Unlike the last two seasons this installment scores less on humor. Having said that the use of parallel world and the realizations undergone by the three protagonists makes the third season a compelling watch. The trio of Priyadarshi, Abhinav Gomatam and Chaitanya Krishna successfully take off from the previous seasons. They slip into their respective parts with practiced ease while also portraying the new variations in a wonderful manner
Starcast: Priyadarshi, Abhinav Gomaram, Chaitanya Krishna, Jordar Sujatha, Pavani Gangireddy, Deviyani Sharma, Jabardasth Rohini, Gundu Sudharshan, Vennela Kishore and others
Genre: Comedy/drama
Director: Sriram Eragam
Writers: Pradeep Adviatham, Vijay Namoju and D.S Gautam
Creators: Mahi V Raghav and Pradeep Adviatham
Music: Ajay Arsada
Cinematography: S.V Vishweshwar
Producers: Shiva Meka and Sahiti Chintalapadi
Production Company: Three Autum Leaves
No of episodes: 7
Streaming site: Disney+Hotstar
Save The Tigers holds an important place among the numerous streaming shows. A major reason for that is its exploration of marital life from different angles. This time too creator Mahi V Raghav gives a fresh spin to a familiar territory. The web series takes the famous English quote “Grass is Greener on the Other Side” and makes it an underlying theme in the realization journey of the three frustrated husbands. In the previous two seasons they were constantly questioning their married lives, but the twist of a parallel world where they temporarily take the place of their doppelgangers brings a significant change in them. These portions give Season 3 its best moments
Season 3 begins with a kidnap scenario, the details of which are better explored while watching. Then we move to a flashback setting up the frustration of Ghanta Ravi, Rahul and Vikram. Ghanta Ravi (Priyadarshi) has moved to a gated community and is struggling to cope with the new atmosphere, Rahul (Abhinav Gomatam) is stuck in a job which he hates. Finally, Vikram (Chaitanya Krishna) is having a difficult time due to the divorce scenario. One particular night the three in a state of alcohol question the god above. Vennela Kishore plays Lord Indra; Lord Indra decides to give them a fresh start with the help of Gundu Sudharshan’s Chitragupta. What follows is chaos mixed with a life changing swap.
As already mentioned STT 3 is less funny in comparison to the previous seasons. This takes a while to adjust, also the reestablishment of familiar domestic conflicts and character dynamics needed to be crisper. There are stretches too where the story seems to be going in circles.
However, the show finds its rhythm once the fantasy concept sets in fully. The new world in which our protagonists find themselves in give a fresh angle rather than simply recycling old arguments. The shows best moments are those when the three men introspect about their constant complaining and realize the invisible effort of their wives in holding their respective marriages together.
The fantasy of Grass being Greener on the other side isn’t used for just surface level. It acts an important catalyst for our protagonists to change. This has come out solidly in the season’s latter half.
The underlying themes of gratitude, companionship and the need for empathy in a successful marriage has come out in a subtle but very effective manner. Along with the theme of marriage the web series also throws light on parenting and respecting female perspective. These themes again have been seamlessly integrated into the narrative rather than just a sudden add on.
The new characters give their own charm especially Gundu Sudharshan and Vennela Kishore. Gundu Sudharshan lends in the right amount of mischievousness and his interactions with Vennela Kishore raise ample chuckles, the conversations between the two give also give an important insight into the marriage system. Vennela Kishore too does a fine job as Lord Indira. His punchlines in particular are a riot. Jhansi as the judge also has her moments especially her dialogues about the process of divorce.
However, the major spine of STT 3 continues to be Priyadarshi, Abhinav Gomatam and Chaitanya Krishna. Whether it’s the role frustrated husbands going through realization or the doppelgangers they don’t miss a single beat. The chemistry is once again spot on elevating the bumpy patches. The women also leave a significant mark whether it’s the wives or Jabardasth Rohini as Rahul’s maid. The interactions of Abhinav Gomatam and Rohini have a different dynamic as Rohini’s character is part of the parallel world too. Rohini gets a solid mass moment too where she saves our hero’s, and this adds a nice touch.
The score of Ajay Arasda complements the comic and emotional moments well. The cinematography of S.V Visheshwar is suitably glossy in the portions of Lord Indra.
Final word: STT 3 is an interesting mix of fantasy with some important lessons on what it takes to sustain marriage. Definitely worth watching for the message and the actors.
