The first season of Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen premiered on Netflix only recently. With eight episodes, the show is highly watchable. The protagonist, Vikrant played by Tahir Raj Bhasin sinks his teeth into the character and emerges triumphant. He has starred in a number of critically acclaimed Bollywood films and proves himself yet again with this role. His love interest, Shikha, is played by Shweta Tripathi and the corrupt politician, Akheraj Awasthi’s (Saurabh Shukla) daughter, Purva, played by Anchal Singh.

Ten minutes into the first episode, we are introduced to Vikrant, an engineer who lands an entry level job with a steel company and wants to make his future with Shikha. However, his father who is an accountant with Akheraj has different plans and forces him to work for him.

The interesting twist in the tale is that Vikrant and Purva were classmates in school (Akheraj was the one who facilitated his admission in the same school as his daughter) and Purva, ever since she was a young girl, has always harboured an unhealthy obsession with Vikrant. She leaves, only to return after some years. However, Vikrant has graduated and is interested in making a life with Shikha. At his daughter’s request, Akheraj offers him nearly three times the salary being offered by the steel company where he lands an entry level position. His family is over the moon and feels he ought to be grateful for this extremely benevolent gesture. Akheraj has been their guardian angel all their lives and Vikrant’s father feels that everything his son has achieved is due to Akheraj’s generosity and continued support.

His son begs to differ and believes that while Akheraj helped open doors for him, whatever he has achieved has been on his own merit. He musters up the courage to refuse Akheraj’s very generous offer but when he goes to inform him, what he witnesses in his office is enough to make him break into a cold sweat and temporarily change his mind. Purva dotes on Vikrant and it is quite clear that Daddy dear will do whatever it takes to make his daughter happy. What Purva wants, Purva gets and she wants Vikrant at any cost. When Vikrant gathers the courage to approach her and inform her of his future plans, everything suddenly begins to go haywire as she loses no opportunity to express her displeasure.

Anchal Singh as Purva puts in a praiseworthy performance. She is determined to possess Vikrant, irrespective of what it takes. And of course, daddy dearest cannot bear to see her unhappy and will do whatever it takes to see a smile on her face.

Anchal Singh as Purva puts in a praiseworthy performance and is determined to possess Vikrant, irrespective of what it takes. And of course, daddy dearest cannot bear to see her unhappy and will do whatever it takes to see a smile on her face. Vikrant gets trapped in a loveless marriage and vows revenge on the father-daughter duo for turning his life upside down. Upset at his future being ruined, he tries every trick in the book to escape their clutches. But escaping them is like trying to pull himself out of a quagmire. The more he struggles, the deeper he sinks. Directed by Sidharth Sengupta, this is an edge-of-the-seat thriller with twists and turns at every corner which send the viewers into a frenzy as they wait with bated breath to see what will unfold.

Vikrant is determined to reclaim his life and make his life with Shikha but Purva is equally determined to ensure that he has nowhere to go. Abetting her with his huge fortune and resources is her father who will stop at nothing to ensure his daughter gets what she wants. This ruthless streak in Akheraj is evident in Purva and her dangerous obsession with Vikrant threatens to destroy his life. She is like a leech, hanging on and refusing to let go until all life and energy has been sucked out of her victim.

The first season ends on a cliff hanger and promises yet more drama, treachery and betrayal in the second. This is one of the best series available on Netflix and keeps the viewer riveted and engrossed with its taut screenplay, flawless direction and top notch acting by the leading and supporting cast. Vikrant, especially, impresses the viewer with the vast range of emotions he exhibits. He is quite a revelation and apart from being easy on the eye, is a remarkable actor.

Watch this series for the slow metamorphosis of the protagonist, who goes from being a weakling to a manipulative schemer just like his in-laws. He becomes like them without noticing it. By the time the realisation sinks in, he has reached the point of no return.

The writer is an educationist and can be reached at gaiteeara@hotmail.com