Tandav release: Highlights

Ali Abbas Zafar’s brief for Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub's role was simple — Shiva should have the anger and the passion that they used to have for politics, theatre and everything else. A dialogue from the series that has gone viral quotes freedom fighter Bhagat Singh — when Shiva says the revolutionary taught youth to study but also to fight when the time came.

"Bhagat Singh is someone that everyone now wants to claim as their own. I don’t think they have read him properly, especially the right wing people,” Ayyub told PTI. The dialogue, he added, was put in very deliberately as the show tries to break the notion that students should concern themselves only with studies and not take part in politics.

Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub essays the role of Shiva in Ali Abbas Zafar’s political show and he feels his character has many parallels with his life as a student in Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College. Zeeshan believes it is important for artistes to engage with their surroundings.“It’s quite close to what I am,” Ayyub told PTI when asked whether the role was tailor-made for him.

A few viewers are offended by the content of Ali Abbas Zafar's web series. 

"Dear @PrakashJavdekar ji, instruct your officers immediately to take cognizance of communal hate Tandav series. #BanTandavNow
#BoycottTandav," BJP spokesperson Gaurav Goel wrote on Twitter. 

"Tandav is anti Dalit and full of communal hatred against Hindus. Hurting sentiments of Hindus across the globe. Please write to
@PrakashJavdekar ji. #BanTandavNow," Ramesh Solanki tweeted. 

Twitter user @puneetkh9 wrote on Twitter, "Over hyped series... average story, average acting..Waste of time. #Tandav #TandavOnPrime." 

"@WhoSunilGrover loved your performance in #Tandav. P.S the series is pretty mediocre. Nothing impressive," @sank8725 said via Twitter. 

A Twitter user @KamleshBokadia5 wrote, ".@WhoSunilGrover Paaji, kya brilliant performance hai yaar on #Tandav on @primevideoin. Some of your dialogues were like a googly, totally unexpected. @soniiannup @dirtigmanshu @aliabbaszafar."

.@WhoSunilGrover Paaji, kya brilliant performance hai yaar on #Tandav on @primevideoin.

Some of your dialogues were like a googly, totally unexpected.

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 15, 2021

Twitter user @SamRaat_World wrote, "The only Intresting and positive aspect of #Tandav was watching #SunilGrover nail his character. What stands out is his dialogue delivery and shrewd style of his English Accent. Gottaaaaa love the talent that this man promises. Supperb @WhoSunilGrover Paji, You are Amazing"

RJ-host Malishka tweeted, "Now watching #Tandav on @primevideoin. Anything that #SaifAliKhan does has to be on my watchlist. The cast all-round is so powerful, it’s a pleasure to watch and it’s got a solid political drama wala storyline. I recommend to binge watch this 30 min per episode series this weekend."

The opening sequence of #Tandav
??? @WhoSunilGrover @aliabbaszafar @dirtigmanshu @Mdzeeshanayyub @aparna1502 @PrimeVideoIN This is a show we needed!

— Sayani Gupta (@sayanigupta) January 15, 2021

Host and RJ Siddharth Kannan had some fun with Kritika Kamra.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Siddharth Kannan (@sid_kannan)

Twitter user @MonicaYadav08 wrote, "Watching #Tandav and realising how under-utilised #MohdZeeshanAyyub in Bollywood. He has done amazing work, not denying that. With this series, he continues to showcase what a powerhouse performer he is. He better get a LOT work after this series. @Mdzeeshanayyub"

Speaking about her takeway from Tandav, actir Kritika Karma told indianexpress.com, "I have worked with some great people, and just the experience of being on the same set is my biggest takeaway. Tandav is the first series in this genre and it’s amazing as an actor to be a part of something so big. I think the experience, memories and learnings have been most important."

Read more here

Twitter user @manishpedia wrote, "#Tandav is a good one time watch. Fast paced. Sunil Grover in a new Avatar. 7/10 for sure."

Twitter user @rajuvijai wrote, "Ali Zafar has always been good at writing drama and it is the drama in #Tandav that makes it tick, for otherwise an ordinary story. The backdrop-- in the higher echelons of power-- aid the story further. Bring it on the second season!"

Hehe so cute . Thank you , you star . @sidharth_shukla ? https://t.co/WU5F40oLnr

— Gauahar Khan (@GAUAHAR_KHAN) January 15, 2021

Ali Abbas Zafar is known for making crowd-pleasing films, and over the years, with many Salman Khan films, the filmmaker has proved that he has certainly cracked the code for making content that is loved by the masses.

As the filmmaker makes his debut web series Tandav on Amazon Prime Video on January 15, here's a look at what makes his films tick.

Click here

Speaking about her character, Gauahar Khan told indianexpress.com, "She’s not someone who would panic and come under pressure, and that is why she is so close to Dimple ma’am’s character Anuradha. Maithili is a special character to me because of this overall power that she has in this game of power."

