Masaba Masaba – Is she a designer. a country in Africa, or a completely wacko story?
I have been craving for some good fun, a typical Bollywood movie… a light, yet engaging watch – maybe that’s the reason when I saw “ Masaba Masaba” on Netflix, I clicked play!
If you are in the mood to see a simple story, with many relatable points, nothing intellectual, nothing too philosophical, just a simple kahani of two women – Bollywood Style Netflix Mix, then this one’s for you. And guess what? It has only 6 episodes – 30 minutes each, so you can bring on the popcorn, take over the couch and bring on an evening of pure binge-watching fun… and you STILL finish off on a high note – still want more? No spoiler alerts here.
The Story with a Real Life Twist
Masaba Masaba is a story about the ace Bollywood actor Neena Gupta and her daughter Masaba Gupta, the famous designer. They play their own fictional characters onscreen with exaggerated themes inspired by their real lives. Masaba tries to manage her post-divorce life and Neena Gupta struggles to get back into films.
Many young women who are going through a divorce or are single, trying to get on with life, or looking for love, will relate to Masaba and her struggles – which, to be very honest, are so typical and predictable, yet 100% relatable. Neena’s struggles as an actor – an oldie trying to match up and learn the trends and tricks of the new generation and at the same time, maintain a healthy relationship with her daughter, will have many mothers identifying with and wondering, if Neena is them.
The simplicity and reliability of the story/drama is what makes this series a very refreshing watch, especially amidst the likes of Money Heist, Bulbul, and intense Pakistani Dramas.
Social Messages in a Simple Story
The story is simple and nothing out of the box, but it does offer many social messages and it will make you think… the fact about how single women are viewed in our society, how women are stereotyped after they reach a certain age and are expected to behave in a certain way, how one might think moving on is easy but it’s not. Success cannot guarantee happiness -are successful women really independent in the true sense? Men CAN be supporting and much more…
What I loved was, the absence of a messy divorce scene, no rona dhona, no police mysteries and no typical saas bahu twists… the story is actually very progressive and gives hope after every challenge. Most importantly, it shows how men can support women…that alone should make it a must-watch for all.
The Direction & More
The beauty of the script and direction is such that you can choose to take the messages and think over them, or you can merely enjoy the story as an entertaining one-time watch. The web series offers drama, glamour and romance with touches of soft tragedies at sporadic moments.
The first episode will have you wondering if the husband is cheating, if there really is a divorce about to happen, is there a mystery here…? All this, to be sorted at the end of the first episode and from there on, you wait to see what happens next.
Again, the story is nothing new, so do not expect something that will blow you away but … there’s enough to keep your interest going.
What’s Not To Love
Oh wait, I forgot to mention the part that I enjoyed most about Masaba Masaba… it’s the special appearances of some of our most loved celebs like Farah khan, Kiara Advani (to name a few), playing themselves. It was a pure treat to watch them, though I have to say, some could have given us a better performance, some could have adjusted better to the script but chalta hai…
Of the men in Masaba’s life, Neil Bhoopalam as Dhariya is my fav character, though I do keep switching between Smaran Sahu as Jogee and Neil. They are both so endearing that you’ll have a hard time deciding whom you like more than the other.
The sets, the slight humour and the stylish clothes of Masaba are indeed a treat to watch…
Both Neena Gupta and Masaba give brilliant performance. Masaba, however, does take a little bit of time to grow upon you, but then, before you realize it you have developed a strong affection for her and will find yourself rooting for her.
The drama is 18+ rated so please bear that in mind if planning to view with family.
