The web and internet have become a regular feature of everyone’s life. While some use them to reap the fruits offered by it, some venture on to the darker side of the web to seek material pleasures.
Like any technological advance, web too got its advantages and disadvantages. The web series, Chutzpah streaming on the leading SonyLiv digital platform is one such show which dwells on the the other side of web which brings out the darker side to the light.
Story
5 individuals Vikash Bhalla ( Varun Sharma) who struggles to settle down in the USA, Rishi (Manjot Singh), who is an all alone boy, looking for fun with girls every time on the internet, Kevin Paul (Gautam Mehra), a social media addict who was after likes and followers, Deepali Shah (Ashima Mahajan), a social media influencer and Prateek Chawla (Kshitij Chauhan) who get connected rather unknowingly by the web which gets them entangled through its various wiles.
All the five have their fantasies which they want to fulfil with the cyber world which comes as a blessing in disguise for them to get wilder without realizing the reality behind it. Their addiction to the web and what the destiny is in store for them was the remaining story of Chutzpah.
Performances
The Fukrey stars Varun Sharma and Manjot Singh are back and recreated the magic with their flawless performances. Varun Sharma pulls out a credible performance which was quite different from his earlier stints.
Manjot Singh was in his usual style with commendable performance particularly his scenes during cyber sex were of next level.
Ashima and Kshitij have done well while Tanya Maniktala as Shikha, the girl friend of Varun sizzles with her performance as well as her overloaded cuteness. Her video call sessions with Varun were excellent.
Elnaaz Norouzi deserves special mention for her bold yet meaningful character as Sara alias Wild Butterfly. She has performed well to bring out the two shades in her character which proves her acting potential once again.
Behind the scenes
The dirty world of web had many secrets behind it and they were boldly and effectively presented by the creator Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and co-writer Amit Babbar which was sufficed by spot on presentation by Simarpreet Singh on the screen.
The 7-episode series covered wide range of subjects starting from cyber sex, long distance relationship that blossoms through video calls, social media obsession with like, share, comment syndrome, live game addiction and everything that exist in cyber world.
The track of Varun-Tanya gets more hits as it gets connected with many similar couples and some of the lighter moments around the sequence of app presentation by Varun are hilarious.
The writer directors have dealt with all the characteristics of cyber space in an amusing manner. A crispier screen play and wholesome characterization could have done wonders to this series. Also the concluding episode should have been done in a better way without leaving the loose ends exposed..
The background score by Ketan Sodha, the camera work by Kabir Tejpal, and Gianni Gianelli along with editing by Amit Kulkarni suffice the proceedings of the series.
Final Verdict
Strictly speaking, the series mainly appeals to the present generation millennials and this is the main draw back of the series that prevented it from getting recognition from cross-section of audience.
Anyway, the multilayered Chutzpah is altogether an impressive take on the sleazy side of cyberworld that triggers some sense of thoughtfulness among the minds of younger people about the affects of cyber world.
https://www.sonyliv.com/shows/chutzpah-1700000739
