Web Series: Aashram

OTT: MX Player

Cast: Bobby Deol, Aaditi Pohankar, Darshan Kumaar and Adhyayan Suman

Director: Prakash Jha

Rating: 3 Moons 

(Based on the first 3 episodes of Aashram of the 9-part series)

India's obsession with Godmen does not seem to be ending anytime soon. However, the unflinching faith of the followers in the divinity of Godmen or self-proclaimed Gurus has proved out to be harmful or even fatal, in several cases. Under pressure or consent, the devotees appear to submit to the extortion, exploitation, sexual abuse by the self-appointed keepers of God, leading to hideous crimes. Set in a social situation reeking of medievalism, caste discrimination, religious obscurantism, gender inequality and superstitions, India is far from giving up on its pseudo-Godman culture.

Highlighting the guru-bhakt craze in our country, director Prakash Jha's MX Player web series Aashram sheds light on the ugly truth of a criminal turned saint. Starring Bobby Deol, Aaditi Pohankar and a star-studded ensemble cast, Aashram gets a Haryanavi political backdrop that showcases the dark crime of the so-called gurus who hide under the veil of spiritualism. 

Recommended Read: I’m also a Hindu, I understand the value of religion: Prakash Jha on directing Bobby Deol starrer 'Aashram'

The show traverses the life of a self-styled guru, Baba Nirala of Kashipur (Bobby Deol), who later becomes controversial. The show begins with how a lower class girl Pammi (Aaditi Pohankar) faces discrimination and torture at every step of her life from the powerful upper-class people. Fortunately, she soon receives justice because of Baba Nirala but Pammi has no idea about the price she is expected to pay in exchange for Baba's help. Promising to take his followers on the path of salvation, Baba Nirala exploits them to an extreme level. However, Baba's success story soon takes a sharp turn when reports of rape and murder start making it to the media. Police starts the investigation and the Godman is established as a conman. Police officer Ujagar (Darshan Kumaar) and his subordinate Sadhu (Vikram Kocchar) are the only ones interested in disclosing the truth. They are helped by a charming government doctor Natasha (Anupriya Goenka)

Aashram has a much-needed point to prove. It sheds light on a relevant social topic that religious sects do not want to talk about. Even though the thought attached to it is nobel, the outcome is not impressive. The 50-minute episodes are painfully slow-paced with a boring build-up, which in the end, has nothing exceptional to offer. In the initial episodes, the story focuses on everything except the actual topic - uncovering the truth of a controversial saint. The storyline at junctures appear forceful and dull. 

The performances, on the other hand, are satisfactory. Bobby as Baba Nirala shines in this rather disappointing religious-crime drama. He knows his dialect, body language and carries himself with much conviction. On a successful spree after Class of '83 success, the Deol lad's screen presence commands attention, exhibits confidence and adds 'act' into acting however the show does not match up to his performance graph. As Baba Nirala, Bobby's attire is detailed and matches the look and feel of the show. He is the saving grance of the show and so we will dedicate an extra .5 moon for his comeback of sorts role!

Aaditi as a bold Dalit girl deserves brownie points. She fits into the skin of her character nicely and adds a Haryanvi touch to it, making it look more realistic. The supporting cast including Chandan Roy Sanyal, Darshan Kumaar, Adhyayan Suman and Tushar Pandey also does a decent job. 

Jha's direction holds a steady pace but a faulty storyline fails to provide it a solid backing. Written by Madhvi Bhatt, Avinash Kumar, Sanjay Masoomm, Tejpal Singh Rawat and Kuldeep Ruhil, Aashram's narrative could have been crisper and tauter to make an efficient impact. Cramming to many elements in one show has become Aashram's undoing. Cinematographer Chandan Kowli captures the essence of Uttar Pradesh in Ayodhya efficiently and composer Akshay Vaidya's muisc blends well. Sadly, when put together, Aashram seems more haphazard than an organized dive-in to the ugly truth sold in the name of religion.

Watch Aashram if you want to know more about the Godman-culture in India and Bobby's ace act. Until then, Baba Nirala ki Jai ho!

PeepingMoon gives Aashram 3 Moons!