As times have changed, the demand for realistic plotlines has increased, and events from reality inspire the fictional world much more. “The Family Man” (Season 1) is a product of these incidents, which form the fragment of the protagonist, Srikant Tiwari’s life. Concentrating on the main theme of the protagonist’s demanding job, the directors also show how he juggles his personal life, which takes a back seat as he is clear with his responsibilities. Other than this, people’s opinion about NIA people, jihad and the vulnerable youth, the divide which religion creates, the emotional needs of people are some of the sub themes that operate in the background. Attractions of “The Family Man” A unique plot The plot that is featured in “The Family Man” is unpredictable and thrilling. It has all potential to surprise the viewers at any point quite effortlessly. Packed in 10 episodes with each being of 40-45 minutes, it delivers content to keep eyes glued to the screens and be impatient for how the story would unfold further. At the same time, it discusses different sociological and psychological issues that the viewers observe unconsciously. These issues are the family life of the family man where his family is not just of the 3 members but of the many brothers and sisters of the nation. This is where the metaphorical associations of the title can be easily drawn. Direction The sequences of the 10 episodes are carefully planned and executed. It is interesting to see how episodes 1 and 10 bring in everything in symmetry, and all threads seem to join together without any confusion. There are no distractions to diversions to make the readers lose interest. Every incident depicted is related to the framework of the plot one way or the other. There is a brief flashback in one of the episodes, which ultimately contributes to the strength of the plot. Setting Most of the action takes place in Mumbai; however, the target spot is Delhi, and some part of the story takes place in Srinagar, Baluchistan, and south India. In the midst of this, the viewers get to travel to different sites of Mumbai, the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir and get a glimpse of Baluchistan lands. Performances Manoj Vajpayee, who is already known for his acting prowess, shows his flourished skills not just in the responsibility that his character has but also the different emotions of feeling guilty, regretting the fact that he has to lie and the regret of not having a lot of time for his children. Not just with dialogues, he adds to the dynamism of his character by his expressions (in moments with his son and capturing a terrorist). Other characters play their contributory parts well without overdoing them anywhere at all. With the second installment of the franchise set to roll out, viewers who haven’t watched the first season should watch if they feel interested in seeing reality closely in the framework of fiction and, at the same time, understanding that every job isn’t as easy as it is shown to be otherwise. First episode date: 20 September 2019Number of episodes: 10Number of seasons: 2Network: Amazon Prime VideoWritten by: Raj Nidimoru, Krishna D.K., Suman Kumar Title The Family Man Main Cast Manoj BajpaiPriyamaniShreya DhanwantharySamanthaGul PanagSharib Hashmi Genre Thriller/ Drama Director Raj Nidimoru, Krishna D.K. Writer Raj Nidimoru, Krishna D.K., Suman Kumar Editor Bodhaditya Banerjee Distributed By Prime Video Reviewed By: Akhila Saroha, The Literature Times
Tandav | Web Series Review | The Literature Times
Synopsis Having seen his political party serve the country for three terms, Samar Pratap Singh (Saif Ali Khan) is hopeful that his father Devki Nandan (Tigmanshu Dhulia), also the Prime Minister of India, will offer the chair to his son once they are re-elected. But power is everything in politics and father has other plans. Review The web series culture has been triggered in recent years, more after the internet reached people’s pockets. As an encouragement, plots that could not be explored in the 2-hour format of cinema watching are being explored following the trend of seasons. Written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the first installment of “Tandav” was made available to the audience on Amazon Prime. “Tandav” follows the genre of drama, which is replete with references to contemporary events that an aware viewer can easily connect with. In addition to powerful portrayal of characters, the drama revolves around various themes that concern the social aspect more than anything else. The ordinary people getting affected by decisions taken in closed doors, the vulnerability of youth, the limits to wish hunger for power can push a person, and human relationships and their changing equations. Combined with this, the flavor of the game of politics forms the backdrop where the war is more on the mental level than physical or verbal. With a unique plot, the viewers would find an appropriate use of theatrical effects and power-packed performances by all actors doing justice to their roles. Also, the viewers get an idea of the manner in which politics operates, which is otherwise hidden from the public eye. They would also get a glimpse into the raw passion of youth and what can happen when it gets a positive or negative direction. “Tandav” may have attained a controversial status, yet viewers can watch it for themselves too. Title Tandav Main Cast Saif Ali KhanDimple KapadiaSunil GroverKritika KamraTigmanshu DhuliaDino Morea Genre Political Drama Director Ali Abbas Zafar Story and Screenplay Gaurav SolankiAli Abbas Zafar Casting Casting Bay Production House NSA PictureOffside Entertainment Reviewed By: Akhila Saroha, The Literature Times.
