24‘s first episode, aired just a few minutes ago was everything that the serial makers promised, just much more filmy!
The serial is based on an American series which bears the same name and has a similar story line. Anil Kapoor plays the lead (a part played by Jack Bauer in the American version) and is set in Mumbai. The main centre of action in both the serials is the Counter Terrorism Unit, where much of the action takes place.
The later episodes are expected to have Anupam Kher, and Shabana Azmi playing fairly important though small roles. Anita Raj made an entry in the first instalment itself.
The first episode took off without much ‘background’ or rona-dhona, a ploy often used to hook viewers. Anil Kapoor receives that one call which takes him away from a family do (wife’s birthday) to his workplace at the Counter Terrorism Unit.
Family naturally upset and wife shown with a typical forlorn expression. Daughter unhappy since dad hardly spends time at home and dad as usual feeling guilty but yet has to rush. A bit of a wordy duel between dad and daughter and the latter decides to zip off to a party without telling her mother whose chin is almost touching the ground by then.
Anil Kapoor’s wife in the serial Tisca Chopra’s constant refrain of husband’s workaholic ways is too cliched. Her daughter leaving the party with the wrong guys is also done with. That the wrong guys have guns and might eventually be part of the main story is yet to be seen.
The present sub-plot involving a young politician (who Anil Kapoor will has to save) and his family will slowly find place in the main story line. And that is possibly when the real theatre will begin.
All in all, the first episode though filmi was gripping. The problem lay in the fact that too many trailers of the serial and constant reminders on Colours Channel spoilt a bit of the fun on the real day. In fact, the trailers signaled that the story line could run along the lines of Taken.
A good break from the saas-bahu soaps definitely. Also, it will mean a little getting used to seeing the jhakaas, tapori actor Anil Kapoor essaying a serious, anti-terrorism fighter.
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