Jee Karda review: Low impact in spite of high drama
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Jee Karda is an exploration of modern relationships in a metropolitan setting with the narrative being driven by the deep friendship that seven 20-somethings share. The eight-episode series keeps looking back at the pre-teen days of these school friends and at certain key events of their lives. The story tries to connect these past incidents with the complexities of their present life.
This format of storytelling is not entirely new. That apart, most streamers have a propensity to tell stories about broken characters and their messy lives. As the series tries to capture the lives of these friends, who are different from each other and dealing with their individual issues, it often veers towards high drama. While that grabs the attention, it doesn’t always create the desired impact.
The story begins with the cautionary one-line advice given to each of the friends by a face-reader at a Christmas carnival. The story fast forwards by over a decade when two of the friends, Sameer and Sheetal, are celebrating their third anniversary. During the celebrations, Rishab (Suhail Nayyar) proposes to Lavanya (Tamannaah Bhatia). That unexpected move by Rishab sets a chain of events in motion, duly adding twists and turns to the story.
As their wedding date comes closer, the long-time lovers and live-in partners find themselves navigating unforeseen problems. The close-knit friend group too goes through their share of troubles, mostly related to the heart and relationships. Jee Karda translates to ‘what the heart desires’. True to that, each of its central characters tries to follow their heart even though the desired outcome eludes them.
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With the cosmopolitan city Mumbai as the backdrop, the narrative touches upon culture clash, class conflict and the struggle for individual space. Yet, modern-day relationships remain its primary focus. Scratch the surface and it’s revealed that those seemingly perfect couples are battling multiple issues. Couple goals is merely a hashtag that’s not rooted in reality. Loneliness is unavoidable while confusion often takes a toll on companionship.
With a Punjabi rockstar Arjun Gill (Aashim Gulati) as one of the main characters, the Sachin-Jigar score features a number of peppy tracks and raps. The story written by Arunima Sharma, Hussain Dalal and Abbas Dalal brings out many intricacies of contemporary urban life. However, had they delved deeper into the psyche and concerns of the youths today, it would have made the story more compelling.
The series has got its casting mostly right. The actors make their camaraderie believable. Some of the scenes featuring Bhatia, Samvedna Suwalka and Anya Singh are relatable – be it when they are discussing the futility of dating apps in their fitness class or a drunk Lavanya talking about the perils of rushing into a marriage and motherhood due to social pressure. Simone Singh stands out as Lavanya’s alcohol-loving free-spirited mother who shirks away from giving any relationship advice to her daughter.
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If Jee Karda comes back with another season, it should pay more attention to substance, not just style.
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
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