SideHero

SideHero revolves around the life of Kunaal Roy Kapur, a uniquely talented actor who is always struggling for the lime light in the glitzy stardom of Bollywood. Kunaal, who plays himself in the series, represents a large majority of actors who dream big but often end up playing side roles. Conceptualized, written and directed by Rohan Sippy, the SideHero hits the nail on the head with its plot, performances and storytelling, making it a show worth investing your time in.

The series ingeniously blurs the lines between fiction and reality, presenting the viewers with a format that is a perfect blend of both. The show extensively portrays the Bollywood industry, showcasing everything from casting couches to superstar tantrums, staged accidents for publicity, paparazzi culture and so much more. It offers a fun-filled, comedic, yet an uncannily accurate take on the Hindi movie industry and the struggles of the so-called 'SideHeroes'.

Kunaal Roy Kapur perfectly fits the bill as the character he plays is loosely based on his own life. His acting is brilliant and he does full justice to his role. In each episode, he is seen facing various adventures and opportunities, some leading to exciting outcomes while others turn out to be just another comical misadventure. He is portrayed as an actor who has to perpetually fight for good roles, deal with cynical directors, survive in the treacherous industry and navigate through various hilarious situations which are a part of his everyday life.

SideHero, each episode generally starts with an introduction by Kunaal on the lines of Bollywood's reality followed by a unique script that ends with a storytelling climax that draws emotional alleys, leaving the audience with food for thought. It features a lot of cameos by famous Bollywood personalities, all of them playing themselves and contributing to the overall sense of reality of the show.

In addition to Kunaal, an ensemble cast of talented actors such as Gopal Datt, Arjun Kanungo and others add strength to the series. Gopal Datt delivers a splendid performance as Kunaal's sardonic manager trying to get him roles in exchange for a profit. Popular singer Arjun Kanungo makes his acting debut with SideHero, playing Kunaal's rival, the superstar from whom Kunaal tries to steal the limelight throughout the series. However, more than the rivalry or jealousy, it’s the funny, complex situations and the element of surprise at every turn which will keep you hooked.

One of the key elements of this show is its dialogues that strike a chord with the audience, giving a peep into the real-life journeys of Bollywood's underdogs trying to make it big. The comedy is situational rather than verbose, and it's the dry humor that wins you over. The direction by Rohan Sippy brings life to the series, as his knack for satire is certainly remarkable in this show.

The series deftly captures the longing for success, the disappointments, and the unbridled joy of getting even a small role, emphasizing the harsh realities of Bollywood that barely anyone talks about. The settings, locations, and costumes are carefully chosen to capture the essence of the subject matter effectively.

All in all, the 8-episode series is a fresh and funny commentary on Bollywood's machismo culture and the glory that every "SideHero" deserves but rarely receives. It is a laugh riot, filled with witty humor and stacked with references to the Bollywood industry that any Indian movie buff will love. Above all, it tells a story of human sentiments, relationships, and that indomitable spirit to keep going, no matter how many times you're classified as a "SideHero".

If you are looking for a unique, interesting, and humorous take on Bollywood's underbelly, then SideHero is definitely worth a watch. This Eros Now original series is an entertaining and humorous ride that relishes its chaos and keeps you thoroughly engaged until the end.