Gigantic sets, dramatic gestures, scheming characters, gasp intended imagery and intonation heavy performances collectively form Porus.
Post the ‘most expensive show on Indian TV’ marketing miasma subsides and sense settles in lazily like a reluctant cat, only after taking off the glasses of grandeur you realise that Porus is mammoth, most certainly, but far from being magnificent.
It is unfair to compare an Indian creation, of similar genre, to Western classics. However, inspiration is borrowed heavily from similar international attempts. The show revisits the epic tale of war and conflict between King Alexander and Porus. Right from scene 1, the plot is set on full throttle, setting the pace of the storytelling, which is comparatively pacey, however, the traditional linear means of editing acts counter-productive.
Maker Siddharth Kumar Tewary backed by Sony TV focusses on style over substance. The blue tinge, meticulous art designing (detailing is commendable), camerawork which add to the largesse and the sheer colossal charisma, make it for a unique viewing experience.
The makers have shown heart, indeed.
However, since it’s taken a leaf out of history, the sequences seem far from real in terms of performances. It seems the attempt is to find balance between being novel, yet adhere to staple TV experience.
Praneet Bhatt as Darius impresses but displays streak of ‘shakuni mama’ viciousness. Rati Pandey as Queen Anusuya is confident and Aditya Redij as King Bamni looks fit and puts effort to get a hold of his multi-shaded character. Aman Dhaliwal as Amatya Shiv Dutt commands quite a bit of screen presence initially and he seems high on adrenaline most of the time.
We really wonder if ‘historically’ kings and queens were so dramatic in their demeanor, talking and acting in artificial cadence. Or maybe it’s the royal attire that brings the aura… well, it’s better left to one’s imagination.
The graphic effects and war scenes are apt, however, fail from being marvelously appealing. More than the computer razzmatazz, it’s the art designing, sets, costumes which add to the feel. We feel Porus should find its pillar in performances and realism magnanimity, not chroma infested scenes.
Scratch the surface and you realise that Porus is hardly able to rise above the opulence. It has the money, not the might…YET.
We would rate it 3 out of 5 stars.