Filmi masala TV style! - DNA Review

An edgy love story starring Sanaya Irani and Ashish Sharma; produced by Madhubala fame Saurabh Tewary, Rangrasiya had enough reasons to raise our curiosity. Having watched over 10 episodes, one must say the serial is exciting and intriguing like a masala potboiler.

What is it about: Parvati (Sanaya)'s parents are killed by Bharat Suraksha Dal (BSD) soldiers when they are returning to Birpur in a bus. A shattered 10-year old Paro is raised by her uncle and aunt. Rudra (Ashish)'s mother has eloped with a guy leaving him behind with his crippled father.

Rudra's friends taunt him mercilessly, while his bitter father constantly tells him not to trust beautiful women. Little Rudra and Paro meet as strangers when the buses they are travelling in cross each other. Paro moved by Rudra's tears gifts him her doll. Fifteen years later, Paro has grown to be a beautiful woman and preparations for her marriage are on. Rudra, a BSD officer is given charge of Birpur to rid militants. Paro fears BSD officers but it's Rudra who saves her from goons. When her baraat is reaching the border, she is whisked away by him after a skirmish with the traitors.

Setting: The desert land of Rajasthan where all the action takes place is brought alive vivdly and beautifully on screen. The exotic bandhani, colourful costumes and chunky silver jewellery are a treat to the eyes. Though the bags embroidered with mirror work and other trinkets give a traditional touch, they look brand new to be part of everyday use in the house.

Action: There's a lot of action in the serial including gun fire, hand-to-hand combats and daredevilry, filmi style. The hero single-handedly takes on the goons, even as his bike catches fire. Ashish with his ripped body, intense eyes and simmering anger makes it completely convincing. Even the fight scenes are well-choreographed.

Performances: After a debacle called Chhanchhan, Sanaya is back in form as the peppy, sensitive, emotional Paro. She is perfectly restrained in her performance. Ashish as the brooding, cynical Rudra who speaks with his eyes is the perfect foil. Though the pair hasn't exchanged a single dialogue so far, when they are in the same frame, they sizzle. The supporting cast that includes Tarun Khanna as the Thakur and Ankita Sharma as Laila, Rudra's mistress who is in love with the heartless soldier deliver a good performance.

What works: The crackling chemistry between the lead pair and the fast-paced story.

What does not work: It is a little difficult to follow the dialogues as they use a lot of Rajasthani dialect. Also, we understand Rudra is a man of few words, but even so he needs to speak clearly and stop mumbling!

Verdict: It's definitely a welcome change from the routine fare on TV. If you don't mind a little violence and dark drama, go for it.

Rangrasiya
Colors
Monday - Friday, 9.30 pm

http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-filmi-masala-tv-style-1951214