BOTTOM LINE
Familiar Comfort, No Novelty
PLATFORM
Zee5
RUNTIME
2 hours 41 minutes (7 episodes)
What Is the Show About?
Dhruv, a budding architect and Amrita, owner of a niche vegan cafe, help their mutual friends Nikki and Rohan elope. Dhruv and Amrita too are under pressure to get married, but little do they realise that will become each other’s prospective matches shortly. Before going ahead with the alliance, they plan to test their compatibility with a trial period. Where does that lead them?
Performances
Satyajeet Dubey is an apt casting choice to represent a privileged youngster who wants to stand on his merit and rise above the ‘nepo kid’ label. He carries the part efficiently with his easygoing presence and rarely goes overboard. Plabita Borthakur fits into her feisty part with ease while showcasing a modern-day woman’s concerns with her career and marriage.
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Gaurav Shikre plays Dhruv’s orthodox father with a touch of restraint and Neelu Dogra essays the empathetic mother role effortlessly. The other actors in the lineup – Amit Munjal, Namrata Senani, Sonaalee Desai, Ruby Thukral, to name a few – do what’s expected of them, within the scope of their characters.
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Analysis
Directed by Shiva Varma and Saptaraj Chakraborty, Pyaar Testing is a simple, relatable romance drama about two contrasting personalities navigating the highs and lows of their relationship. Dhruv and Amrita, under pressure to marry, take an unusual step – test-driving their compatibility with a pre-marital trial period (with a ‘no sex’ rule), seeking their parents’ permission. The show explores if love can blossom amidst their differences, all while their families keep a watchful eye.
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Both the lead characters come with their quirks and have firm opinions. While an environment-friendly Dhruv models his life and career in a desire to develop a greener planet, Amrita does something similar, but with her food choices. They go overboard in imposing their philosophies on one another and chaos ensues.
Much like Amrita, who asks Dhruv to give up non-vegetarian food completely, the latter is adamant that she makes her bed, and uses water sparingly. The distinct familial backdrops in Dhruv and Amrita’s households add an element of intrigue. Dhruv wants to rise above his father’s shadow and make a mark, while Amrita’s family thinks she’s only wasting her time in a cafe that has few takers.
As a viewer, you truly understand what brings them together – how they understand and empathise with each other’s situations, despite their intermittent quarrels. While Amrita helps Dhruv with the approval of his paperwork at a government office, he widens the reach of her cafe with the social media presence. Both have their phases of low esteem too, but they don’t judge each other.
Also, the need for a trial period is well-established initially – given their much-in-love friends bicker over trivial issues after eloping. The compact story and light-hearted treatment help the show tick along smoothly.
Amidst the drama in their relationship, there’s a cute little subplot around a blossoming romance between two elderly people in a family. Interestingly, the show explores how humans crave personal connection, regardless of age, albeit not stating it. Both these aspects are tied to a rigid father’s philosophy – ‘it will tarnish the reputation of our families.’
Just when one assumes nothing can go wrong with Dhruv and Amrita’s growing affinity, a minor conflict severs their ties. As this is a show that doesn’t try to complicate things too much, the realisation that they’re truly made for one another happens quickly and it ends on a happy note for the couple, much to the relief of the families.
There may be nothing groundbreaking about Pyaar Testing, but it’s a show with its heart at the right place, mirroring the complexities in modern-day relationships impressively. It is easy, comfort food. Don’t think too much and enjoy while it lasts.
Music and Other Departments?
Though Pyaar Testing may not offer much opportunity for the music to drive the story, Soutrik Chakraborty does a neat job with the background score, keeping the relatability and the simplicity of the storytelling intact. Shanu Singh Rajput’s cinematography is helped by the location choices, the stylish costumes and the classy artwork, considering the character’s privileged backgrounds.
Highlights?
Simple, relatable story
Neat execution, pacy screenplay
Effective performances
Drawbacks?
Has nothing new to offer
Remains predictable for the most part
Triviality of the conflicts
Did I Enjoy It?
To an extent, yes
Will You Recommend It?
If you want to watch something light to kill your time
Pyaar Testing Zee5 Web Series Review by M9
