by Prakash Jha’s popular web series, Ek Badnaam Aashram, has returned with its third season, and Part 2 proves to be a significant improvement over its predecessors. The series, known for its gritty narrative and high-octane drama, takes viewers on yet another suspense-filled journey into the dark world of corrupt godmen and political machinations.
With a tighter storyline, unexpected twists, and deeper character arcs, Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 successfully maintains audience engagement. It is an enthralling watch, primarily due to its gripping screenplay and intense performances. Bobby Deol shines once again as the menacing Baba Nirala, while Aaditi Pohankar and Chandan Roy Sanyal deliver powerhouse performances.
The latest installment takes the drama a notch higher, with betrayals, power struggles, and hidden agendas unfolding in a high-stakes battle between good and evil. Let’s delve deeper into the story, performances, direction, and technical aspects to see how this season fares compared to its predecessors.
Synopsis
Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 continues the saga of Baba Nirala Kashipur Waale (Bobby Deol), a self-proclaimed godman who has built an empire of blind followers and political influence. The season picks up after the shocking revelations of the previous part. In a dramatic courtroom scene, Baba Nirala announces that he has castrated himself, thereby claiming that he could not have raped Parminder aka Pammi (Aaditi Pohankar). The court accepts his argument, leading to his acquittal, while Pammi, on the other hand, is falsely accused and sent to prison.
While in jail, Pammi finds herself at the mercy of corrupt forces. However, fate takes a turn when she gets the opportunity to meet Baba Nirala. In a surprising move, she pretends to regret her past actions and expresses her desire to return to his fold. Baba, still lusting after her, is convinced by her act and ensures that she gets released on bail. He then orders her transfer to the Aashram, believing that she has genuinely surrendered to his influence.
However, unknown to Baba Nirala, Pammi has her own hidden agenda. She is determined to take revenge and starts manipulating those around her. She strategically gains the trust of Bhopa Swami (Chandan Roy Sanyal), Baba Nirala’s most trusted aide. By pretending to develop a close bond with Bhopa, Pammi sows seeds of discord between him and Baba. The power struggle intensifies, leading to shocking betrayals and unexpected consequences.
What follows is a thrilling cat-and-mouse game, where loyalties are tested, hidden motives are revealed, and the very foundation of the Aashram is shaken. The story unravels secrets about Baba Nirala’s past, including his transformation from Monty to a godman, offering viewers a deeper understanding of his manipulative tactics and rise to power.
Story & Screenplay Review
The PJP Team has done an excellent job in crafting a more concise and impactful story this time around. The screenplay is significantly tighter, avoiding the dragging elements that plagued the previous seasons. Every episode is filled with crucial developments, ensuring that there are no unnecessary filler moments.
One of the strongest aspects of this season is its well-structured storytelling. The narrative maintains a balance between suspense, action, and emotional depth. The slow buildup of Pammi’s revenge plot keeps viewers on edge, making it an engaging experience. Each twist is well-executed, leading to satisfying payoffs.
The additional dialogues by Sanjay Masoom add to the authenticity and intensity of the series. The conversations between the characters feel real and impactful, enhancing the overall storytelling. Prakash Jha’s direction ensures that the screenplay remains engaging and delivers the intended dramatic punch.
Direction & Execution
Prakash Jha, known for his expertise in socio-political dramas, continues to treat the series like a mass-appealing film. His approach ensures that the show remains engaging for a broad audience, despite its dark themes. Unlike the earlier seasons, which occasionally felt stretched, this one is more fast-paced, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.
One of the highlights of Jha’s direction is his ability to blend social commentary with commercial entertainment. The show does not shy away from exposing the exploitation and corruption within religious institutions while maintaining the high-stakes drama. The five-episode format works in the show’s favor, ensuring that the plot remains crisp and does not lose momentum.
However, there are certain flaws. Some scenes rely heavily on cinematic liberties, making them feel slightly unrealistic. For instance, the ease with which Pammi and Bhopa conduct their secret interactions in a highly secured Aashram is questionable. Additionally, while the intimate scenes serve a narrative purpose, a few of them seem unnecessarily prolonged, seemingly inserted to titillate rather than advance the plot.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Jha’s direction keeps the audience engaged, ensuring that the show remains thrilling and unpredictable till the very end.
Performances
Bobby Deol continues to impress as Baba Nirala. His portrayal of a cunning and manipulative godman is both chilling and mesmerizing. He seamlessly transitions between different shades of his character, making the audience both despise and admire his intelligence. His performance in the climax is particularly noteworthy, as he brings out the full depth of Baba Nirala’s persona.
Aaditi Pohankar delivers a powerhouse performance as Pammi. Her character’s transformation from a devoted follower to a vengeful adversary is executed brilliantly. She effortlessly switches between emotions, making her one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Chandan Roy Sanyal steals the show as Bhopa Swami. His portrayal of a conflicted yet ruthless aide adds an extra layer of intrigue to the plot. His interactions with both Baba Nirala and Pammi are intense, keeping the audience invested in his character arc.
Other supporting actors, including Tridha Choudhury (Babita), Parinitaa Seth (Sadhavi Mata), and Darshan Kumaar (Ujagar Singh), provide commendable performances. However, some characters, like Vikram Kochhar (Sadhu Sharma) and Anil Rastogi (Sundar Lal), are underutilized and fail to make a significant impact.
Music & Technical Aspects
The music plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall impact of the series. The sole song, Baba Garibo Wale, is well-integrated into the narrative, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the Aashram.
Advait Nemlekar’s background score is excellent, particularly during the intense and intimate scenes. It effectively builds tension and elevates the drama.
The cinematography by Chandan Kowli is neat and captures the grandeur and darkness of the Aashram effectively. The production design and costumes, though slightly theatrical, complement the show’s tone well. The editing by Santosh Mandal is functional, ensuring that the narrative flows smoothly without unnecessary distractions.
On the whole, Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 stands out as a gripping and well-crafted installment in the series. It is a vast improvement over its predecessors, thanks to a more refined screenplay, strong character arcs, and unexpected twists.
Despite minor flaws, the season manages to hold the audience’s attention with its engaging storytelling and powerful performances. Given the series’ massive popularity, this season is bound to receive high viewership.
For fans of crime dramas and political thrillers, Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 is a must-watch. With a mix of suspense, drama, and intrigue, it successfully delivers an intense and satisfying experience.
