Amish Gupta reviewed Broken
Informative
A documentary series that reveals the lesser knows realities of the trendy, cult-y products, “BROKEN”- is informative albeit rather unengaging.

There are currently 4 episodes in the series, and they manage to cover very surprising if not shocking truths about a variety of consumer products that are unsafe, unethical or misleading. From counterfeit make-up markets to flimsy furniture making giants, the true cost of fast, cheap and easy products eventually catches up.

Research work behind episodes seems apt and accurate and there really is a lot to learn from the series. However, the presentation of facts is dull and can get monotonous for a few viewers. For episodes nearly an hour long, the very serious, ‘Vice’ like ethos of the show could use some loosening up.

Go for it. Afterall, there’s no such thing as too much knowledge.
630 views
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Authentic but superfluous
A French drama set in the overbearing modern day, where relationships are fickle and emotions are superficial, “Mythomaniac” attempts to explores the darker, more grim aspects of human psyche.

There’re quite a few things to like. The plight of a tired, undervalued and overwhelmed Elvira (a wife and a mother), putting up with a dead marriage, difficult children and a tiring job has been well portrayed by Marina Hand. When her family finds out about her harmless visit to the hospital, she refrains from revealing the truth and concocts a lie about being diagnosed with cancer. Although her medical condition initially strengthens her family, but eventually her lies catch up and she finds herself grappling with her own web of myths.

Other than a few convincing performances, there’s a little to hold attention. The pace of the show is slow and flow incoherent. It is also hard to relate to characters as they can often seem superfluous, or frankly a tad too weird.

Despite its flaws, I will recommend mythomania to anyone with abundant time and and appetite for outlandish dramas.
606 views
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“Singapore” is secondary.
To be fair, reality TV targets viewers with a certain appetite for so called 'unscripted drama', but “Singapore Social” might just be a no go even for hardcore reality TV enthusiasts.

On the surface, the show seems to have curated an interesting mix of people. We have a fashion influencer, an entrepreneur, a youtuber, a singer, a burlesque dancer and a philanthropist/actor hanging out together far too often than their busy work schedules should permit, however, as the show progresses most of their already trite on-screen personalities turn into a bland mix of conceit and indifference.

Besides their common cry over hard to please Asian parents, there are hardly any culturally relevant premises. The term “Singapore” can be very well be struck off from the title and still make no difference to the show.
623 views
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Not your everyday Angels!
Even angels don’t have it all sunny and bright. They can have troubles. They can get tired and most importantly they can be cheeky too.

This Brazilian Netflix original has managed to perfect a very vivid ‘angelic’ universe in just a few fast-paced episodes. The show puts a whole new spin on the saintly persona inherent to angels and portrays their very human side.

The first episode is quite descriptive about the laws and working of their universe. Ulisses is the new angel who has been created nearly 300 years after the last one was. He has been assigned to Greta and Chun for his training of his share of work. Angels have been completing their assignments no-questions-asked since centuries, however, Ulisses is skeptical of the system and not just likes to question but challenge the institution. Within a short span of his existence he manages to break all four cardinal rules of the angelic universe and convinces other angels to follow suit.

There is a lot happening in the show. Along with a well written humor and enticing plot, the angels have a lot to offer. They see humans with contempt as fragile, icky and perishable entities, yet they are there when we need them.

Don’t even think twice before binging this beauty, just dive straight in!

561 views
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Shashi Tharoor’s debut as a stand-up comic is a sight to behold.
After watching and re-watching Dr. Tharoor’s performance, one thing I am sure of is that he can make a fine living as a stand-up comic! His writing is artful, and delivery poised. Out of all the episodes, his is the only one to look forward to.

Amazon’s latest production throws open to the stage to not just celebrities but politicians. Each celebrity guest prepares their act with help of some renowned Indian comic, who also doubles as their mentor. The episodes have been hosted by Sapan Verma, who has a limited but acceptable skill set as an interviewer. While there’s little to tingle the funny bones in acts put by star guests, the show is still entertaining, owing to the acts put by comedians themselves.

Despite its shortcomings, ‘One mic stand’ is a step up from some of Amazon’s recent attempts at creating Comedy specials. If on a time crunch, skip straight to the episode showcasing Shashi Tharoor’s witty stand-up.
638 views
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On par with the big leagues
There is a palpable void when it comes to quality talk shows in the Indian media. Unlike innumerable late night talks shows of the Hollywood, Indian T.V. content didn't offer any counterparts to the foreign competitors, until Abish came into picture and presented a remarkable Talk show, that too in the web space. Show seems to be on par with big leagues, atleast when it comes to style and visual appeal.

Abish Mathew is a capable host with a well enough comic timing. He possesses an amicable disposition and being the butt of most jokes in his own show while does get a teeny bit annoying, but helps him strengthen his character of a humble, pliant acquaintance.

