City of Dreams

City of Dreams is a bold and ambitious show, produced by Hotstar Specials and Applause Entertainment, celebrating the complexities of Indian politics and its underbelly. Directed by the acclaimed director Nagesh Kukunoor, City of Dreams premiered in 2019. This gripping and tight-knit series, set in the vibrant but often ruthless city of Mumbai, throws viewers into the centre of a high-intensity political drama that promises a raw, layered narrative laden with surprises.

City of Dreams anchors its plot within the heart of a political family residing in Mumbai. At the centre of the premise are the Gaikwad family members, deeply entrenched in the politics of the city. The patriarch of the family is the enigmatic Ameya Gaikwad, played masterfully by Atul Kulkarni; a powerful local politician whose influence and clout can be felt in every corner of the city. His powerful persona covers a complex and multi-dimensional character that is both revered and feared.

The plot of the story starts gaining momentum when an assassination attempt is made on Ameya, stirring a storm in the political landscape and igniting a power struggle within the Gaikwad family. What follows is a visceral portrayal of a political power struggle depicting the cold and calculated games people play to stay ahead in the race.

Throughout this narrative, City of Dreams explores the theme of gender dynamics within an Indian patriarchal setting. This theme primarily manifests through the characters of Poornima Gaikwad, played by Priya Bapat, who is Ameya's dutiful and politically inclined daughter and her brother, Ashish Gaiwad, portrayed by Siddharth Chandekar. Their sibling rivalry stems from their respective aspirations, ambitions, and the glaring gender bias ingrained into the patriarchal political system and their family setup.

Poornima Gaikwad's character stands out as the fulcrum of this narrative. Often overlooked due to her gender in a male-dominated political landscape, she is a character fighting her internal battle against societal norms and traditions. As the plot unfolds, she breaks away from her cocoon, displaying the strength, intelligence, and determination, reshaping herself as a formidable force to reckon with.

Ashish, on the other hand, is the typical entitled male protagonist, quick to claim his father's political legacy but ill-prepared for the responsibilities that come coupled with it. His character thrives on the line of entitlement and arrogance, offering an interesting contrast to Poornima's more disciplined and nuanced approach to politics.

Throughout the ten-episode series, City of Dreams explores the labyrinth of Mumbai's politics, manipulating the power dynamics, the underground syndicates, the clash between modernity and tradition and the societal biases. The side stories revolving around gangsters, police officers, hitmen, and informers help to maintain the gritty texture of the series and aid in painting a comprehensive picture of the city's underbelly.

In terms of storytelling, City of Dreams is intense and layered. It banks heavily on the performances of its lead characters and boasts of an impressive ensemble cast including the likes of Ejaz Khan and Sachin Pilgaonkar, who brought depth and authenticity to their roles. Kukunoor's direction and storytelling style, marked by his realistic and raw approach, makes for a compelling watch. The series artfully maintains a balance between the political and the personal, never letting one aspect overshadow the other.

The cinematography and settings are savvy and the depiction of Mumbai is done with a keen eye. The city, often referred to as the 'City of Dreams', is showcased in all its glory and grit, thus becoming an indispensable character in the narrative's progression. The city's landscapes and diverse living conditions create a compelling canvas for the high-profile political drama.

In conclusion, City of Dreams is a political drama entrenched with a gripping narrative, intense character arcs, and a vivid depiction of the city of Mumbai as a metaphor for a roller-coaster ride of power struggles, politics and ambitions. With its nuanced depiction of gender dynamics, it strongly evokes a thought-provoking dialogue. The series is a must-watch for anyone interested in high-stakes political dramas. It's a hard-hitting series that engages, provokes thought and is bound to leave a lasting impression.