Trial by fire

What’s it about? Most shows on Indian television these days promise to address one social issue or the other. This new entrant on Star Plus is no different. It aims at putting the light on the issue of sexual harassment faced by women. Kaali: Ek Agnipariksha is set in Ghaziabad and is the story of 16-year-old Rachna who dreams of becoming a badminton star one day. Amidst all this innocence,emerges the evil “Bahubali” Thakral. The show aims at depicting how,in a number of such instances,the culprit is usually not a stranger and often victims of such a shameful crime do not speak up. Rachna,however,as the show promises,speaks up. She is a bold school-going girl who — like most heroines of such a television show should be — is mischievous,fun-loving,yet responsible. Though motherless,Rachna is supported and loved by her insurance agent father,cousin and best friend Anu,and younger brother Rahul. Thakral,a de facto head of the area,is a family man and has a daughter Jahanvi,as old as Rachna. Under the garb of a saviour is the hidden face of a letch,who makes Rachna his prey.

Who’s in it? Unlike what is common,one sees a nuanced actor take on TV — Ashutosh Rana with his aviator shades,thick moustache and devilish smile steals the show. Popular for playing villain in most of his cinematic endeavors,Rana makes Thakral look as real as possible. On one hand,he is the loving husband and a caring father; on the other a pervert whose eyes are fixated at the bare legs of a young badminton player. Sonali Kulkarni of the Dil Chahta Hai fame plays narrator and the ghost mother in the show,and has hence been wasted. The role of bubbly Rachna is being played by debutante Swati Kapoor who tends to go over-the-top sometimes. Veteran actor Arif Zakaria plays Rachna’s father with a rather convincing expression of helplessness.

What’s hot? The theme is bold and one can see clear-cut reference to the infamous Ruchika Girhotra case. Primarily,

Rana’s acting is what makes the show engrossing.

What’s not? Unfortunately,the storyline and the concept lose their strength when it comes to visual execution. Like most TV shows,this one is built around exaggerated background. With a topic like this and actors like Rana and Zakaria at hand,the show deserves a less melodramatic approach. Kulkarni’s gyaan is monotonous even though she delivers her dialogues well.

Should you be watching it? If you are bored of watching made-up women in ghaghra cholis,then this one will be a refreshing change though the treatment to this show too,alas,is the same.