Ekta Kapoor combines the classic Chandrakanta Santati with the magical world of Disney and Harry Potter, to create her own desi fairytale.
First things first; you won't be able to see Devaki Nandan Khatri's classic novel Chandrakanta in the same light ever again after watching Ekta Kapoor's telly version of it. [ads-post] Hint: She has treated Chandrakanta the way Amish Tripathi has treated Ramayana-fictionalising the storyline and adding her own interpretation to it. To be more precise, Ekta has combined the body and soul of two starkly different worlds to create her own magical world. Only Ekta can do the task of combining a classic Chandrakanta Santati, mythology Krishna Charita, with the magical world of Disney and Harry Potter, to create her own desi version, which comes out to be a gripping drama. The only trouble is when you combine too many things, it lacks soul. But sure, there's magic and a lot of it, that will keep the viewers glued to their seats.
How Chandrakanta's magical world unfolds Disney style
The show is touted as 'Jaadui duniya ki sabse badi gaatha' (biggest tale of the magical world). In Ekta's fairytale world there are flying carpets (ala Disney), shape-shifting humans (a la Naagin), and all things magical. [ads-post] It's a world of aiyaars and aiyaaras, who have special powers. It's the story of two warring kingdoms Vijaygarh and Naugarh, the latter ruled by the evil queen Iravati, who's character is modeled on Snowhite's evil queen. We are so sure about the inspiration because there's a desi version of Mirror called Aaina who tells Iravati about her future and also her death.
Spoilers ahead: What happened in the opening episode
In the kingdom of Vijaygarh, Rani Ratnaprabha (Shilpa Saklani) is the head of aiyaars, and she protects them with Vishnu's blessing called Tilismi Khanjar, that also gives her magical powers. However, after the birth of her daughter, she decides to surrender it so that she can take care of her daughter like a normal human and not a magician. Till her daughter turns 21, Ratnaprabha needs somebody who can protect Tilismi Khanjar and for that she organizes a contest and invites magicians from all over the world. One who wins the contest would get Tilismi Khanjar. Ratnaprabha's sister Vishakha is the strongest contender, but all of a sudden the evil Iravati (Urvashi Dholakia) enters the scene demanding to be admitted as an entry. According to the rules of the contest, an aiyyar cannot be stopped from taking part in the competition. Iravati beats Vishakha and claims Tilismi Khanjar but Ratnaprabha feels she isn't trustworthy and refuses to hand over the weapon to her. Eventually Iravati kills both the king and the queen, but Ratnaprabha is successful in handing over the Tilismi Khanjar to Lord Vishnu.
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The strongest character in the show till now is that of Iravati, the evil queen who'll remind you of Snowhite's evil queen and even has a talking mirror Aaina with her who given her an insight about the future including her death. She is vicious, selfish and manipulative, and can go to any extent for acquiring more power, so much so that she doesn't shy away from using her own son (foster) as her pawn. She makes him strong and at the same time a drug addict so he can never disobey her.
Veer (Vishal Aditya Singh) has a strong muscular physique and can tackle hundreds of opponents at the same time, but is weak from inside. He's a drug addict and can kill anyone on his mother's command. He doesn't have a mind of his own. On the other hand, the innocent and beautiful Chandrakanta (Madhurima Tuli), who has been brought up by her foster parents, has inner strength. She is content with taking care of her maa and baba, but deep within she desires to be the biggest magician.
It's a no-brainer that the sequence of birth of Chandrakanta and sending the newborn away to the another kingdom has been inspired by the tale of Shri Krishna's birth.
VFX and sets
The sets of Chandrakanta have been designed by National Award winning Art Director Chandravadan More, and he has been successful in creating the grandeur and the opulence demanded for the show. As for VFX, we cannot compare it to the international standard, but it definitely looks better than what we have already seen on Indian TV.
Verdict
All in all, Chandrakanta has everything it takes for a show to win the ratings game. It's a cocktail of all the folklores and fairytales you have been grown up reading, packaged wonderfully in a glossy, beautiful package of Disney-style visuals.
Meet the new Chandrakanta
“Chandrakanta” is all set to replace Naagin 2 on Colors, Madhurima Tuli, who is playing the title role, talks about the effort that has gone into playing the popular character.
Excerpts:
“Chandrakanta” has been a blockbuster show in the past as well, do you believe you will live up to the expectations?
The show is based on the book “Chandrakanta” which was beautifully written by Devaki Nandan Khatri. The story is the same, it has love, revenge and betrayal but we have definitely taken a different approach. The audience today is enjoying watching shows that showcase mythology and fantasy in a different light, and we are trying to provide them with the same. This time, we are really trying to connect with the youth. The youth is not aware of the story of Chandrakanta and we are trying to change that by bringing the story back in a different, magical way. It is important to connect to the youth as they are shifting towards web series of Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Tell us about the role and your preparation
Chandrakanta is a very strong, independent and fierce character; just like the girls today. Her mother decided to send her away; from Vijaygarh to Suryagarh so that she stays safe. She has been taken care of by fishermen and has grown up to be a fierce warrior. She is a princess, has powers and can perform magic; yet she has her innocence intact. If someone does something wrong, she ensures that justice is served. She is always there for the needy and makes sure no one wrongs them. She is the perfect example of beauty with brains.
I had to deeply connect to the character and be more strong as a person so that I could do justice to the role. Personally, the role of Chandrakanta has helped me become a stronger person. In today's world there is a lot of negativity, yet Chandrakanta remains extremely positive and shines bright. My role demanded me to do horse riding, though it was a challenge it was something I always wanted to do. Sword fighting was definitely challenging, I had sore arms every day!
I have to wear slightly revealing outfits, so it becomes slightly awkward for me at times. But ultimately, it is the outfit of a warrior. I don't consider it to be a glamorous doll look rather I see it as a smart warrior outfit.
This is not the first time that you are working with Ekta Kapoor, how has been your experience been so far?
I have previously worked with Ekta Kapoor in ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ and ‘Parichay’ and my experience has been wonderful. Working with Ekta has a very homely feeling and I feel grateful for the opportunities that she has granted me.
Sadly, I had to quit ‘Kumkum Bhagya’; maybe it was destiny. But Ekta called me back for this show, and I am glad and thankful for this role.
You have worked on the small screen as well as the big screen, how has your journey been?
My journey has been crazy, but in a good way. Luckily, I have been blessed and I kept on getting work. I have worked in Hindi film industry as well as the South, both of them are very different. I personally prefer working in Hindi movies and TV shows and I thoroughly enjoy doing them.
‘Prem Ya Paheli - Chandrakanta’ is a show which is already on air on Life Ok. Do you believe it will be a challenge to overcome this competition?
It is definitely going to be a tough competition as they already have an established fan base, but I am not going to get pressurised.
If I succumb to the pressure, I won't be able to give my 100%. It is entirely on the audience whether they like our efforts or not, but I have definitely remained positive. I believe if you don't expect too much, you become happy no matter what the result is.
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