Bandish Bandits

The trailer might suggest this series to be a typical youth drama. However, it is way more than that. The acting is excellent, both from new generation actors like Rithwik Bhowmik and Shreya Choudhury and veteran maestros like Naseeruddin Shah, Sheeba Chaddha and Atul Kulkarni. Kunaal Roy Kapoor stands out as a comic relief and supporting actor. The whole cast impresses. The city of Jodhpur is felt quite authentically and is immersive with its aesthetic quality. While the series contains some cliches, they're carried well by the talent of its actors. The greater part of this series is about the struggles of maintaining Indian classical music, particularly with the austere strictures commanded by its masters. It is also about the trials of a relationship with ambitious partners. Most of all, it's a story about the strive for excellence.

The best part of the series is arguably its music. The whole album by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is a wonder, particularly the classical edge. To wit, I've been writing this review while listening to the opening theme for the 30th time in loop and have listened to the whole album twice already.