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Review: The Fame Game (web series)

The Fame Game, is an Indian web series released on Netflix in late February 2022. It is has 8 episodes of 45mins each (on an average). If you haven't watched yet, you can still read through this post. No spoilers involved. 

I know, this review is coming late. Honestly, I don't prefer web series, as we have to invest a lot of time for watching. So obviously, this one wasn't on my watch list. Accidentally, one day, I read somewhere that this series depicts the life of a famous Bollywood heroine. Isn't this not sufficient to arouse the much needed curiosity?😜

                                               (The official poster of 'The Fame Game'. Credit: IMDb)

One Friday night, after a very hectic week, I sat down to relax and pamper myself with a good movie and The Fame Game trailer flashed on Netflix. I convinced yours-truly to just check out the first 10 minutes of the series and ended up watching 4 episodes straight and had to switch off the TV as it was almost 1.45am. The following afternoon, I watched the remaining 4 episodes in one go!!! 

The story line is - Anamika Anand is a very famous actress in the Bollywood with a career spanning 30 years. She lives with her husband, who is a film producer; two teenage children - son, who is trying to figure what to do in life and dealing with other personal issues; daughter, who aspires to be an actress and carve out her own identity, but is instead overshadowed by Anamika's beauty and stardom; mother, who still controls Anamika's career and personal choices along with the household decisions and a housekeeper, who has been with Anamika in her thick and thin, since childhood. 

Out of the blue, Anamika disappears, hours after returning home from an award function. Police try to investigate the case. However, the family is tight lipped to secure their hidden secrets. Has Anamika Anand committed suicide or was kidnapped or murdered? Who is behind her missing? Were the police and her family able to find Anamika? Watch it to know what happened.

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This series was produced by Karan Johar, created by Sri Rao and directed by Bejoy Nambiar and Karishma Kohli. The key roles are played by Madhuri Dixit as Anamika Anand, Sanjay Kapoor as Nikhil More (Anamika's husband), Manav Kaul as Manish Khanna (Anamika's lover and a famous Bollywood hero), Rajshri Deshpande as Shoba Trivedi (Police officer investigating Anamika's case), Lakshvir Saran as Avinash (Anamika's son), Muskkaan Jaferi as Amara (Anamika's daughter) etc.

Coming to the highlights of the series - undoubtedly the story telling, it was gripping and had enough drama and suspense to glue the audience to their seats. The twists in the plot keeps the viewers engaged in the guessing game.  

Next is the brilliant performances by lead actors. Of course, Madhuri stole the show with her acting skills and aura on the screen. I am not a fan of Madhuri, but while watching, I didn't see Madhuri, it was Anamika Anand. She transformed into the role and emoted all the shades of the character with ease. One specific scene which speaks for what a great actor she is, is when she realizes that even her trusted make-up artist (Billy) is trying to deceive her. The makers have very convincingly told that actors lives aren't all glitz and glam, as the outsiders visualize. There is another (darker) side where they could be baffled with personal, financial or psychological issues which they try to contain within the four walls of their house and project a glamourous life to the public; just to retain the fame they built over the years. 

I liked the performance of the police officer too. It was very subtle yet strong. Her portrayal as a strong police officer who initially despises Anamika as just another actor and for causing unwanted pressure and drama from media and her superiors. Later on, after realizing the personal side of the actress, she tries to connect and empathize the struggles Anamika has undergone as a female and as a mother. This series features a song too on Madhuri, which is definitely a treat for her fans. 

There are few weak points as well. Though Manish Khanna is characterized as a person suffering from multiple personality syndrome, there wasn't enough portrayal of it on the screen; Madhav-Amara's relationship was not convincing. Make up artist's murder investigation which is linked with Anamika's missing was left untouched. 

In spite of these misses, this series is watchable. With an intricate plot woven with drama, mystery and thriller, great background score, spectacular cinematography and powerful performances, you will not be disappointed watching this Game of Fame.

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Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 13, 2022 at 2:55 PM

    Nicely articulated. it is in my to watch list.

    ReplyDelete

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