FLAMES Review

I have jaw pain, and I blame it on this series. It's impossible to resist a smile when exposed to such amity and gaiety. Everything about this TSP's production describing blossom of teenage dalliance is sweet, like a spoonful sugar and leaves a strong lingering aftertaste.

While the series manages to get a lot of the elements right, from innocence and gullibility of tender age to a meaningful plotline, the best aspect has to be their fresh and novel take on a theme that is ubiquitous and a writer's favorite -first love. The approach is more or less focused on lighter and frivolous elements like first dates, late night texts, and goofy awkward conversations. Although there are times of despair, heartaches and misunderstandings but the ethos of the show never get gloomy and the optimism is infectious.

Episodes begin with narrator Pradeep Kaushal (Deepesh Sumitra Jagdish) explaining romance with witty analogies to chemistry. Tasteful Bollywood tracks in the background mark significant milestones in the evolving relationship of protagonists. Tanya Maniktala and Ritvik Sahore almost seem to be born for roles for Ishita and Rajat, tuition mates who fall for each other. Fast-paced writing and direction is engaging and steers clear of overused corny settings and phrases.

The show is an quintessential feel-good watch, with gooey moments that resonate well with viewers.