Rasbhari (4K UHD)

Rasbhari is a thought-provoking and risqué web series streaming on Applause Entertainment from 2019, available in 4K UHD for a riveting viewing experience. This show, now available for international viewers, amalgamates intriguing drama, bold content, and crisp storytelling, and is an honest storytelling attempt with a unique concept.

Set in the small town of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, India, Rasbhari explores the intricacies of adolescence, desires, judgments, and prejudices. It smartly utilizes the conceptual premises of small-town and taboos within the societal hierarchy and offers an outright exploration of human nature and its tendencies.

The show revolves around the life of an adolescent student, Nand, and his growing fascination for his English teacher, Shanu. Nand, who is portrayed as an average boy succumbing to his adolescent desires, becomes obsessed with his gorgeous teacher and her alluring personality. Shanu, played extremely well, is a simple, empathetic character, but as the plot unfolds, you learn that there might be more to her than the eye meets.

A vast array of interesting characters surround Nand and Shanu. This colorful palette of characters include Nand’s parents, Shanu’s husband and their nosy neighbors, who are keenly attuned to the ongoing rumors and happenings in their small town. Together, every individual adds a touch of realism to the show, each character playing a pivotal role in igniting the ongoing drama and shaping the direction of the plot.

As far as the screenplay is concerned, Rasbhari showcases a balanced amalgam of comedy, emotion, and drama, with every element cohesively intertwined. The storytelling beautifully ventures into a fresh narrative style, weaving in the elements of mystery and satire, while keeping the viewers engaged.

One unique point about Rasbhari is its bold theme. The show doesn’t shy away from portraying intimate moments and the inner workings of adolescent minds. It tackles provocative and controversial topics with audacity, but the real achievement is its treatment of these themes. Rather than resorting to vulgarity or crassness, the show uses these scenes with subtlety to deliver an embedded message about societal opinions and judgments. It is commendable for a series to adopt such a controversial subject matter and deliver it in a way that it can initiate conversations, normalize talks about adolescent desires and end double standards.

The performances by the cast members are spectacular and very believable; they breathe life into their characters. Held together by compelling performances - notably Swara Bhaskar who plays Shanu, and Ayushman Saxena as Nand, the cast of Rasbhari effortlessly bring forth the various layers and nuance to their respective personas. As viewers, you may find yourself developing an emotional connection with the characters and resonate with their emotions and struggles.

Rasbhari's dialogues serve as one of the primary carriers of its satirical undertone. They are sharp, witty, laden with innuendos and clever wordplay, providing cues and clues regarding the critical issues being addressed. Furthermore, the art direction is commendable with great attention to detail, visually capturing the charm and eccentricities of a small Indian town along with its societal norms and restrictions.

Also notable is the show's music, which complements the scenes perfectly. The choice of background score and songs are an interesting mix of local flavors and western influences, again subtly hinting at the clash of mindsets represented in the show.

Overall, Rasbhari is more than just an erotic drama; it's a narrative of societal norms, judgments, and double standards, delivered through an intriguing storyline and thought-provoking performances. The show acknowledges and brings forth important conversations around human nature, desires and the lack of comprehensive sex education in our society, impressively weaving all these elements into an engaging plot. It's a must-watch for viewers seeking unconventional content with a powerful message and outstanding performances.