Aashram Season 3 Review: Bobby Deol Shines Again as the Devious Godman

Plot

Aashram is a web series that explores the shady workings of conmen who dispense spiritual lessons while carrying out every evil in the book. The story revolves around the character of Baba Nirala, an obvious inspiration from a murky 'godman' who was convicted and sent to prison. The series immerses itself in the sordid details of how religious cult figures influence gullible minds, and also includes themes of casteism, classism, crimes against women, corroded law and order, and political rivalry.

Acting

Bobby Deol delivers a stunning performance as the devious godman, Baba Nirala. He is perfect for hoodwinking his victims with his inherent charisma. Chandan Roy Sanyal's portrayal of the ruthless sidekick, Bhopa Singh, adds to the show's appeal. Tridha Choudhury's commanding performance as Babita is also noteworthy. However, Anupriya Goenka and Darshan Kumaar's characters received less screen time, reducing their opportunity to grow.

Cinematography

The production values of Aashram are a tad tacky, becoming all the more conspicuous around so much air time. The show could have benefited from better cinematography to highlight its strengths.

Direction

Prakash Jha's direction is heavy-handed, leaving a lot to be desired. The show's execution is dragged endlessly, adding needless distractions that make the story difficult to follow. The lack of closure in the series is frustrating.

Verdict

Aashram Season 3 moves at a snail's pace, and the absence of thrill and tonal inconsistencies make it formulaic and corny. The show's depiction of its women adheres to a piercing male gaze, bringing in Esha Gupta's character, Sonia, with a seductive dance sequence. The show's heavy-handed tone turns the baba and his henchmen into some sort of anti-heroes, making it difficult to sympathize with the victims. Despite the show's flaws, Bobby Deol's performance as the devious godman is a treat to watch. His portrayal of Nirala is far more surefooted than his deadpan cop in Class of '83. Tridha Choudhury's performance also adds to the show's appeal. In conclusion, Aashram has an air of malice and control looming over it, despite its solid idea. The series is still an engaging watch, but the lack of clarity and closure make it a tad frustrating. It's recommended for those who are fans of Bobby Deol and those interested in exploring the workings of religious cult figures.

Share this review