Unlike the last season which made a mess of the pertinent social issues. This one does a far superior job in tackling the themes of linguistic and cultural divide, political pressures, ethical dilemmas etc. The series also tackles the strained interpersonal dynamics with the character of DM Abhilash Sharma coming across as more of a grey shaded character.
Starcast: Naveen Kasturia, Jatin Goswami, Shivankit Singh Parihar, Abhilash Thapliyal, Sunny Hinduja, Tengam Celine and Namita Dubey
Genre: Drama
Director and writer: Deepesh Sumitra Jagdish
Additional writers: Anurag Goswami, Anurag Ramesh Shukla etc
Music: Sangeet Haldipur and Siddharth Haldipur
Cinematography: Sreechith Vijayan Damodar
Producer: Shreyansh Pandey and Arunabh Kumar
Production Company: The Viral Fever (TVF)
No of episodes: 5
Streaming site: Amazon Prime
The production house of TVF has created a strong identity with its heartland stories whether its Panchayat or Kota Factory among others. There is a relatability factor to the characters. The web series Aspirants is no different. The first season of Aspirants focused on the struggles of UPSC students in cracking the exams. At the center of the story are the characters played by Naveen Kasturia, Shivankit Singh Parihar and Abhilash Thapliyal. Season two on the other hand focused on the rise of Naveen Kasturia’s DM Abhilash Sharma and the trickly balance of professional career with personal relationships. On the side there was also the subplot of protesting villagers. This was dealt in an extremely haphazard manner making them come across as semi villains. However, the series wasn’t a complete washout with some well written tracks especially Abhilash journey as a district magistrate.
Like season 2 season 3 also juggles between different timelines. One of them is Abhilash facing an enquiry on showing favoritism to his friend Guri (Shivankit Singh Parihar). The complaint was filed by Sunny Hinduja’s Sandeep Baya. Sandeep was once upon a senior to Abhilash and co. Now he is the Assistant labor commissioner. However, the heart of season 3 is the rivalry between Naveen Kasturia and Jatin Goswami’s Pawan Kumar. Pawan has been a rival of Abhilash since the days of Rajendra Nagar and that has only grown. This is mainly because of their different ideologies in going about their job. Pawan comes from Hindi medium, and this is where the show’s theme of linguistic divide comes in.
A major strength of third season are the scenes involving Naveen and Jatin Goswami. The social angle of both class and language divide has come out in a strong manner. The two have a very different way of handling things leading to an intense rivalry. The arguments between the two on emotional approach versus practical gives the show its best moments. Jatin Goswami nails the insecurities of a student who has risen from Hindi medium and does not want others to suffer like him. The actor especially shines in a crucial dramatic monologue.
Mention must also be made of the changed dynamics between the three friends. This particularly comes out well in the attitude of Abhilash Thapliyal’s SK. There is a brilliant scene where SK pours out his anger on Abhilash being emotionally unavailable when he needed him the most. The anguish is palpable and the actor absolutely nails it. Having said that the viewers get the impression of Abhilash being too easily forgiven.
Nevertheless, how power and position can have a big impact on old friendships has been well explored by Deepesh Sumitra Jagadish. Naveen Kasturia’s role had shades of grey in the second season but in this season that aspect has been fully explored. The moral dilemmas and the fight to maintain position has been well portrayed by Naveen Kasturia. As the third friend Shivankit Singh Parihar also lends solid support.
The harsh realities of administration with corruption allegations and ethical compromises is another key aspect of 3. Both the director and the writers have done complete justice to it. Mention must also be made of the love story between Abhilash and Tengam Celine’s Deepa. The role of Deepa has been etched much better here as a vulnerable past aspirant and now confident IPS officer. Tengam does complete justice to her role. The lovey Dovey scenes like the one in the hospital shows a different facet of Abhilash bringing a smile to the viewer’s face.
Among the rest Sunny Hinduja in spite of a brief role makes his presence amply felt. He particularly shines in an important conversation with Naveen Kasturia. Coming to music Lamhe Lamhe makes for a soulful tune elevating the emotional core.
Final word: Aspirants season 3 is a solid comeback for TVF after the middling season of Panchayat four and Aspirants 2.