Ram Bhavan, the newly launched show on Colors, is yet another remarkable addition to the channel’s diverse programming lineup, showcasing an impressive array of genres and concepts. The recent offerings from Colors have demonstrated not just creativity but also strong conceptual foundations and skilled execution. This show intricately weaves a narrative that delves deep into the complexities and power dynamics present within a middle-class household. It thoughtfully explores the evolving dynamics between generations, particularly highlighting the diminishing respect that elders often face as their grown children achieve financial success and social standing. Produced by the talented Rahul Tewary and Rolling Tales Production, Ram Bhavan follows their successful debut with Udne Ki Aasha, which introduced audiences to a cast of characters who felt both relatable and endearing. With considerable expectations surrounding this second venture, Ram Bhavan promises to deliver a compelling storyline that has the potential to resonate deeply with viewers. This show has all the ingredients needed to make a significant impact, capturing the hearts and minds of its audience with its rich narrative and well-crafted characters.
The narrative unfolds in the historical city of Prayagraj, centring on the Vajpai family, who reside in the decaying grandeur of Ram Bhavan, their ancestral home steeped in time. Within these crumbling walls, the eldest son and daughter-in-law reign over the household, casting a long shadow of authority over its inhabitants. Gayatri, the daughter-in-law, emerges as a formidable force—a tyrant whose ambitions know no bounds. With a sharp tongue and a heartless demeanour, she takes pleasure in belittling her elderly in-laws at every opportunity. Her presence is taut with a sense of dominance; her need to assert control ensures that not a moment passes without her parading her power as the woman at the helm of the household.
In the vibrant household, Gayatri expertly orchestrates every situation, compelling those around her to dance to her whims and fancies. She is a force of nature, her influence seeping into every corner of their lives. In stark contrast stands Om Ramdas Vajpai, the youngest son of the family. With a rebellious streak, Om vehemently opposes his sister-in-law’s overwhelming presence, determined to bring an end to the chaos she inflicts upon the household. Yet, Om faces his own set of challenges; his laid-back demeanour, lack of employment, and absence of personal achievements leave him at a significant disadvantage. Despite these limitations, there is a flicker of potential within him, revealing a capacity to confront Gayatri with fierce resolve when it counts the most. The tension between this brother-in-law and sister-in-law creates a compelling dynamic, as their rivalry plays out in ways that are both engaging and thought-provoking for the audience. This intricate clash of wills is artfully captured, making for a captivating narrative.
In stark contrast to Om stands Isha, a beacon of patience, grace, resilience, and love. She embodies these qualities fully, approaching life with a calm determination that inspires those around her. Isha understands that the path to success is paved with hard work and unwavering dedication. Despite her family’s history of struggles and hardships, she radiates compassion and tenacity, effortlessly creating a warm, positive atmosphere wherever she goes. Her presence uplifts others, showcasing the strength that comes from perseverance and heartfelt kindness.
The character traits of Om, Gayatri, and Isha lay a rich groundwork for a captivating storyline. Each character embodies a stark contrast to the others, enhancing the intrigue and depth of the narrative. In the opening week, viewers have been treated to a display of sheer brilliance in storytelling. Gayatri’s oppressive nature showcases her formidable presence, while Om demonstrates an impressive capacity for a counterattack, revealing layers of his resilience. Meanwhile, Isha stands as a beacon of strength amidst the chaos; her ability to absorb pressure with an unwavering smile and a confident aura draws the audience in, weaving a tapestry of complex emotions and interactions that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
One of the most intriguing characters poised to intensify the future confrontations within the narrative is Isha’s father, Subhash. He embodies arrogance in every aspect of his being, exuding a sense of superiority that can be felt in his very presence. Having experienced the extremes of wealth and the harsh realities of financial hardship, Subhash remains obstinate and unyielding, driven by an unwavering belief in his vision for Isha’s future. His brash behaviour and sharp tongue often lead to clashes, especially when he dismisses the aspirations of those around him. This unpredictability makes Subhash a formidable and complex figure, destined to stir the pot as the story unfolds.
At the heart of this intricate narrative are four strikingly contrasting characters, each embodying their own struggles and complexities. Surrounding them are the frail and vulnerable figures of Om’s elderly parents and his brother and sister, who find themselves entirely reliant on the financial support provided by Gayatri. Their dependency highlights their vulnerability and the precariousness of their situation. In the mix is Gayatri’s husband, the eldest son of the household, who seems to prioritize his wife’s authoritative demeanour over the respect and care owed to his own parents. Additionally, there’s the anxious wife of Subhash, who harbours hopes for her husband’s transformation for the good. She longs for him to develop a sense of grounding in his behaviour, yearning for a shift that will bring balance and stability to their home life. Together, these characters weave a poignant tapestry of dependency, ambition, and the longing for change.
Ram Bhavan has placed before the audience its well-etched characters and presented the strength of the narrative in its first week. Though the tyranny of Gayatri in the house, to the extent of making her father-in-law press her blouse and insulting him by throwing the same on his face, seems overboard, the incident stresses the gutsiness and power play of Gayatri. The narrative also establishes a link between Isha and Gayatri and shows Gayatri as the boss of Isha, who has a score to settle with her. This reinforces the fact that this will be a battle worth witnessing!!
The show has skillfully maintained a brisk and engaging pace throughout its first week, keeping the audience on their toes and eager for more. Viewers have come to understand the show’s rhythm and the themes it explores. A particularly striking aspect is the way it addresses the deep-seated issues faced by the senior members living in the house, specifically the emotional and practical hardships inflicted by their own family members. This compelling narrative resonates with the realities many families experience today, highlighting the troubling dynamics of power and control. It vividly illustrates how some financially independent individuals exploit their familial relationships, using them as a means to assert their dominance and authority within the household.
Samiksha Jaiswal has made a remarkable comeback to television, captivating audiences with her dynamic presence. Her stunning look enhances her character, embodying the essence of a formidable figure with remarkable finesse. Every expression she showcases resonates with the intensity and authority of the tyrant her role demands, revealing the depth of her talent and dedication to the craft.
Mishkat Varma, embodying the role of Om Ramdas Vajpai, delivers a performance that is both intense and captivating. He brings an electrifying energy that truly ignites the character, showcasing a perfect fit for the part. With a charismatic presence and remarkable control over his portrayal, Varma navigates the nuances of Om with ease, making him an immensely likeable and memorable character.
Khushbu Rajendra may be a fresh face in the television industry, but her performance is nothing short of captivating. She embodies a serene presence, exuding warmth and confidence that perfectly aligns with the character of Isha. Her portrayal brings a sense of tranquillity and depth, allowing viewers to connect with the character on a personal level. Each scene reveals her ability to convey a range of emotions, making her performance both engaging and memorable.
As mentioned previously, the fourth pillar of strength in the narrative is embodied by the character of Subhash. Portrayed by Sudesh Berry, an actor renowned for his ability to tackle a wide array of challenging roles, Subhash presents perhaps the most intricate character among the four. Berry effortlessly inhabits this complex role, skillfully bringing to life the character’s dominating presence and arrogant attitude.
Actors Shama Deshpande, Vijay Kashyap, Waseem Mushtaq, Anandita Chatterjee and others are doing a good job.
Overall, Ram Bhavan has a remarkable ability to reflect the intricate struggles and dynamics often experienced by middle-class families. The creators deserve commendation for their masterful storytelling, as they have crafted rich, multifaceted characters that embody a striking balance of strength and contrast, each bringing their own unique depth to the narrative.
We at IWMBuzz.com credit Ram Bhavan with 4 stars out of 5.
