City of Dreams season 3 review: Priya Bapat emerges as a true star in Nagesh Kukunoor's high-octane political thriller drama

3.5/5

Story: City of Dreams season 3 is the continuation of the last instalment that saw the father-daughter duo, Poornima Gaikwad (Priya Bapat) and Amey Rao Gaikwad, aka Saheb (Atul Kulkarni), join hands after a huge political fight in season 2. The most recent political thriller series, which Nagesh Kukunoor is directing, also stars Rannvijay Singha, Sushant Singh, Flora Saini, and Shishir Sharma, among others, in pivotal roles, in addition to Eijaz Khan and Sachin Pilgaonkar.

Review: Kukunoor seems to have a style of signing off his shows in the most twisted and surprising way possible. City of Dreams season 3 looks like it's ending on a decent and positive note, except it doesn't, and that's the beauty of it.

The latest season begins right where the last one ended. After losing her only son in the bomb blast, Poornima goes MIA, while SI Wasim Khan (Khan) finally finds her in Bangkok and brings her home on Amey Rao's orders. To the viewers' surprise, the father-daughter duo joins hands and finally starts working together to build the Gaikwad Samrajya and their party stronger than before.

The series takes the audience on a roller coaster ride by showcasing multiple ups and downs in the political as well as personal lives of Poornima and Amey Rao, along with the characters close to them. The most thrilling way possible is how Kukunoor and Rohit Banawlikar, the writers, execute their vision on screen, making City of Dreams season 3 a compelling watch.

Meanwhile, just like the last season, it's also the actors' performances that make the latest one a compelling and fun watch.

Among all, Bapat emerges as a true star with her phenomenal grasp on the depth of emotions her character needs. From being sad and miserable to becoming the most powerful, Poornima's expressions as well as her body language change according to the situation, and the skilled and stunning actor carries it off with perfection in each frame.

On the other hand, Pilgaonkar, as the antagonist, keeps breaking the monotony of the show in most of the episodes. Meanwhile, Kulkarni and Khan keep the show running smoothly with their outstanding acts by carrying and maintaining the essence of their characters.

Singha gets less screen time in the show; however, his appearances seem fresh and even giggle-worthy in a few sequences, while Singh and Saini appear as a few important supporting actors.

Verdict: Kukunoor succeeds in creating a high-octane political thriller drama yet again. However, just like the last part, City of Dreams season 3 also seems a tad bit stretchy and long enough to consume the whole day. Nevertheless, it still keeps the viewers engrossed on the screen with the edgy storytelling.