Web Show: Pitchers Season 2

Cast: Naveen Kasturia, Abhay Mahajan, Arunabh Kumar, Ridhi Dogra, Sikander Kher, Ashish Vidyarthi, Gopal Dutt

OTT: ZEE5

Episodes: 5

Rating: 3 Moons

From 'Tu Beer Hai' to 'Tu Whiskey Hai', we all grew up. A lot has changed in the last 7 years, but the Pitchers are still relevant and relatable. After a long wait, TVF is back with the second season of its much-celebrated show, Pitchers. Headlined by Naveen Kasturia, Abhay Mahajan and Arunabh Kumar, the new additions to the season are Ridhi Dogra, Sikander Kher and Ashish Vidyarthi. 

Pitchers Season 2 takes place 7 years after Naveen (Naveen Kasturia), Jeetu (Jitendra Kumar), Saurabh Mandal (Abhay Mahajan) and Yogi (Arunabh Kumar) got the pitch for their startup approved. However, Jeetu is no longer a part of Pragati, the startup company. Naveen, Mandal and Yogi along with their team of 20-odd people have to save their 'sinking ship'-Pragati-from absolute destruction. 

The season begins with the co-founders of Pragati hunting desperately for their ‘series A’ round of funding. However, nothing seems to be working in favour of their vaguely positioned company. To keep the start-up floating, Naveen, Mandal and Yogi have to fix things right before things get out of their control. Despite having less than zero profit, their spirits are 100% high. The trio, destined to be together through thick and thin, fight, reconcile, and deal with odds with their enthusiasm and passion with their heads held high. 

Just like its predecessor, Pitchers 2 has its heart in the right place. Sticking to its core theme, the show is completely focused on telling the story of how these three men tackle odd situations with dignity and honesty. However, in the middle of making it all about Naveen, Mandal and Yogi's struggle, the lightheartedness and humour go missing. The situations created in the show are gloomy and serious leaving limited scope for a good laugh or even a smile. 

Having said so, Pitchers 2 is high on content and jargon which makes it authentic. It feels as if you are on a journey with Naveen, Mandal and Yogi. You become a part of them quite instantly and sense their stress, anxiety, suffering, and satisfaction. The dialogues are the major reason behind bridging the gap between the characters and the audience. The easy, day-to-day language used makes it more relatable and honest. 

The first season of Pitchers was refreshing and simple to an extent. But the second season doesn't take much time to become predictable. Repetitive tropes and loopholes are clearly visible throughout the show which is spread across 5 episodes. Each episode is nearly 60 minutes long but that doesn't really matter as Pitchers 2 has a lot to offer and discuss. The emotional core of the first season, Jitendra Kumar, is missing and that is something that pinches quite often.

Performance-wise, Naveen Kasturia is the captain of the ship. As Naveen, the anchor of Pragati, is effortlessly good. He owns the character like it is his own second skin. His superpower is definitely to make people fall in love with his charm and brilliant acting skills. He transforms into the character like a chameleon and continues to rule the screen with his addictive presence. Pitchers 2 belongs to him.

Abhay Mahajan returns as Saurabh Mandal. He is the most adorable, sweetest and instantly lovable character. The actor, with his easy and calming screen presence, wins hearts. In the second season, he gets to play a meatier, stronger and more sensible role. Mandal is undoubtedly one of the best roles written in India. Arunabh Kumar plays Yogi and does his job well. 

Ridhi Dogra is a fine actress but Pitchers 2 doesn't do her justice. It makes sense as the show primarily revolves around Naveen, Mandal and Yogi, Sikander Kher is underutilised but he is good in the role he gets. Abhishek Banerjee as Bhati is a true scene stealer. 

Pitchers 2 acts like an important wake-up call to aspiring entrepreneurs. It comes at the right time as the second season of Shark Tank is on its way. Proving to be an alarm clock for all youngsters, the show serves its purpose well but humour gets left behind. In a nutshell, Pitchers 2 is a decent, engaging watch. Be prepared to learn some business terms too. 

PeepingMoon gives Pitchers 2 3 Moons