Tryst with Destiny review: This series is SonyLiv's power-packed response to Netflix anthologies like Ray

4/5

Story:

Four lead characters struggle with their daily lives. They are bound by their own choice, till one day, they decide to break the chain and set themselves free. The four-episode series on SonyLiv features Ashish Vidyarthi, Vineet Kumar Singh, Jaideep Ahlawat and Geetanjali Thapa in the lead roles.

Review:

Tryst with Destiny's first episode Fair and Fine begins with singular shots. You are focused on the one thing happening in the frame rather than your attention being diverted everywhere. While the concept is interesting and has a good start, soon, we are taken into a world of chaos.

As the story progresses, it takes a hilarious turn. The one bizzare part of the first episode is that Ashish Vidyarthi plays an influential businessman but isn't recognized by the common public. He has been suffocating ever since he became a businessman.

The same is shown through a simple yet powerful scene, where he removes his tie and is relieved when it is finally out. The scene of him roaming around in shorts and constantly being lost in thoughts only makes the same evident. He misses the moments when life was simple and revisits the same.

However, like many in his position, he just cannot give up on the power that comes with the position. Being a businessman, every single thing he touches or sees appears like a business deal to him.

Ashish as an actor is anyway brilliant but the series brings out a new side to him. He, along with director Prashant Nair, flawlessly manages to bring forth what the story demands. The first episode takes you through each moment, making you focus at that point. It then forces you to relive the scenes to really grasp what Prashant wanted to convey. Each scene in the episode is beautifully executed. From anger to wit, Ashish shows it all in the shortest span of time. The contrast and complexities of his personality make this a must watch.

The second episode almost begins at where the first left off, however, with a new character. Named The River, this episode focuses on the struggles faced by Vineet Kumar Singh's character. His entry itself is so powerful it cuts through your gut.

Even with this episode, a simple scene ends up being powerful. Vineet could be staring at the stars at night and you can guess what he must be feeling. The scene right after will make you very uneasy. In this scene, Vineet's expressions are the only focus point and still, you can feel every single thing happening.

While you still sink in how something grave has become so normal for this family, the injustice continues. The River is the story of how this family searches for and creates its own happiness. Powerful as it is, the episode also takes a beautiful turn which is sure to make your heart flutter.

The third episode, One BHK, brings Jaideep Ahlawat back as an inspector, this time a traffic police inspector. The episode begins at a fast pace.

Soon, it takes a very bizarre turn. The cinematography also goes fast-paced in a scene where it isn't needed. This makes you lose interest in the episode. Jaideep's insecurity, however, is explored well in the episode.

One BHK blends beautifully with The River. It is something you would probably not see coming but the closure from The River is much welcomed. There's a hint of Fair and Fine too but Vineet actually appears in the series, unlike Ashish, making One BHK special.

Episode four aka A Beast Within begins at the airport. It focuses on the scenic beauty more than anything. After three episodes, the story this time is focused on a woman, played by Geetanjali Thapa.

The story is a mini and powerful version of what was expected of Sherni. However, the most beautiful thing about A Beast Within is that it explores every lead character's life at the moment.

Prashant has also linked pre-Independence and Independence to the evolution of the series. It works well, since the filmmaker subtly shows how nobody has really gained independence till they fight for it.

Verdict:

Tryst with Destiny is SonyLiv's powerful response to anthologies, especially the ones produced by Netflix. While it is on the same level as say Ray, Tryst with Destiny is a little more raw in its approach and we aren't complaining.