels on the inside. He needed to be beaming with this big, fat smile on his face, unable to wipe it off simply because he was so Haaapppy!
Observe Inder Chaacha and Kaadumburee Chaachi – they are so exuberant even in the background, keeping totally to character, not slipping even when they are not the focus – Kushaal ought to have done a lot better.
09th August 2012
A satisfied smile at seeing his mother and Maanvi hug – too short; Kushaal should have held the expression, letting love steal into his face… bad editing, perhaps. Wanting to hug her before leaving was kind of okay.
Kushaal has been too subdued and too restrained for the whole situation - one that demands buoyant emotions and high-spirits.
Side Note 2: I like that CVs have been slowly showing Dubboo as more responsible and growing-up. With one sister married and the other ill, he's finally held accountable for taking care of the family and its problems and he has been stepping up to the plate. Good, slow, side-character development.
On phone with Maanvi – Playful and bantering, but again, Kushaal did not appear as if her was in love. It felt very cold from his end, just a friendly joshing. There are so many ways one can show the love for the person on the other end of the line – softened expressions, far-off-seeing eyes actually 'seeing' one's love, little sighs, etc. All were lacking.
Once he spoke about 'miracles' there was a glimpse of that still-unbelieving-that-this-happened expression, but then it was gone.
Side Note 3: A word on Jeevika's get-up. Her saree and jewelry had – green, pink, peach, magenta, yellow, blue, orange, red, and all the other colors of the rainbow. W*F.
I was reminded of a line from the old movie Khoobsoorut starring Rekha.
Rekha talking about getting her sister ready for the girl-seeing process:
"…dress (you) up as Jhuh-mayla Bano's quavvali….'
'Nuff said.
Impatience at wanting to see Maanvi and good-natured acceptance of subsequent teasing, then playing with Maanvi right back- all in character for Viraat.
He was looking lovingly at Maanvi, but the depth of emotion was missing; something Kushaal has been able to address in some past episodes.
10th August 2012
Disconcerted at the realization that singing and dancing at his own engagement would not be quite de rigueur – though such repressive traditions need to be left far behind – Viraat is relieved to see Jeevika pick up the slack. Ultimately, he does get to enjoy the song and dance. He was all right in that.
As Maanvi starts teasing him he gets his own back – really, the show and SP want to propagate such regressive traditions as not taking one's husband's name? It's bad enough Jeevika does it, now they are actually making it a point? I noted none of the elders stepped in to counter it. 😕
Meeting with Maanvi alone, thanks to Virain, I liked that Viraat was not letting Maanvi hide herself behind her sudden turn of abashment – Kushaal maintained a knowing, teasing, and loving smile which was quite seemly.
Depth of emotion was missing again as he draws near her – all of the above was carried on but the 'in love' part was lacking… somewhat glimpsed here and there after the kiss on the forehead, but very fleeting. As he left the room Kushaal was able to portray his reluctance to leave and impatience to be with Maanvi again well.
Back in Chundigurh and engagement ring – Viraat is well aware that Svaamini Booa is not in his camp, so he tries to mend fences.
It must be noted that all olive branches seem to have been extended only by Viraat. SP and the PH must truly hold to the antiquated – and incorrect – notion that elders can never be wrong and that they should never humble themselves by acknowledging their mistakes. Leading by example needs to be the norm.
Kushaal's approach was respectful, his tone of pleading was unassuming, but the mode of delivery needed a little work. He was good explaining away S. Booa's worries and managed to convey his simple conviction to the viewers.
Jayne
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