TV Show Review | Junoon: First episode didn't impress; Rated 2.5 Stars

This season there is a surge of new shows that are being launched on television. One more to add to the list is the latest offering from Yash Patnaik’s Beyond Dreams Productions, 'Junoon - Aisi Nafrat, Toh Kaisa Ishq'. This new serial premiered on 5th November 2012 on channel Life OK. After the stupendous success of Rang Badalti Odhni, producer Yash Patnaik launched his two new shows-Veera and Junoon, under his banner Beyond Dreams. While Veera is the story of the bond between a brother and sister, Junoon talks about the concept of reverse migration. It is believed that the concept of Junoon is Yash Patnaik’s wife Mamata’s brainchild and the husband–wife duo have been very cautious and choosy while casting for their serial.

Junoon is the story of a young man named Prithvi, who is the master of his own ideals. The two protagonists Meera and Prithvi inspite of being imperfect for each other, fall in love and their burning love story eventually tests every relationship they hold close. Meera vows to bring back her father from the village in an endeavour to stabilize her mother’s life. She lands in Hardoi to fulfil her mother's wish and unite her parted parents but ends up falling for the most imperfect man she could pair up with.

The show traces the journey of the city bred Meera (Mouni Roy) and the rustic and rugged son of the soil Prithvi (Aditya Redij). A unique pair they are opposite poles in terms of characterization and the plot depicts how their love story blossoms. The first episode opens on a light hearted note with a romantic element between the parallel lead Ajay Choudhary (Akash) and Meera. Meera is upset with Aakash (Ajay Choudhary), but he woos her trying his best to bring her into a good mood. He makes a sumptuous breakfast for her, tries to please her with a room full of flowers and also sings a romantic number to make the moment special. The song ‘Acha ji Main Haari Chalo Maan Jaao Na’ from the movie Kaala Paani  brings to life the romance between Meera and Akash. Both are concerned about Bittoo (Meera’s mother) . Sensing her loneliness they make plans to visit ‘Shehnai marriage bureau’ to find a match for her.  They realize her  need for a companion during the last days of her life. Meera is devastated since Bittoo is suffering from cancer. In a shocking turn of events Bittoo reveals to Aakash that Meera's father is still alive and that she wishes to spend the last few days of her life with him. Meera is saddened by Bittoo’s story and vows to bring her father back from the village.

However, we are next taken to a village where a hot tempered Prithvi is angry with some of the locals and beats them up since they do not comply with his orders .The Sarpanch arrives at the scene and it is Ramdhari Singh known as Data Thakur by the locals. We realize that he has a compassionate streak in him and Prithvi is in awe of him.

The show is set in UP and hence much emphasis has been given to the costumes and look. The other actors include Ajay Chaudhary, Shalini Kapoor and Shruti Ulfat. Junoon has real action with some breathtaking stunts that have been directed by action director PK who is known for his stunts.

Though the story has been set in a metropolis (Delhi) the latter half is very rural and rustic with a typical village layout. Sarpanch Ramdhari Singh is akin to the almighty himself for the local villagers. He is a man of compassion . On the other hand Prithvi is portrayed as the angry young man who reiterates that city bred people are not welcome in his village. His aversion extends even to Meera who feels the negative vibes in the village of Hardoi.

The scene introducing Prithvi seemed a little too lengthy and dragged. The storyline is different whereby we see  a daughter taking on the responsibility of restoring her mother’s married life by looking out for an ideal partner with whom she can spend her remaining days with.  The maiden episode was one of total contrast wherein initially we see love and romance in the city and later witness the grim side of the story . Worth mentioning are the few scenes where Akash romances Meera to win over her affections. The theme of the  show is  fresh and will certainly appeal to the masses.

Target audience would definitely be the adults category considering the serious storyline of the serial. Performances are good especially that of Aditya Redij, Mouni Roy and Shruti Ulfat who have given their best and are very convincing in their respective roles. Aditya has a huge fan following and it is to be seen how he lives up to their expectations. Both are portraying a new avatar which will be witnessed by their fans for the first time. 

It would be interesting to know how Meera tackles Prithvi and faces a challenge to fulfil her mother's dying wish to unite with her husband. In her endeavour to help Bittoo, Meera ends up falling for Prithvi himself! How the story will capture the hearts of audiences is still to be seen. The show seems to be created with the objective of total family entertainer, but the first episode didn't impress the viewers. It promises to be different and only time can tell how “Junoon - Aisi Nafrat Toh Kaisa Ishq” will attract viewership in the future episodes.

Adgully gives “Junoon Aisi Nafrat Toh Kaisa Ishq” a 2.5  out of 5 stars.