Read more here

Aparna Purohit, Head of India Originals, Amazon Prime Video tweeted, "Love. Deceit. Greed. Betrayal. The pursuit of power knows no bounds! Immerse yourself in the intriguing world of #TandavOnPrime ! #Tandav streaming now on @PrimeVideoIN."

Twinkle Khanna tweeted, "P.S. Saif is in fine form and so are Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Sunil Grover and Kumud Mishra to name just a few of the fine actors in Tandav. But...mama bear is still the best and that is my biased opinion:) #Tandav"

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Paresh Pahuja (@pareshpahuja)

Paresh Pahuja plays the role of Raghu Kishore, the son of Dimple Kapadia's Anuradha Kishore, who dreams of donning the portfolio of the youngest defense minister of the country.

The Indian Express film critic Shubhra Gupta noted in her review, "The trouble with cobbling plotlines from headlines is that it can slide into seen-it-been-here territory. Tandav’s insistence on clinging to formulaic telling, lets down its characters, and dilutes its impact." READ MORE

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Dino Morea (@thedinomorea)

#Tandav is far from the cracker it was meant to be #review https://t.co/XFtvZEQUQQ

— shubhra gupta (@shubhragupta) January 15, 2021

Tandav marks Ali Abbas Zafar's digital debut.

During the virtual press conference of the series, Ali spoke about the freedom that the web platform offers. “Web is a very liberating space for any filmmaker or storyteller. When you make a film for cinema, you have to tell a story in two hours. And, box office decides whether you have made a good or a bad film. You are more fearless when you work on web,” he said. READ MORE

In an interview with indianexpress.com, Kritika Kamra spoke about Tandav director Ali Abbas Zafar.

"He is just great. Given his past work, we all expect his projects to be grand and a blockbuster. He does that so well. Since this is a political drama, everything is just so big and so amazingly shot. Ali is also very clear-headed and fast. He knows exactly what he wants and how you should do it. Once you are on the set, before you know, your scenes are over. It was actually a lot of fun shooting for Tandav," the actor said. READ MORE

Sandhya Mridul says her character in Tandav gave her the opportunity to tap into the emotional and sensitive side of her personality.

“I love playing parts which bring out sensitivity and femininity because as a person, people have seen me more vocal and someone who thinks aloud. This character brings out the softer side of my personality,” she told PTI. READ MORE

Have been waiting for some good Indian series for a long time. I guess #TandavOnPrime will do justice to my wait. Saif Ali Khan & @WhoSunilGrover look impressive in the trailer. I’m looking forward to watching it this weekend.

— bhaavna arora (@BhaavnaArora) January 14, 2021

Sunil Grover said Saif Ali Khan's approach towards the work was a learning for him.

In an exclusive chat with indianexpress.com, Sunil said, "It was amazing to work with him. He is such a dedicated, passionate actor. Saif has done so much work but has the energy of a newcomer. He knows the script and is always well prepared. Also, I remember, even when others would shoot for their close ups, he would stay around to give cues. That was very sweet and kind of him. I never felt he was such a profound actor, who has seen the world. His fresh approach towards his work was a learning for me."

The Indian Express film critic Shubhra Gupta wrote in her review, "Tandav should have been much smarter, and much more interesting. What floats up top is the deep distrust between family members of politicians, as does the curse of ambition– to live with no peace, always worried about someone stabbing you in the back. Saif Ali Khan has moments, but comes off too Bollywood-familiar, as does Kapadia, clad in the most mouth-watering saris: both are capable of so much more." READ MORE

AR Rahman's Dhakka Laga Bukka has been adapted in Amazon Prime Video's Tandav. Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub expressed that the song had inspired him in college. On Instagram, the actor shared the song and wrote, "Jab college mein desh aur politics ko samajhna shuru kiya tha, tab iss gaane ne sabse zyada inspire kiya tha..aaj khud ko ismein dekh ke alag hi khushi hai. (When I was studying and understanding the politics of our country in college, this song used to inspire me. Years later, I feel happy to be featuring in it.)"

Are you watching what I am watching...???#TandavOnPrime @PrimeVideoIN @aliabbaszafar @iHimanshuMehra @aparna1502 @_gauravsolanki pic.twitter.com/gBjFffxZcR

— Anup Soni (@soniiannup) January 14, 2021

@justjigar tweeted, "Binged watched @aliabbaszafar’s Tandav last night... the show gave me chills. Truth bombs are dropped so casually that they hit you hard... watch it for Ali’s direction and vision, @_gauravsolanki’s writing, @WhoSunilGrover’s revelation as an actor and @Mdzeeshanayyub’s charm."

