A Sarkunam’s Exam has its rough patches especially the latter episodes. But the web series is worth watching for how it tackles the pressures faced by hard working aspirants. Dushara Vijayan as Jhansi is the show’s beating heart and she gets good support from both Aditi Balan and Abbas
Starcast: Dushara Vijayan, Aditi Balan, Abbas and others
Genre: Thriller/drama
Director and writer: A Sarkunam
Creators: Puskhar- Gayathri
Producers: Gayathri Pushkar
Cinematographer: Arun Amarenthiran
Production Company: Wall watcher Films
No of episodes: 7
Streaming site: Amazon Prime
Exam created by the acclaimed director duo Gayathri-Pushkar bears a striking resemblance to the numerous question papers leaks and the effect it has on students. A solid example of it is the recent NEET. The web series starts with a bang exploring how the paper leaks happen and privilege eroding merit. There is a lived-in feel to the proceedings. But the latter ones don’t completely live up to the earlier promise, this is something I will get to later. The story of Exam in brief focuses on a determined woman Jhansi (an excellent Dushara Vijyan). She infiltrates a highly dangerous syndicate under the guise of a new police officer. Jhansi comes with her own past and its related to DSP Maramalli (Aditi Balan). How Jhansi unearths the scam saving the dreams of many honest students forms the main core of Exam.
A strong aspect of Exam is the emotional undercurrents more than the thriller aspect. The determination of Jhansi in unearthing the scam and a poignant back story gives the web series some of its best moments. The viewers feel the pain of Jhansi and understand why she is taking such a big risk.
Her dynamics with DSP Maramaali and the two striking an unlikely sisterhood during the closing portions has also been solidly written and enacted. Aditi Balan starts off as a privileged brat, but both the writing and the actress humanize the character never tipping into a caricature.
Mention must also be made of how A Sarkunam handles the theme of systemic corruption. Numerous scenes bear an uncanny similarity to what we come across in daily newspapers. The entire process of exam scandals has been meticulously crafted.
The frustration of honest students with the psychological toll hits hard. There is an important line when a character talks about how the government systems need to be more efficient in cracking down corruption. There is a further mention of how someone like a Jhansi wouldn’t be needed if the officials had done their job properly. This sums up the actions of Jhansi nicely. The viewers feel happy when Jhansi gets formally appointed no longer needing to impersonate someone else.
A mention must also be made of the track featuring Abbas and Dushara Vijayan. Abbas’s Jayachandran is also a victim of systemic corruption much like Jhansi. His character comes with words of wisdom especially the scene post Jhansi’s suicide attempt. He plays the mentor with a lot of warmth becoming an important pillar of support. His death sequence has a certain poignancy.
Dushara Vijayan though is the central pillar of Exam with a first-rate act. Whether it’s the vulnerable moments or the determination Dushara is simply excellent. Dushara particularly shines in the portion of her identity being blown.
The cinematography of Arun Amarenthiran is of a good order. The mist covered setting creates a sense of concealment aiding the story. Sam CS background score aids the tension filled scenarios.
A major problem with Exam are the mid portions. Certain characters are introduced but the payoff isn’t satisfactory. Also, the story struggles in balancing the investigative tension with personal drama as the show progresses.
Final word: Exam is worth watching for the solid performances and the social themes
