Bandish Bandit Season 2 Review: Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhry reprise their roles as Radhe and Tamanna, who are attempting to carve themselves a niche in the music industry.
December has always been a month that sets the stage for a musical end to the year, with several shows taking place across the country. This year’s OTT musical treat is Bandish Bandits’ second season.
While visually spectacular, the second season lags in terms of pace. Despite its lovely soundtrack, the show’s slow-burning narrative may leave some viewers wanting a more explosive pace.
The Plot
Ritwik Bhowmik and Shreya Chaudhry, two musicians from diverse backgrounds, made their OTT debut in 2020. Shreya’s Tamanna was anchored in pop music, but Ritwik’s character was immersed in traditional Hindustani classical notes. The first part of their novel effectively depicted the melding of two worlds. As their love deepened, the story delves into the issues that arose as a result of their different love languages, which led to them parting ways.
The second section begins at the same place, following Radhe and Tamanna on their respective journeys of self-discovery. Tamanna has enrolled at a music college in Kasauli, while Radhe is seeking to maintain the musical legacy of his grandpa, Pandit Radhemohan Rathod (essayed by Naseeruddin Shah).
The second season establishes the tone from the start, with a crucial plot surprise in the first episode alone. The departure of Naseeruddin Shah’s character alters the course of the plot. It catches up with the publication of a book that reveals the darker sides of his life, putting a pall on the family’s reputation. As the family attempts to cope with the consequences, the show deftly weaves a complicated tale that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the secrets that can destroy them.
Tamanna is seen in a notable shift from her pop icon persona, embracing a new phase in her life that includes learning music and discovering her voice. Tamanna’s progress is more evident and satisfying than Radhe’s, who is seen torn between staying faithful to his gharana music and tweaking it to accommodate modern tunes.
In season two, Radhe and Tamanna’s lives collide when they compete to be India’s top band. This scene establishes the tone for the second season, which is a rich tapestry of emotions, drama, heartbreak, conflict, and music.
What Works
Bandish Bandits season two, created by Amritpal Singh Bindra and Anand Tiwari, who also directs the series, reunites Sheeba Chaddha, Atul Kulkarni, and Rajesh Tailang, who give stellar performances that shine throughout with increased screentime.
While they clearly steal the show, the new generation of performers also makes a significant contribution, adding depth and insight to the plot. As they manage the difficulties of love, loss, and ambition, these young performers inject the story with a relatable sense of vulnerability and passion. Kunaal Roy Kapoor’s role, while not crucial to the plot, provides comic relief.
The new cast members, including Divya Dutta, Rohan Gurbaxani, Yashaswini Dayama, Aaliyah Qureshi, and Saurabh Nayyar, give depth and complexity to the tale. Furthermore, Arjun Rampal’s unique appearance adds nuance and complexity to the plot. The inclusion of new characters has absorbed the tale in such a way that the loss of Naseeruddin is barely noticeable.
The second season of Bandish Bandits goes beyond the typical confines of a love narrative. At its foundation, this season is about self-discovery, as the protagonists face the challenges of overcoming mental barriers and discovering their own voice.
This current installment’s music features a brilliant lineup that includes Nikhita Gandhi, OAFF, Siddharth Pandit, Swaroop Khan, Siddharth Mahadevan, Asees Kaur, and the iconic group Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The musical contributions are outstanding, recalling the lovely tunes that made the first chapter unforgettable.
What Doesn’t Work
Although the storyline for season two has effectively taken new turns, the show’s overall rhythm suffers as a result. The momentum begins to wane in the fifth episode, giving place to a slow cadence that lasts until the eighth episode.
In an effort to broaden the plot, the creators appear to have lost sight of the show’s basic element, namely the musical relationship between Radhe and Tamanna, the pair at the heart of the series, which is disappointingly underemphasised and does not live up to the title. Their duet performances are limited, leaving viewers wanting more of the musical chemistry that drew them to the show in the first place.
The Verdict
Although the pace of Bandish Bandits season 2 is sluggish, the series is still worth a one-time watch, thanks to sentimental memories of the first season, which caused quite a stir when it was released in 2020. The creators have done an admirable job of introducing new characters, skilfully intertwining their story arcs and character development in a way that feels natural and authentic, rather than forced or manufactured.
Not to mention, the musical performances are highlights that should not be missed. The second season of the show premiered on December 13. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.