Who would have thought that the hit romantic track of the ’90s, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein, can become the title of a thrilling show in 2022? Well, director Siddharth Sengupta made an entire web series on it. The show released on Netflix on January 14 and created quite a buzz on social media.
The psychological thriller, starring Tahir Raj Bhasin, Anchal Singh and Shweta Tripathi in the leading roles, has tried to explore the darker side of love. The eight-episode series will remind you of Haseen Dilruba and Baazigar, but will also leave its own unique impact on your mind.
The show revolves around Vikrant (Tahir) and how his ordinary life and small dreams get disrupted by Purva’s (Anchal) obsession with him. Her fascination with the guy begins when they are in school and ends…well, never. Her father is a powerful and corrupt politician, who simply wants his daughter to be happy. If that means forcing Vikrant to become his princess’s trophy husband, then so be it. If that means threatening his son-in-law to keep his child happy, then so be it. And, if that means getting Vikrant’s girlfriend, Shikha (Shweta) killed, then so be it.
Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein is another twisted love story that’s dark and dangerous—a concept that is being over-exploited by Bollywood in today’s time. But, there are several reasons that make this gripping series worth watching. Here’s why we think that the show has done a fab job and definitely needs a second season:
Realistic Scenarios With Relatable Reactions
Bollywood has often overdone things when it comes to psychological thrillers. A good guy or girl turns on their insanity switch in a span of two seconds and we are left wondering the hows and whys of it. Thankfully, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein has tried to keep things as realistic as possible.
When Vikrant is henpecked by Purva and her family, he tries to retaliate, but in a way that goes with his character. He doesn’t turn into a dangerous murderer overnight who’s thirsty for revenge—something we’ve often seen happening in Hindi dramas. Purva’s toxic obsession is evident but not in an OTT manner. “I’m not mad, I’m just possessive,” she’s heard saying to Vikrant. Her calmness makes her sociopathic tendencies quite lethal and that’s something we haven’t seen in a while.
Not Your Usual Display Of Machoism
Bollywood shows and movies are infamous for showing their male protagonists as quintessential heroes. From saving damsels in distress to rising from the ashes, our on-screen heroes are unbreakable…unshakeable. Well, YKKA has smashed these stereotypes and how. Vikrant is a guy next door with small dreams and simple life. He wants to marry his girlfriend, get a business degree, and have a small house. So, when his life comes crashing right in front of him, he simply doesn’t know what to do.
He is not a doormat to let criminals bully him, but he also does not have it in him to stoop down to their level. He compromises, apologises and bends his knees in front of his toxic wife to save lives. From throwing up after watching gruesome murders to realising that he’s not someone who can kill easily, Vikrant has no shame in accepting his weakness. Kudos to the show for reminding us that heroes are simply humans who are not invincible.
The Fathers Of Acting
Every actor on the show has done a marvellous job. Tahir as Vikrant is convincing and Shweta as Shikha is sweet. Purva as Anchal brings her own magic to the show with her sinister smile and dangerous kaali kaali aankhein. But, we have to mention that Saurabh Shukla and Brijendra Kala, as Purva and Vikrant’s fathers respectively, have blown away our minds. They have brought the maturity and finesse that the show needed and we absolutely loved their performances. Also, special shoutout to Anant Joshi aka Golden, who has now become our fave on-screen ‘hero ka BFF.’
Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein has ended on a major cliffhanger and we would love to watch the second season stat. Meanwhile, watch the first season on Netflix if you have not already.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Featured Image: Netflix
