Bard of Blood

Since seen the teaser during IPL, Emraan v/s SRK - B.O.B. was definitely quite awaited.

This series is based on a book called “The Bard of Blood - The Secret War in Baluchistan is about to Explode.”

Two weeks, two web series, two big indian actors debut & test themselves on the digital media. Now that’s two … Oh!!! I mean, too much isn’t it? ;)

Okay!!! So this is no comparison but only a review of “B.O.B.”.

Cast Details - Produced by Gauri Khan. With Emran Hashmi in the lead. Jaideep Ahlawat, Vineet Kumar Singh, Sobhita Dhulipala & Kriti Kulhari … this series has a lot of stars studded in it. And there’s a no end to the characters, they keep coming one after the other.

Story – The story starts right from the word go. Makes you feel wow from 1^st minute then slows down. Ep. 1 ends on a very curious note. Post which only few episodes end with that magnetic effect.

Four Indian Intelligence officers get caught by Taliban, right while sending some important information. Made hostages in the Taliban leader “Mullah’s” custody. While the Indian Intelligence 2^nd in command Sadiq Sheikh, decides to save his men & bring back alive. For this mission he tries to rope in former Spy Kabir Anand ( Emraan Hashmi ) a hostage rescue specialist officer. Who at 1^st disagrees, as he has a guilt of losing his close friend / colleague in previous mission, but then something happens ending the Ep. 1 – which makes him forget the rest and go for the unsanctioned mission. With the clues given by Sadiq, Kabir Teams up with Isha ( Sobhita ) & 1 more spy Veer ( Vineet ) based out in Pak & staying there since 7 years. Who then helps them reaching out to the rescue mission. How this team goes through ups & downs, faces challenges, team up with the BAF people and fight ISA is a good watch. Interestingly Kabir & Jannats (BAF Leader’s elder sister) past love story which was so not needed here is still shown. With the plan to get “Mullah” the Taliban leader dead or alive & release the agents. Watch how Kabir, Isha & Veer struggle throughout their journey, search hideouts, run from the Paki Police & escape through ISA eyes. Will they bring back the hostages or will the mission stay incomplete?

Must watch – The sets, Locations shown & created give a feeling if its shot somewhere in Baluchistan. Emraans performance. Taliban cruel acts, fanatic behaviour, how perverts & crazy they are that’s quite realistic.

Improvement Areas – As it’s a spy thriller, action plays the most important role in it. Action sequences in many places look too artificial esp. Ep. 1 washroom fight scene, Ep. 2 – hitting the hanging spies. Ep. 7 – last fight scene. Wish they had worked over & made more realistic.

Inclusions of new faces, characters almost in every episode felt unnecessary.

Bogus noch poch. Ep. 3 – They see Veer’s “Wanted Posters” in the city, beat the police and run away. Looked like it’s a 80’s Bollywood movie escape. Very “Bollywoodia” style.

Almost every episode / throughout the series they have used the “Pashto” language. Which finally overdoses. May be that’s done to make it more realistic. Which still could have been replaced by Hindi / English dubbing.

The series has more off a "filmy" rather than the realistic touch.

#bardofblood @netflixindia #bardofbloodreview #mazanahiaaya 

X – Factor – The unexpected twist in the last episode is 1 X-Factor this series will leave behind. As the suspense they created is certainly a surprise.

Local Theatre recommendation – 👍👍👍/5 (It’s an average 1 timer)

Other watches recommended – Inside Bill’s Brain (A documentary on Bill Gates)

BOB - Available on – Netflix

Seasons released - 1

No. of Episodes – 7

Avg. time per episode – 40 mins.

So what’s on your watch list this weekend?

The Family Man ( Web / TV Series )

The Family Man – Manoj Bajpai (Srikant Tiwari) – One of the finest actors of industry, a two time National Award Winner, is a “Debutant” here & seems exploring himself in the digital media. Is well complimented by Priyamani ( Suchi ) & also the Amazon Ad girl – Shreya Dhanwantari whos the new recruit in his team. Gul Panag makes a comeback after long, looks ravishing & adds upto to the power packed performance.

This is an exciting Spy thriller with a very engaging screenplay. The Family Man is a perfect mix of Catchy, Gripping, Suspense story & witty humor that keeps audience entertained with its twists & turns no matter you are watching it during your travel, after college, office or anywhere else. You want to watch the next episode asap and not missout.

The story revolves around Manoj Bajpayee, who is a Cop / Spy works for T.A.S.C. a special force that is involved in maintaining National Security. He lies to his wife & kids about it & keeps a low profile. An intelligent Cop who just not “thinks deeply” but also believes in his intuitions. Which at times go right / wrong. While the country is in danger of a massive attack by ISIS a Terror Org. The run chase shown after the clues is amazing.

Very well shown the locations of Kashmir, Baluchistan, Pakistan – gives a realistic touch. Watch how Manoj Bajpai & Team try to run, chase the attackers. Fail / Succeed in saving India from the attacks. 

*Can't miss* - Bajpais run chase in Baluchistan & the way they catch "Faizan"*
What could have been excluded - In Ep. 1 where his son abuses the biker, was only most unwanted scene.

Superb pace, brilliant performance, gripping story & equally fast & reciprocating music. I must say Indian webseries makers now know how to engage audience & create the curiosity.
Dont miss the “Raps” at the end of the episodes.
**Strongly recommended for a binge watch over the weekend, while travelling or wont be surprised if someone bunks college, office, sleeps late to know whats behind –

” The Family Man”…

Local Theatre recommendation 4/5 (must watch)

If you like thrillers, suspense & fast paced movies / series this is the 1. 

Available on - Amazon Prime
Seasons released - 1
No. Of Episodes - 10
Languages - English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu

— Local Theatre