Afsos

Afsos, debuted in 2020, is a dark comedy-drama mini-series distributed by Amazon Prime Video. Coming right out of the exclusive stable of Only Much Louder (OML), a renowned entertainment company, it shines as a bright, unique gem in the lineup of Indian web series. This is a tale that expertly interweaves elements of humor, tragedy, and fantasy to create a captivating story that seizes the attention of viewers right from the get-go.

The intriguing premise of Afsos revolves around the protagonist Nakul, a troubled man who is struggling to find purpose in life. His adventures start when, driven by a profound disappointment and disillusionment with life, he hires a shady organization to assist him in committing suicide. The interesting twist in the tale erupts when Nakul has a change of heart and decides he wants to live after all, but the hitman assigned to kill him insists on completing his job. This darkly comic mix-up forms the bedrock of the series and sets up an intriguing game of cat and mouse.

Throughout its eight episodes, Afsos maneuvers between multiple genres. It is, at once, a perceptive exploration of despair and life's existential questions, a thrilling chase, a love story, and a black comedy. The events and characters are set against the vibrant cityscape of Mumbai, enriching the visual narrative.

Aside from Nakul, the story introduces an intriguing array of characters that come with their own unique set of problems, quirks, and motives. They include Upadhyay, a relentless, committed hitman who just won't give up; Fokatiya, an eccentric, marijuana-smoking sage claiming to possess the elixir of immortality; Shloka, a psychologist trying to help Nakul cope with depression; Maria, the owner of a mysterious organization that facilitates suicides; and many more. Each character enriches the storyline, weaving their narratives into the main thread and injecting it with flavor and depth.

Afsos features brilliant performances by an ensemble cast, which includes Gulshan Devaiah in the lead role of Nakul, supported by Anjali Patil, Heeba Shah, Ratnabali Bhattacharjee, Danish Sait, and Jameel Khan, to name a few. The show is directed by Anubhuti Kashyap and penned by comedians Anirban Dasgupta and Sourav Ghosh, along with Dibya Chatterjee. With their sharp, incisive writing, the creators provide an authentic, yet absurdist, perspective on life and death.

An essential aspect of Afsos that deserves mention is its delicate handling of mental health issues. Be it the depiction of depression or the narrative around suicide, the creators have made efforts to approach such subjects with sensitivity and respect, while still upholding the central themes of black comedy and suspense.

A trailblazer in its genre, Afsos is a dark comedy that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, frequently oscillating between moments of genuine hilarity and deep contemplation. It's a saga where angst and humor, life and death, despair and hope are all intertwined, creating a compelling narrative that keeps audiences hooked to the screen.

The cinematography, sound design, and the crisp editing greatly accord with the theme and mood of the show, enhancing the viewing experience. The smooth blend of humor, tragedy, philosophy, and thriller genres, complemented by noteworthy performances and excellent narration, makes Afsos a must-watch for fans of dark comedy, drama, and suspense.

All in all, Afsos is a delightful and entertaining web series that successfully pushes the envelope in the realm of Indian digital content. It leaves the viewer with ample food for thought and a hearty dose of laughter. An unconventional take on life's biggest questions, Afsos is a show that truly lives up to its name and leaves the audience wanting more.