Shantit Kranti review: An interesting modern-day upgrade to Dil Chahta Hai

4/5

Story:

Three friends Dinar, Pashya and Shreyas (Alok Rajwade, Lalit Prabhakar and Abhay Mahajan) leave for a Goa trip for the ninth time in their lives. This time, though, they stop at the Shantivan ashram, an experience that transforms their life.

Review:

Shantit Kranti is a story all of us can relate to. Three friends Dinar, Pashya and Shreyas go through modern relationship problems. However, the one thing that has remained constant through it all is their friendship. However, has this friendship always stood the test of time? The series takes us through those moments and much more.

The show is also a modern-day Dil Chahta Hai. Even though the Goa plan does not come through, the friendship and DCH moments do come alive in ways like never before. The three friends live every moment just like Akash, Sameer and Siddharth. They constantly wonder which character they represent and also make you wonder about their similarities. In fact, the friends even (almost) recreate some iconic moments from the film.

Alok Rajwade, in the role of Dinar, is someone you wouldn't be able to get your eyes off. His no giving a f*** attitude makes you curious about his character and the show doesn't disappoint in that aspect either. Alok is perfect as Dinar, similar to DCH's Akash (Aamir Khan).

Also Read: Shantit Kranti release date: When and where to watch the Marathi web series

Lalit Prabhakar does full justice to his role as Prasanna (Pashya). Being the most matured of the trio, he is a delight to watch every time on screen. Whether stressed about a moment in his life or simply enjoying it, Lalit plays Pashya with full dedication and it shows. 

Abhay Mahajan as Shreyas is an underrated character on the show. He is the most relatable of the three characters. Shreyas as a character is confused, lost and not willing to accept what he knows is the truth. However, at the same time, he can be practical and knows where to draw the line.

'Jon Snow of Kothrud' Amey Wagh also makes a cameo on the show. His impressive acting in the two-minute role takes the show's level a step higher.

Shikha Talsania makes her Marathi web series debut with Shantit Kranti but there isn't a moment on the show where you wonder what is she doing. The actress fits right into the story. Directors Sarang Sathaye and Paula McGlynn have smartly placed her character Neha such that it never comes in between the story of the friends. Thus, she retains her charm throughout the show.

The story of Shantit Kranti progresses too slowly. While there are moments that take you closer to the core plot, it takes its own sweet time to set up the premise. Nonetheless, the series has some genuinely hilarious moments. That is the USP of the show - not trying too hard and making people laugh when the characters do try too hard. That is expected of TVF (which is backing the show) but Shantit Kranti, unlike their other works, is an underrated gem that deserves a watch.

The music of the show is also a bonus. It is never disturbing to the point that you would want to skip the introduction. In the past, various theme songs have become the identity of a series and it is no different in the case of Shantit Kranti. The cinematography of the series is also beautiful. The camera angles make the plot much more likeable. The scenery fits in perfectly with the script.

An imaginary scene unfolds with Shreyas in an imaginative, artistic fashion. This scene takes the show to the next level, especially since it managed to add emotions and humour in the same cut without disturbing the storyline. That is the beauty of the show - that it could add humour without insulting anyone, anything or disturbing the storyline. Kudos to the scriptwriters and directors for pulling that off so remarkably.

Verdict:

All Dil Chahta Hai fans should definitely watch Shantit Kranti, for it is a modern and interesting spin on the classic. With the show backed by TVF, you can be sure that the laughs come in at the right moments and you will never feel bored at any point. Go give it a watch already!