A Tale of Romance, Rebellion, and Nostalgia
As I sat down to watch Jehanabad – Of Love & War, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. The series is co-directed by none other than Rajeev Barnwal, my schoolmate from back in the day. Seeing someone you’ve shared a classroom with go on to create such impactful stories is both surreal and inspiring.
Plot Overview
Set in the politically charged landscape of 2005 Bihar, Jehanabad – Of Love & War masterfully weaves together the personal and the political. The story follows Abhimanyu Singh (Ritwik Bhowmik), a sincere English professor, and his student Kasturi Mishra (Harshita Gaur) as they navigate the complexities of their relationship. Parallelly, Naxal commander Deepak Kumar (Parambrata Chattopadhyay) orchestrates an audacious jailbreak, intertwining love, rebellion, and sacrifice in a high-stakes drama.
What struck me the most is how Rajeev has infused the narrative with authenticity. Having grown up in the same environment, I could almost feel the small-town pulse in every frame—a testament to his roots and storytelling prowess.
Performances
The cast brings the story alive with compelling performances. Ritwik Bhowmik captures the vulnerability of Abhimanyu with finesse, while Harshita Gaur’s Kasturi embodies strength and innocence in equal measure. Parambrata Chattopadhyay steals the show as Deepak Kumar, his layered portrayal balancing intellect and menace. The supporting cast, including Rajat Kapoor and Satyadeep Mishra, adds depth to the ensemble.
Direction and Writing
Rajeev Barnwal and Satyanshu Singh deliver a story that feels both personal and universal. Knowing Rajeev’s passion for cinema, I wasn’t surprised to see how thoughtfully the series unfolds, blending themes of love, power, and sacrifice. The pacing, while slow initially, builds up to a gripping crescendo, leaving viewers hooked.
Cinematography and Music
The visuals beautifully capture the essence of Bihar, from its rustic charm to its simmering tensions. The music, with its local flavors, adds an emotional layer to the storytelling, making the series even more immersive.
Personal Reflection
Watching Jehanabad – Of Love & War was more than just viewing a series—it was a moment of pride. Knowing Rajeev’s journey from our school days to now, I can see how his experiences have shaped his storytelling. He has managed to bring the complexities of our roots to a global audience, and that, for me, is incredibly inspiring.
Challenges and Final Thoughts
While the series treads some familiar ground, especially in its depiction of love amidst chaos, it remains a powerful narrative thanks to its sincerity and performances. For me, this wasn’t just about the story—it was about celebrating a friend’s achievement.
Rajeev, if you’re reading this, take a bow! You’ve done all of us proud.
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Rajeev with me 🙂 |
Rating: 4/5
If you haven’t watched Jehanabad – Of Love & War yet, do yourself a favor and give it a shot. You’ll not only witness a gripping tale but also a slice of Bihar brought to life by someone who truly knows it.
Thank you swamiji for such a beautiful review and thank you for watching it