Beyhadh TV Review: Jennifer Winget’s romantic thriller starts off on a stylized note!

Beyhadh TV Review: Stylish, intriguing and boasting of striking performances, the first episode of Beyhadh promises something good and exciting...

The wait is finally over. Beyhadh starring Jennifer Winget, Kushal Tandon and Aneri Vajani is on air and it’s time to discuss whether the first episode was worth the anticipation or not. There have been a number of speculations around the show right from whether it is a rip off of Gupt, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and even the Hollywood flick, Gone Girl. Inspirations aside, there is no doubt that Beyhadh is a brave attempt and a huge risk for the channel. A story of love where the main protagonist is a sociopath is unheard of on TV in recent times. Here is a quick review of the show…

Plot
Arjun (Kushal Tandon) is an aspiring photographer with big dreams. His bestie, Saanjh played by Aneri Vajani is a law intern. She loves him but does not confess saying they are best friends. Enter in Maya (Jennifer Winget), a business tycoon with a dark past. Egoistical, isolated and depressed, she lives with a mentally disturbed mother. Arjun ends up getting a job in Maya’s firm and we want to watch what happens next..

What’s hot
The show gives you the vibe of an Abbas Mustan thriller. Yes, it is shot very stylishly and full credit to director Rahib Siddique for the same. He is the man who made Nisha Aur Uske Cousins. A lot of care has been taken for the sets, lighting and editing. The camerawork is also good. Beyhadh scores highly on the technical fronts. The screenplay is also good. It begins at a leisurely pace where we are introduced to the bubbly Saanjh’s loving family. We get to know that Arjun has some issues with his mom. However, it is Maya who intrigues us the most. A business tycoon living alone with a troubled mother with dark secrets. Jennifer Winget has few lines and emotes through her eyes. Kushal Tandon is charming while Aneri lights up the screen. The chemistry between Arjun and Saanjh is extremely adorable and real.
What’s not
There is very little to dislike about Beyhadh given the kind of freshness it exudes. However, we can see a very filmi influence, especially in Kushal’s character. It would be fine if he was shown as film buff but the la Shah Rukh Khan monologue on big dreams reminded us of so many SRK films. The actor also spread his arms like King Khan. Though slightly, Jennifer’s character reminded us a bit like Sridevi’s Laadla. We can understand that she is a split personality but that walk though impressive was a tad OTT.
Verdict
If you are someone who complains that Indian TV dishes out similar stuff with shoddy production values, Beyhadh will surely change your opinion. The actors are in fine form. The story is engaging and the precap intriguing, so if you love thrillers, just watch this one.