Dino Morea, who will be seen playing a political science professor in Ali Abbas Zafar's Tandav, called the series a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In a statement, the actor said, "I was away from the screen for a long time because I felt I had not been getting good offers. Acting is my first calling, and I would never leave a chance if I get a good role. When I got the offer for Tandav, I loved the script in the first read and didn’t want to miss a chance to work with Ali Abbas Zafar. The ensemble cast also is amazing and diverse. I believe Tandav was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Though, the backdrop of Tandav is of politics, it also showcases the complexities in relationships, which makes the show appealing to those who do not have much curiosity about politics."

Started watching Tandav last night on @PrimeVideoIN . Found the similarities with the JNU agitation of 2016 rather jarring but apart from that am hooked. Saif Ali Khan is solid but it is Sunil Grover who is menacing as Gurpal.The Games People Play!!!

— Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) January 15, 2021

Amyra Dastur is feeling "grateful" about being a part of Ali Abbas Zafar's Tandav. The actor called the director a "actor's dream." In an interview with indianexpress.com, Amyra said, "He’s amazing. He’s an actor’s dream director. He makes shooting fun. He knows what he wants. And the fact that he’s in touch with every character is so commendable. He knows what shot to take, what reaction to capture, which for me is utter bliss."

ALSO READ | Every character of Tandav is real and relatable: Amyra Dastur

AR Rahman's "Dhakka Laga Bukka", which featured in Mani Ratnam's Yuva, is Tandav's anthem.

Talking about the track, Rahman said in a statement, "Certain songs become a part of our culture. Dhakka Laga Bukka from Mani Ratnam’s Yuva is one such song that helped shape the youth culture of that time, leaving an imprint on listeners. As Tandav also evokes the same sensibilities, it felt right to adapt it for this new web series."

Gauahar Khan is playing Maithili Sharan, the confidante of Dimple Kapadia’s politician Anuradha Kishore, in Ali Abbas Zafar's political drama Tandav.

Talking about choosing her projects, Gauahar told PTI, "I’m not choosy but I do relate to quality. For me, the kind of production house and the people I’m working with matters a lot. Every year, I have done projects that have stood out. So for me, quality matters and not that I should just keep churning out things back to back." READ MORE

Tandav actor Sunil Grover talked about his character in the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial series.

He said, “Gurpal is a multi-layered character and something I have never done. Having worked with Ali earlier, I knew that Tandav will be a compelling storyline that is edgy yet entertaining. Ali has created a world that is gripping and given my character the depth that an actor longs for. Saying yes to this role was instinctive and working with accomplished Artists such as Saif, Dimple Ji is a bonus. Hope Tandav entertains everyone.

“There were various influences that come into how you do something and prepare for a particular character. My character is a politician who tends to talk a lot in public places and so there were a lot of Sanskrit-ized Hindi speeches that I had to prepare for Samar’s character. The fun fact here is – I absolutely love speaking Sanskrit. In this show, I had to speak almost 4 Sanskrit speeches every day. So, I had to learn a lot of heavy-duty lines to perfect this role," Saif Ali Khan said in a statement.

Saif Ali Khan in a statement admitted that he finds playing a grey character "more interesting and experimental." He said, "I have done quite a few characters with grey shares, and I have thoroughly enjoyed them. Rather than playing milky-white characters, I do find this more interesting and experimental. I am glad that I am able to play Samar’s character who is vulnerable, fierce, authoritative and kind. It is like channeling a different part of you. Moreover, I don’t think playing a politician’s character is risky at all. Tandav is not a documentary. It is a fictional account."

A Twitter user, @nocturnal_25, mentioned on Twitter, "Not even being biased but really Sana Mir is the only character I felt I cared about. Just can't take eyes off @Kritika_Kamra when she's onscreen. Hers is also one of the more centric and prominent parts in the story and the chemistry with Zeeshan is super sweet!"

@itsmiraziz tweeted, "Took me exactly 5 hours to finish #Tandav and I must say what an amazing performance by Saif Ali Khan, absolutely loved it! Hopefully it doesn’t take 2 years to release the second season"

"#Tandav First 3 episodes in - predictable, Bollywood-laden, unrealistic. Dimple, Dhulia nice, Saif's presence always a plus, but no Sacred Games 1 magic here. Otherwise not a very relatable cast. Let's see if things improve," wrote Agamoni Ghosh on Twitter.

@shivadfilms shared via Twitter, 'Just completed watching 2 episodes of #Tandav. Some scenes lacked pace & seemed to be dragged out, but overall the plot is interesting so far with excellent performances by Saif Ali Khan, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub and Dimple Kapadia. Background score/theme music is too good.'

Disha Parmar tweeted, "I think Saif looks and does his best in Grey Shade characters! Loving his look in #TandavOnPrime and what can I say about the rest of the cast, Sunil Grover, Dimple Kapadia, Gauhar Khan — cannot wait to watch it!"