Over the seasons, show has grown bigger, with improved production design and a remarkable guest list including some Bollywood a-listers like Irfan Khan and Vidya Balan. A variety of games and some insightful questions throughout the duration of a 40 minute long show helps keep things entertaining but
laughs are sparse and script struggles more than it should.

Its a mixed bag, and requires a certain taste for the genre to enjoy the show.
617 views
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Amish Gupta reviewed Fleabag
Wicked good
Dysfunctional, grim, and unapologetic, 'Fleabag' is about an audacious yet charming anti-heroine who is cruising through life on her wild, wicked terms.

Our little un-named mischief maker (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) is grieving the loss of her best friend. She is also struggling to keep her café afloat, personal relationships intact, and life from unraveling. She seems to be in, what can only be described as, a perpetual and carefree tug of war with herself and the world. What's absolutely riveting though, is her nonchalance; and her brazen take on her struggles, social constructs and conventional wisdom.

Throughout the show, she keeps commentating upon her life and shares her darkest and deepest of thoughts by looking straight into the camera and breaking the fourth wall. We, thus, become an integral part of her journey, experiencing it not just as a stranger, but as a friend and as a confidant.

Equipping some of the finest, most inappropriate and wry humor imaginable, it's one of those shows that stay with you for a long time. If you have an appetite for borderline cynical, dry and jagged protagonists, this delight will leave you awestruck.
953 views
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Symphony is the star.
The New York symphony is a lot more than just music. Musicians with grudges, Maestros with quandaries and patrons with agendas are a few things that make New York symphony a world famous spectacle.

‘Mozart in the jungle’ takes us on a journey of music, drama and humour surrounding the Orchestra ‘New York symphony’ who have just appointed Rodrigo (Gael García Bernal), an eccentric, humble and pious maestro to conduct the orchestra. The other protagonist, Hailey Rutledge (Lola Kirke), has been appointed as a substitute oboist for the orchestra, and their chemistry becomes an interesting will they, won't they mystery from the start.

There are actually quite a few stories lines that run parallel, and each one features well developed, nuanced characters yet I found myself hitting the close button more than 'next' after each episode ended. What stands out most is the balance that show creates between the music and drama. While symphonies are the show's star, the performances and plot line isn't too weak altogether.

While I still may have trouble fully comprehending the title, it’s no deterrent to savoring the experience of some brilliant symphonies that the show offer. With some magnificent backdrops, production design and memorable quotes, the show may not be the most intriguing drama out there but still is a fresh concept that at the very least will leave you quite educated about the an orchestra’s day to day.

653 views
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Fails at trying to have-it-all.
It’s ironical for a show named 'Comicstaan' to evoke feelings of exasperation and bitterness. To realize the potential of the show and the greatness it could have achieved, its heartbreaking that the show eventually crumbles down to an unwarranted heap of chaos.

Season 1 started strong and even attempted to cast a few promising comics. Contestants based their acts on themes that the mentors (Judges) picked out and teach. While the acts were not all applause worthy, the show still found ways to make amateur comedians entertaining with interesting weeks like improv, sketch, observational, anecdotal, etc.

Season 2, however, is abominable. There seems to be an attempt at targeting a wider base of audience and the explicit content in the jokes have been dialed down quite a few notches. The performances feel artificial, almost as if performers robbed of their artistic liberty so as to confine to a preset standard. What's worse is that a few "contestants" are actually professional stand up comics with an already existent online fan base.Hastened production of the show just to get the content out becomes apparent after a few episodes.

Bottom line: The show must be put at the very end of anyone's list titled 'Shows to steer clear unless short of alternatives''.

644 views
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Gold standard for RomComs
The series showcase not just one of the most adorkable characters ever written (Mikesh played by Sumeet Vyas), but also presents a refreshing tale of new age romance. 'Permanent Roommates' is the story of Mikesh and Tanya (Nidhi Singh) who successfully managed to carry a 3 year long distance relationship, but as Mikesh pops the question, Tanya can't bring herself to the same page.

The opening scene alone dives right into the character building and so much about Mikesh and Tanya's relationship dynamic becomes apparent from a phone call. This feat is wonder of ingenious writing, brilliant direction and stunning performances. First season deals with the Tankesh's journey of self discovery and compatibility. Second season is an extension to the first and has a lot more twists and revelations than the last season.

While I would have settled for a less snarky female protagonist, I am glad the writers still managed to make her just as lovable as Mikesh.

TVF has a track record of delivering high-quality content, and permanent roomates is one of the shows that helps TVf build that repute. This show manages to uphold its charm year after year and is a gold standard for all future romantic comedies.

608 views
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