Raanbaazaar part 1 review: Tejaswini Pandit's much-awaited Marathi web series creates a beautiful chaos

4/5

Story:

A well-known politician is found dead in a hotel. Ayesha (Tejaswini Pandit) is a suspect but has she committed the crime?

Review:

Ever since you enter Raanbaazaar, the show has a chaotic and eerie vibe, which holds true to the title. The story takes some time to unfold but you are never really bored. On the contrary, the topic grasps your interest instantly.

Appa Divekar (Makrand Anaspure) is a very powerful character and the series makes sure you know about it. The focus is almost constantly on him and he isn't even introduced properly instantly. Makrand brings this character alive unlike any other. He creates fear out of forcing people to respect him.

Sachin Khedekar (Yusuf Patel) and Dr. Mohan Agashe (Satish Naik) are also seen in important roles but their entry isn't as powerful. Mohan Joshi is seen as Sayaji soon after and his character screams politician.

Tejaswini Pandit, as expected, has a very sensual entry. Her face isn't even shown but the camera angles and music build her sensuous character, Ayesha. Ever since her entry, a suspense builds. As the story progresses (and even from the first scene), you get to eventually know why is there so muc h mystery around her character.

The leg shots are a little bizarre and make you wonder where is the story heading. However, that is the only moment where you wonder so in the series. Everything else falls into place and fits the puzzle perfectly.

Anant Jog has a very normal entry as joint commissioner Bantya Raosaheb. The mystery finally unfolds with his introduction. Ever since, he plays one of the most important roles and is impressive as always.

Once again, women become a laughing stock in this series, which is shameful to watch. Men think that mocking women and bullying them makes them men but like always, it is the opposite. It is disgusting to watch that scene but the fact that it manages to hit that spot means that Raanbaazaar did something right - opened up a discussion on how sex workers and women in general also deserve equal respect.

Prajakta Mali is powerful as prostitute, Ratna. She plays her role to perfection and to an extent, you get drawn to understanding her fun-loving character that is also very influential. 

Madhuri Pawar as Taisaheb aka Prerna Patil Sane is someone to look out for. She rises in her role and it is a moment you wouldn't even expect coming. If Tejaswini is someone you cannot ignore, Madhuri comes a close second.

Director Abhijit Panse has not left any stone unturned with this series. From locations to music, he has ensured that this show is the perfect blend of realism and entertainment. 

He is also seen as an actor in Charu Mokashi. This former inspector has a background that isn't pretty. This brings so much depth to the character. The dialogues around his character are also powerful enough and are sure to grab your interest.

What also gets your attention is the last scene, when a half-expected twist actually unfolds. It makes you wonder where the story will head next because there are many directions where it can go.

Verdict:

Raanbaazaar as a title is currently misleading but then again, not so much. This story goes beyond the red light area and Tejaswini Pandit is not the only actor who will capture your attention. In fact, there are many around her that demand you notice them, which is the beauty of this script penned by director Abhijit Panse.

Part 1 of this series is already gripping and except for one scenes or two, there isn't a moment when the flow of the story breaks. As this series progresses, things don't only fall together but they create a beautiful chaos.