Paithani review: Mrinal Kulkarni-Eisha Singh's series is sweet but as slow as saree making

The locations and focus on Indian tradition are the only good things about Mrinal Kulkarni-Eisha Singh's Paithani

Paithani

Paithani

Story:

Godavari is a dedicated worker who makes the Paithani saree from scratch. Kaveri, her daughter, gets to know one day that her mother cannot afford to wear the very saree she has dedicated her life into perfecting. Thus, Kaveri goes on a mission to get her mother to wear the saree.

Review:

Paithani, commencing from scenic beauties of India and a glimpse of the fashion industry, focuses on Mrinal Kulkarni's Godavari, followed by Eisha Singh's Kaveri. They get an introduction scene, rather than it being mired into the story, which doesn't help. While one works in handloom, the other is a teacher. This random switch further affects the story-viewing experience. Of course, their stories get intertwined owing to the 'Paithani' saree, but it doesn't happen almost instantly.

The switch between the scenes appear unnatural and forced, even if the story could be important. These scenes, in fact, appear to be inspired from the 80s cinema, where slow-mo and drama was at the very peak.

While Godavari is drama, Kaveri is emotional, and of course, the father cannot tolerate either. This contrast might have worked in the past but not for this show. Eisha's expressions go well in a few scenes, but overall, the series does not hit the mark.

Shivam Bhaargava, in the role of Vinay Bhanushali, does not have much to offer. However, the pace changes slightly with his entry into the show. Sangeetha Balachandrana, as the Ajji, on the other hand, is the cool grandma we all love.

The over-dramatization of the story, including with the help of unnecessary songs, makes this series a dragged watch. Even if you stop watching the show for 10 minutes straight, you won't miss a thing. Yes, the pace is that slow. To top it up, the story (if any) almost never moves ahead but in circles.

The never-ending family drama has a hidden message, which is out only in the last episode. Even if important, it is a topic that is stretched beyond limits and thus, again, there's minimal impact. Nonetheless, the series keeps the tradition intact, which is something to respect.

Verdict:

The Gajendra Ahire directorial is sweet but extremely slow-paced. It romanticizes Mumbai, but that's the only thing the show offers, apart from, obviously, focusing on the beauty of Paithani saree making. You can either give this one a skip or watch the last episode (if you are okay with over-dramatization).

Paithani is available for streaming on Zee5 via OTTplay Premium. The series is now out on the platform.

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