COLLUDE: A Secret Agreement | Prasun Kulshrestha | The Litrature Times
Some books may be short, but the manner in which authors pack action in them and add the right flavors of mystery and suspense makes the book an unforgettable work. Prasun Kulshrestha’s book, “Collude: A Secret Agreement,” is a book that begins the features of one genre of literary writing, but as the book progresses, it assumes strikingly different dimensions of another genre. As it starts with a futuristic subject, it unfolds and explores a plot that is relevant to the present day. The team of scientists and developers voluntarily stranded on an island for once may remind the readers of William Golding’s “Lord of The Flies,” however, the content and characters have a completely different fate here. This invokes the element of fantasy and but their future makes the mysterious aspect creep in. The author plans and packs the book with appropriately placed twists, and the title holds absolute relevance only when it reaches the climax. It is surprising for the readers, which makes reading “Collude: A Secret Agreement” a thrilling experience for the readers. There is the almost direct involvement of the readers even though there are frequent visits of the third-person narrator, at the same time exploration of subjects like the manipulative human nature, impacts of scientific attitude, money being the king, and many more. Readers who are fascinated by mystery-fiction, which also has a little fusion of sci-fi elements, can take Kulshrestha’s “Collude” for reading.
Rise To Lead You | Venkatesh S | The Literature Times
Everyone aspires to have an extraordinary life in their ordinary circumstances. The difference-making factors in any person’s life are the few characteristics that make them work a little extra on themselves compared to their counterparts. “Rise to Lead You: Self-Leadership section of Leading Self and Others” by Venkatesh S is a book that will pull a person out of their ordinary circumstances and prepare them and give a direction in taking the steps that would make them extraordinary. The trait theories of leadership declare that leaders are not born but made. Venkatesh S’s work is a step in the direction of how they are made. The readers would find a combination of the author’s experience with practicality and examples that are realistic, he makes sense to the readers from the first page. At the same time, he makes the readers ponder over the deeds they have done in their times, making the work relatable for many. Simultaneously, he uses the technique of giving short pointers, which are more like long-term guiding lines for the readers, and they can get back to them whenever they feel the need to ignite the leader in them. The author doesn’t talk about a person being a leader of others but a leader of himself too. This makes “Rise to Lead You” one of its kind. After his debut work, “Just Reminding You: To Do What You Have Forgotten,” this book is an extension of the author’s wisdom and readers who have read the first work would find “Rise to Lead You” of equal interest. The author keeps his book focused, and without any digressions, he presents his ideas in an objective manner, which is coupled with a language that is easy to understand for all kinds of readers. The readers can keep this book on their bedside and get back to it time and again whenever they feel the need to keep learning and to get better and to be able to achieve their dream results in one lifetime. This book is recommended for all those who want to learn to make the better out of the ordinary situations, to bring out their hidden qualities and explore their potential of being exceptional, making them stand out of the crowd, leading to outstanding results on not just the professional front but also their personal lives.
Akhila Saroha Reviews The Gifted Words | Author Manish Kumar | The Literature Times
Human lives seem to be a bed of roses when projected in the utopian world. Only on closer reality checks, one understands the little intricacies they embody and the delicate fragments that form emotions. A product of a thorough understanding of these intricacies and observations of life is Manish Kumar’s novel, “The Gifted Words.” After his debut novel, “When Love Happens,” “The Gifted Words” explores life from a different perspective, which also introduces the readers to the multi-dimensional world that Kumar explores through his artistic personality. Kumar’s book begins with a baffling situation where the readers’ curiosity shoots up in wonder as to what events would have conspired in the past. As a narrator, Prince makes sure to reveal details that are enough for the readers to know at that moment. He assumes his roles in the first and third-person whenever required, which detaches the author from the narrative and frees the book from his hold. Sneha’s side is also presented once in a while which also ensures that the readers get to know the stories of multiple families that Kumar tries to traverse. In the midst of this, he talks about various themes and issues that form a fragment of any household. These themes include family, relationships, the fragility of life, living in the moment, happiness in little things, the importance of connectivity to roots, nostalgia, and the beauty of love in any bond. Such themes and ideas given Kumar’s work a Nicholas Sparks’ flavor; however, he maintains his ingenuity by infusing it with lesser pathos. The readers feel close to the characters from the initial stages of “The Gifted Words” and remain connected till the very last words. Mature readers would find their interest in being in the instant hold of the book as it presents life’s realities in the face of it without any tampering or sugar-coating. Structurally, the novel is finely paced and does not let the readers lose track of any event anywhere. They remain in tune with the narrative throughout. It features a variety of characters, but the central characters do not leave the stage even in their absence. Minor characters give their contribution as per needs. All readers who want to read a work that is infused with emotion, thoughtfulness, and maturity to understand life as it happens should take Kumar’s book for reading. It presents life’s realities, subtly and gracefully, making the book easily acceptable to the readers in an effortless style. Although his works feature youngsters, these youngsters represent the first impressions of the experiences life gives and how a young mind would respond when put in such situations. Hence, perceiving any work in the bracket of literary writing meant for young folks would not suggest doing complete justice to the kind of audience the work appeals to.
