Robin Bhuyan
(Spoilers Ahead)
There are very few web series in India that are as impactful, entertaining as well as educational like Bandish Bandits. The story revolves around a young guy named Radhe (Ritwik Bhowmik), who wants to become a legendary folk singer, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Pandit Radhe Mohan Rathod (Naseeruddin Shah). Having trained in Hindustani classical music his entire life, his life turns upside down after he meets Tamanna (Shreya Chaudhury), a popular pop singer, who comes from an entirely different world.
Talking about season 1, which released on August 2020, the screenplay is exceptionally well-written, and even if you have zero interest in music—be it Indian classical or pop—the series keeps you engaged until the very end. The show beautifully explores the transformative power of music, show us how it can either be a disciplined art form or a tool for liberation.
What truly sets Bandish Bandits apart is how it was able to blend tradition with modernity. It gave us a story that resonates with us, regardless of our age or generation. The emotional depth of the characters, each having their own complexities and layers, made sure that every moment feels meaningful to audiences.
The performances are a major highlight of the show. Ritwik Bhowmik did a brilliant job as Radhe, portraying his internal conflict and journey of self-discovery. Naseeruddin Shah, as the revered yet stern Pandit Radhe Mohan Rathod, shines in every scene he is in. Shreya Chaudhury brought a refreshing energy to Tamanna, perfectly capturing the struggles of a modern artist trying to survive in a commercialized and competitive industry. The vibrant landscapes of Jodhpur and the grandeur of the musical performances are captured beautifully, and the series offers us a rare and authentic glimpse into the world of gharanas.
Ultimately, the season had concluded with a profound message. Despite the charm and energy Tamanna brings to her music, it is Radhe’s discipline, years of hardship, and dedication to honing his skills that make him an unparalleled artist. His mastery of classical music surpasses Tamanna’s skill, despite her popularity, which leads her to realize that hard work and discipline are the ultimate tools for excellence. As the season ended, she decides to attend a music school and start from the beginning. Bandish Bandits left viewers with an inspiring message that true success is built on a foundation of unwavering effort and commitment, which can take years, or even decades.
Bandish Bandits Season 2 released after a long wait- taking over 4 years and 4 months! The show had so much potential, but it failed to match up to Season 1. While the beginning of the season seemed to hold promise, later on, especially in the last two episodes, the story and the core message of the show gets completely derailed and can leave many of us confused and frustrated. Many of us might be scratching our heads wondering – What are the makers even trying to say?
Characters who were once carefully and beautifully crafted began to make decisions that felt completely out of character, especially Tamanna. Her growth, which seemed so organic in the first season, now felt forced and underdeveloped. One one scene, she is in love with her new college senior, and on another scene, she is once again in love with Radhe. The worst part of the series is the ending as it made no sense how Tamanna and her band of inexperienced rookies could overcome seasoned, legendary singers like Radhe, his uncle Digvijay, and his mother Mohini, who had spent decades mastering their craft. Their victory at India’s biggest music contest felt completely forced and unreasonable.
The biggest letdown was the absence of the central theme that made Season 1 so special: the power of hard work, discipline, and dedication. In the first season, Radhe’s journey showed us how years of sacrifice and effort is required to truly excel in classical music. Though Tamanna was extremely popular in her field, she eventually came to the realization that she is nothing in front of Radhe’s talent. Unfortunately, that message is completely lost in Season 2. Instead, the show turns to a repetitive stream of motivational speeches that feel more like filler than having any meaningful substance. Nearly all characters are shown to be complex, having different layers, but it felt completely forced. The show which was once a beautiful exploration of the transformative power of music now feels like a college romance story, filled with characters who seem to act without reason or growth. Even Divya Dutt’s newly introduced character of a music teacher and Arjun Rampal’s cameo as a singing star fails to save the show.
Many viewers might feel bad for Radhe due to his inability to move on from his relationship with Tamanna, though it lasted a very short time. Why someone like Radhe, who had spent years in discipline, is being so fickle, remains to be understood. Despite the fact that his band’s new pianist Ananya is in love with him, and she also seems like a better match, Radhe is shown to be lingering in the past, wanting Ananya back at any cost. Instead of seeing him grow and mature emotionally, we instead see him acting immaturely, when it comes to his relationship! It’s heartbreaking because Radhe deserved better, and so did the audience.
But the season is not entirely bad. There are still some redeeming moments, though. The backstory of Pandit Radhe Mohan Rathod, Rathe’s grandfather, is explored more in depth, and it manages to provide an emotional closure, bringing the family together. However, it is not enough to salvage a season that ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.
In the end, Bandish Bandits- Season 2 left us with more questions than answers, and more disappointment than satisfaction.
Rating for Season 1: 9.5 out 10 stars
Rating for Season 2: 4 out 10 stars
