Director: Vinay Waikul Writer: Sambit Mishra
Cast: Sonali Bendre, Jaideep Ahlawat, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Faisal Rashid, Indraneil Sengupta, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Taaruk Raina, Akshay Oberoi, Suchitra Pillai, and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan Production: BBC Studios and Zee5
Streaming on: Zee5 Rating: 3
Tanisha Saxena
Plot:
Season 2 of The Broken News picks up right where Season 1 left off. Radha Bhargava (Shriya Pilgaonkar) finds herself behind bars, while Dipankar Sanyal (Jaideep Ahlawat) of Josh 24×7 dominates the airwaves with his sensationalist brand of journalism. During her time in jail, Radha comes to a stark realisation: if she wants to clean up the system, she must be willing to get her hands dirty.
Meanwhile, Amina Qureshi (played by Sonali Bendre) is left to fight for the truth all on her own. As the stakes get personal this season, the battle between Radha and Dipankar takes center stage, driving the narrative forward with intensity and intrigue.
The highlight:
The Broken News fearlessly delves into contentious subjects such as electoral bonds, a clandestine organisation exploiting big data to compromise the privacy of countless ordinary Indians, and power-hungry, corrupt ministers. It’s commendable how the show seamlessly tackles these pressing issues.
The performances in the show are truly remarkable. Jaideep Ahlawat as Dipankar Sanyal embodies the essence of an ambitious journalist whose moral compass guides him through complex decisions, sometimes leading to the downfall of a colleague and other times pushing him to pursue justice in a news story. These moments reflect the shades of grey within us all and the nuanced nature of morality.
This season also features Akshay Oberoi, who plays a pivotal role as Ronnie, the CEO of Awaaz Bharati. He adds a layer of mystique to the show, gradually revealing his involvement in a larger scheme. Oberoi’s portrayal effectively captures Ronnie’s outward focus on financial matters while hinting at deeper complexities beneath the surface.
The drawbacks:
The series is divided into eight episodes, each concluding with the melancholic tune of Bol Bol Bol. While the episodes maintain a consistent tone of drama and tension, the choice of soundtrack feels somewhat discordant. It fails to encapsulate the emotional resonance established throughout the episodes, leaving a sense of disconnect for viewers.
Ameena’s character, portrayed by Sonali Bendre, suffers from underdeveloped writing, rendering her portrayal less impactful. She lacks the depth and complexity needed to fully engage the audience, coming across as too one-dimensional and lacking in nuance. To solidify her character, incorporating elements of her backstory or inner conflict could have provided a more compelling narrative arc, allowing viewers to connect with her journey on a deeper level.
Another notable drawback is the overloaded storyline, inundated with numerous events addressing various societal issues. Furthermore, the portrayal of journalists’ lives remains superficial, lacking exploration of the fundamental struggles within broadcast media. While the show depicts newsroom environments, it neglects to authentically convey the challenges faced. For instance, the edited meetings depicted are hastily concluded, failing to capture the essence of genuine newsroom dynamics.
Technical aspects:
Harendra Singh’s cinematography of the show aptly captures the bustling energy of the newsroom, portraying the fast-paced environment with dynamic camera movements and framing. Through skillful use of lighting and angles, it immerses viewers in the chaotic yet organised world of journalism. The juxtaposition of intimate close-ups during tense moments and wide shots of bustling newsrooms effectively conveys the multifaceted nature of the profession.
The direction by Vinay Waikul is also impressive in the climax, especially.
Verdict:
Despite minor loopholes, the series remains a compelling watch. Its portrayal of real and contemporary issues offers viewers a window into the complexities of society. While some aspects may lack depth, the overall narrative provides valuable insights into pressing social and political issues.
