Introduction –
Most of TVF’s web series’ are either based on highly competitive exams such as CET, PCS and UPCS or has some form of connection / link with them ( Panchayat ) this one is no different. Aspirants’ is all about UPSC test and three friends who not only experience the ecstasies and agonies of preparing for it but also see their friendship ride the waves of emotional and romantic turbulences.
Synopsis –
Aspirants’ revolves around three friends Abhilash Sharma ( Naveen Kasturia ), Guri ( Shivankit Singh Parihar ) and Shwet Ketu Jha ( Abhilash Thapliyal ) preparing for UPSC exams and what better place than Old Rajinder Nagar in West Delhi which is not just a hub of UPSC aspirants but a Mecca of coaching classes offering not just self-motivated and friendly mentors but cheap accommodation ( Paying Guest ) options too. If that is not enough this place has the right set of motivational elements such Chai Stalls, cheap book stores and of course evenings soaked in social gatherings, poetry and drinks.
Aspirants also has two other characters, Dhairya ( Namita Dubey ) and Sandeep Bhaiya ( Sunny Hinduja ). They are the crucial links to the backstory. Technically, this web series moves between the past and the present which at times makes it difficult to comprehend. While the past typically tells the viewers about the struggle, the pain and the sacrifices each of them have made to appear for the exam, the present shows their current status. Abhilash is become an IAS Officer while Shwet Ketu although a failed aspirant, now grooms other students for the same exams and Guri runs a shoe factory.
Unlike its other series, Aspirants is a bouquet of just 5 episodes. Here are the titles –
UPSC – Optional Me Kya Hai? – 46 minutes
Teacher Sahi Hona Chahiye – 39 minutes
Positive Approach Rakh Yaar – 45 minutes
Plan B Kya Hai? 49 minutes
Pre… Mains Aur Life – 40 minutes
Total length of Aspirants’ web series is 183 minutes.
You will have to watch till the end to know how Abhilash became an IAS Officer in spite of failing in his last attempt. It adds a fantastic twist to a seemingly predictable end. Slang words such as “Toda”, “LBSNAA”, “Crack” and “First Attempt Nahi Nikla” are easily relatable to most of us as we have at some point in our lives appeared for similar, high / low profile exams such as CA and CAT / CET.
Aspirants’ is filled with heartbreaks, sacrifices, emotional outbreaks which frequently tests relationships such as friendship and love. However, the climax evolves into a pleasant end after Abhilash, now an IAS officer is visited by Sandeep ( Sunny Hinduja ), his idol and his guide from Old Rajinder Nagar era who actually guided him via intelligent debates and careful manipulations.
Analysis –
TVF’s realism factor in most of their web series is what makes them highly popular with the viewers. The small fights, the one-upmanship in friendly debates, the social encounters, dramatic emotional flare ups and the ambience which is stripped off of all faux appeal are some of the quintessential elements of Aspirants. Although some of the scenes are quite slow and drag a bit the overall momentum is consistent with viewers taste.
The surprising element of Aspirants’ is songs. Although the series could have done away with them it did make certain shots powerful, especially “Dhaaga”. On the performance front we believe SK beat the other actors by a good margin. Maybe, he was lucky to get to play Shwet Ketu Jha’s role and receive added perks of meaningful, hard-hitting dialogs to his credit.
Nonetheless, others were not far behind, especially Namita Dubey. Kudos to Sunny Hinduja for playing the role of a mature / senior student to perfection with his timely pauses and some thought provoking snippets. Direction and cinematography are top class, and therefore nothing to crib about. Script, especially the dialogs is what drives this web series to the top of the popularity charts and the only reason for our binge watching.
2021 Apoorv Singh Karki Deepesh Sumitra Jagdish 183 Minutes YouTube | The Viral Fever Media Labs | TVF