Lakshmi Ghar Aayi on Star Bharat has a strong concept that tackles and fights the system of dowry. Well, this plot and concept is certainly not new to television or to the common man. Dowry system is an age-old practice and is a reflection of the society on how marriages in certain towns and cities is a means for the boy’s family to amass money in return for a girl who will be dependent on them for life. This system depicts the manner in which a price tag gets fixed on to a girl’s future through marriage.
This concept brought about by Shakuntalam Telefilms is not new at all!! But the manner in which it has been packaged indeed creates interest. The best aspect about the show has to be its characterizations.
We have a strong girl, and we certainly mean it by using this adjective here!! Maithili, played by Simran Pareenja is a cut-above-the-rest and clearly depicts the sentiments and thoughts process of a today’s independent and confident girl.
Another bright aspect for this show is that it for a change it shows the girl’s father to be an extremely confident, self-made, rightful man who wants his daughters to be independent, study and aspire for their individual ambitions. Ashish Kaul, who plays this role of Arun, Maithili’s father in the show comes across as a splendid exception amid many fathers, who are found diffident when it comes to the marriage of daughters.
Another shining armour in the show has to be the character of Jwala. The manner in which this character is written, and executed is simply superb. Ananya Khare who plays this role can never fail!! She simply shines on as Jwala.
Coming to the plot, we have to say that the main concept of the show seems repeatitive, considering that the concept around the dowry system has been used up frequently in TV shows and films.
We have Maithili who is not the real daughter of Arun and his wife Sandhya. Though Arun showers all the love and has instilled confidence and resilience in his daughter, the mother wants to get rid of her by marrying her off soon.
Akshit Sukhija, who plays Raghav is the dutiful son who very well knows that his family relies on him for support and a good earning. He is trying his best to achieve the level of being an officer, but is still not successful. He has the same sentiments as Maithili, disregards and refuses to accept the dowry system.
Destiny puts both Maithili and Raghav in a crucial catch 22 situation, from where Raghav’s mother Jwala who is greedy of dowry is hellbent on getting them married. She believes that Arun is extremely wealthy, but the fact of the matter is that Arun is too very honest to have accumulated huge money in his career.
Another interesting aspect is that the characters, even though cruel and money-minded in their approach have been given a light-hearted flavour, and this makes the whole viewing a bit light.
Star Bharat as a channel really needs a show that can deliver a decent rating!! However, considering that a show as strong as Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya 2 too could not bring in the desirable numbers, this old story sold in a new package might not again get the numbers. Having said this, this concept hovering around the dowry system can as well end up being liked by the women of all ages. Only time will tell whether the show will reflect good numbers!!
Talking about the performances, the show stealer surely has to be Ananya Khare. She is extremely convincing as Jwala, and manages to do it without going over the top. The show has some really good actors in Ashish Kaul and Amit Behl. Ashish as the motivating father adds spike to the story. Amit Behl’s character is indeed hilarious and fun to watch.
Akshit Sukhija is good in the role of Raghav. Simran Pareenja looks the role that she plays and convinces audiences to love her as Maithili.
The show has been presented well, with cinematography and direction falling in place.
The show is certainly going to be another drama-filled saas bahu saga. But considering that the characters are convincing enough, we expect the story to be interesting.
We credit Lakshmi Ghar Aayi with 2.5 stars out of 5.