SKULLS & ROSES (2019) :
Skulls & Roses, a captivating Amazon Original reality web series, has garnered immense popularity among fans. Hosted by dynamic duo Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman, the show drops 16 contestants, comprising eight physically fit men and eight bold women, on picturesque Skull Island in South Africa. The series revolves around couples competing against each other, pushing their relationships to the limit. According to Heer Kothari of The Press Journal, the show’s concept is refreshingly innovative, redefining reality TV by prompting participants to introspect on their psychological pillars – id, ego, and super-ego. The first season, consisting of 10 episodes, premiered on August 30, 2019, with each episode spanning 55 minutes, offering an engaging blend of drama, romance, and self-discovery.
MADE IN HEAVEN (2019) :
Made in Heaven, a captivating English-Hindi web series, brings together acclaimed directors Zoya Akhtar, Nitya Mehra, Prashant Nair, and Alankrita Shrivastava. The narrative revolves around Tara Khanna (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Karan Mehra (Arjun Mathur), two Delhi-based wedding planners navigating the complexities of tradition and modern desires. As they orchestrate grand weddings, the series exposes the secrets and lies beneath the glamour. Joined by Faiza Naqvi (Kalki Koechlin), Adil Khanna (Jim Sarbh), Kabir Basrai (Shashank Arora), and Jaspreet ‘Jazz’ Kaur (Shivani Raghvanshi), the show explores the intricate lives of its characters. Featuring bold and intimate scenes, Arjun Mathur revealed to Film Companion the challenges of filming love scenes, including a poignant moment with Vikrant Massey (Nawab Khan), which translated beautifully onto the screen. With its honest portrayal of relationships and societal expectations, Made in Heaven offers a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience.
MIRZAPUR (2018) :
Mirzapur, a gripping Amazon Prime Original crime drama series has captivated audiences with its intense action, crime, and drama. It is set in Uttar Pradesh’s Purvanchal region, the show explores the reign of mafia dons, particularly Akhandanand Tripathi (Pankaj Tripathi) aka ‘Kaleen Bhaiya’. The series features a talented ensemble cast, including Ali Fazal (Guddu Pandit), Divyendu Sharma (Phoolchand Tripathi), Rasika Dugal (Beena Tripathi), and Shweta Tripathi Sharma (Gajgamini ‘Golu’ Gupta). Addressing the show’s mature themes, Shweta emphasized the natural portrayal of female desire, stating, “Women, like men, have sexual desire and there’s nothing wrong with it.” Mirzapur’s two seasons, comprising 9 and 10 episodes respectively, premiered on November 16, 2018, and October 23, 2020, with each episode ranging from 39 to 65 minutes. The series‘ raw and unapologetic narrative has resonated with viewers, cementing its popularity.
