BOTTOM LINE
Same Old TVF Formula, Somewhat Watchable
PLATFORM
Prime Video
RUNTIME
4Hrs 4Mins | 5 Episodes
What Is the Film About?
Abhilash Sharma faces his toughest challenge yet: a departmental inquiry into allegations of corruption and favouritism. As his professional reputation crumbles, his fractured relationship with Sandeep Bhaiya reaches a breaking point over conflicting moral values. Meanwhile, Guri and SK are forced to choose between personal loyalty and the truth. Can Abhilash save his career without losing his soul?
Performances
Naveen Kasturia holds his own as a government official caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, trying to understand himself. He captures the vulnerability of an average male and the volatility of his ego, making him relatable despite his tall position.
Jatin Goswami gets the juicier, greyer role, and he truly makes the viewer understand what plagues him and what works in his favour. Abhilash Thapliyal, Namita Dubey, and Shivankit Singh Parihar are strictly okay. Tengam Celine deserved a better-written part, but she goes about her performance with a touch of elegance.
Analysis
It is interesting how TVF’s shows have consistently served as an endorsement for the entrance exam system. Almost all of them suggest why it is a worthy gamble to aim for the skies, pushing oneself to the brink to eventually do one’s bit to change the system. From its focus on IITs and medical exams to CA, UPSC, and the Panchayati Raj, they have crafted a distinct genre on sticking to your guns, come what may.
Aspirants, Panchayat, and Gram Chikitsalay have effectively turned into an unofficial trilogy of government babus fighting a laidback system. Aspirants, which documented the tryst of youngsters with the UPSC and the ethical dilemmas that follow success, returns for a third round. This instalment is ultimately about the lead, Abhilash, coming to terms with himself, his flaws, and his fraying relationships.
Abhilash and Deepa are keen on tying the knot, but allegations of favouritism within his department take a toll on their decisions. He soon discovers the identity of the person behind the anonymous letter that could put him in a spot of bother. Meanwhile, SK and Abhilash remain estranged despite Guri’s repeated attempts to bury the hatchet.
Moreover, Abhilash faces fresh competition from his former rival, Pawan, regarding an education project. Sandeep Bhaiya takes a firm stance on the proposal, but is willing to clear the air about the charges he has pressed against Abhilash. For first-time viewers seeking context for the interpersonal drama, it alternates between the past and the present to highlight the baggage the characters have been carrying all along.
Beyond the red tape, paperwork, and the moral high ground on professional ethics, the series works better as a brutal exploration of the fragile male ego. Despite their tall credentials, it feels like the men are merely working against each other to prove a point or settle residues from the past. While the good they want to do for the system may be genuine, their actions reflect their pettiness more often than not.
What ultimately stands out, though, is Abhilash’s self-realisation. He embraces his flaws and does his bit to lift the emotional burden off his chest, which helps him breathe easy. The final set of sequences, where he breaks down on Deepa’s lap after almost getting away with the corruption charges in the panel inquiries, encapsulates the essence of the story this season.
It is disappointing to notice that you see very few women at work throughout the proceedings. Though Deepa has made it big in her line of work, you only notice her as an emotional anchor in Abhilash’s life for a major part of the screen time. Dhairya’s main job remains to clear the air about the anonymous letter she was forced to write to protect her husband and to disclose her pregnancy news.
The repeated discussions on UPSC preparation and the technicalities around the exam create fatigue. Every random character tries to state their views on persistence and how it will pay off. It is quite unfortunate how almost no one pays heed to Abhilash’s views about being too tired to prepare for his sixth and final attempt. Mental health issues are yet again buried under the carpet.
Aspirants Season 3 is among TVF’s better products in recent months. Leave the mumbo-jumbo around ethics and UPSC aside; it works as a sensible tale of a man confronting his conscience while trying to settle scores with past rivals.
Music and Other Departments?
Tusshar Mallek’s background score is effective, though it tries to overcompensate for problems in the writing in a few situations. The songs are catchy, even if they do not linger long after the viewing. Cinematographers Georgy John and Arjun Kukreti lend class to the visuals, significantly helped by the spotless costumes and authentic production design.
The writing could have been better, for it almost loses its way, stuck in the past, while trying to provide a basis for the present timeline. One still feels there is not enough material in the script to make it last for four hours. Aspirants Season 3 is among TVF’s better products in recent months. Leave the mumbo-jumbo around ethics and UPSC aside, it works as a sensible tale of a man confronting his conscience while trying to settle scores with past rivals.
Highlights?
Focused narrative
Decent performances
Good drama towards the end
Drawbacks?
Frequent shifts to the past
Repeated focus on the UPSC preparation drill
Absence of any discussion on the mental health around the preparation or the pressures of the job
Did I Enjoy It?
In parts, yes
Will You Recommend It?
If dramas around UPSC exams or government officers interest you, you may try it.
Aspirants Season 3 Series Reviewed by M9 News
