Thursday 4th July
Most of the episode was a filler leading up to the song ... but an amusing and entertaining filler all right!
Manav Chhanchhan continue their fight ... or rather, Manav fights and Chhanchhan apologises ... while Umaben listens gleefully ... she's managed to develop not just a rift, but a chasm ... Chhanchhan is so going to be on her way back to her maayka soon ...
Umaben dear, ever heard of a saying ... don't count your chickens before they're hatched ...?
And to continue the unrest, Umaben cancels Ranjana's leave ... mission accomplished, she doesn't need to inconvenience herself by losing one of her slaves ... err, bahus ... for a few days ... forget about giving her an enjoyable holiday.
So Ranjana finds her leave cancelled at the last minute ... that to, due to Chhanchhan .. CC's selfless act of sacrificing her honeymoon twisted smoothly around to suit Umaben's purpose ... so Ranjana fumes some more ... why did CC cancel her honeymoon? My trip got cancelled as well!
Honey, if you'd only told Chhanchhan that your holiday depended on her going on her honeymoon, instead of grudging it, life would have been so much simpler ... and fun ... for both of you! Ab bhugto!!!
Manek is befuddled ... his usual state ...
Manav goes to bed still annoyed ... Chhanchhan is very upset ... how does she deal with a sulking husband?
Fortunately, Chhanchhan is woman enough to know the answer to that one! Seduce the man, of course!
The next few minutes was devoted to Chhanchhan making preparations ... and my discovery that CC is actually an engineer and interior decorator rolled into one, or else, Tellywood's answer to Hermoine Granger ... with her magic bag equipped with all the requirements to construct a couple of romantic gazebos within a few minutes ... complete with billowing white curtains stolen from the lions' den, lanterns, flowers, candles ... the works!
It looked very beautiful, I have to say ... what a perfectly romantic setting!
Interspersed with Ranjana and the water bottle ... and CC, also the friendly, not to mention thirsty, ghost ...
And finally Manav wakes up ... he first sulks some more that he's the one angry, and Chhanchhan is the one not talking ... typical woman ... being a decent bloke, and truly madly in love with his beautiful biwi, he tries to wake her up ... only to find her missing ... and promptly goes hunting for her ...
Liked the touch of him trying to call Rugved at night ... and Mukut bhai watching TV late at night because his wife was busy with the kids ...
And finally the scene of the day ... don't know who started the trend of using the older movie songs in shows these days, whoever it was ... brilliant idea !!! The older songs are so completely beautiful and melodious ... and this one was so apt for the situation ... a naughty impish wife trying to manao her rootha hua husband by seducing him ...
Baahon mein chale aao ... humse sanam kya parda, humse sanam kya parda ...
Yeh raat ka milan nahin, yeh sang hai umar bhar ka ...
The song was beautifully picturised ... it actually could have been in any BW movie.
Sanaya was FAN-TASTIC ... her moves, her expressions ... the smiles, the teasing, the sexy moves always accompanied by the sparkling mischief in her eyes ... . she was just perfect!!!! Had a wide grin on my face the entire time, watching the siren in white move so gracefully to the beautiful song ... I love the song, the words were so apt and her expressions so cute, flirtatious and seductive and sweet and mischievous all at the same time ...
Anuj complemented her beautifully ... I love the song, the words were so cute and apt ... choreography was good, and they were fab together!!! Fell in love with this jodi today!!!
And so good to have a guy who can move with Sanaya in a dance!!!
*Edit*
More on the last scene and the song ... it was so beautiful!
Most of the episode was a filler leading up to the song ... but an amusing and entertaining filler all right!
Manav Chhanchhan continue their fight ... or rather, Manav fights and Chhanchhan apologises ... while Umaben listens gleefully ... she's managed to develop not just a rift, but a chasm ... Chhanchhan is so going to be on her way back to her maayka soon ...
Umaben dear, ever heard of a saying ... don't count your chickens before they're hatched ...?
And to continue the unrest, Umaben cancels Ranjana's leave ... mission accomplished, she doesn't need to inconvenience herself by losing one of her slaves ... err, bahus ... for a few days ... forget about giving her an enjoyable holiday.
So Ranjana finds her leave cancelled at the last minute ... that to, due to Chhanchhan .. CC's selfless act of sacrificing her honeymoon twisted smoothly around to suit Umaben's purpose ... so Ranjana fumes some more ... why did CC cancel her honeymoon? My trip got cancelled as well!
Honey, if you'd only told Chhanchhan that your holiday depended on her going on her honeymoon, instead of grudging it, life would have been so much simpler ... and fun ... for both of you! Ab bhugto!!!
Manek is befuddled ... his usual state ...
Manav goes to bed still annoyed ... Chhanchhan is very upset ... how does she deal with a sulking husband?
Fortunately, Chhanchhan is woman enough to know the answer to that one! Seduce the man, of course!
The next few minutes was devoted to Chhanchhan making preparations ... and my discovery that CC is actually an engineer and interior decorator rolled into one, or else, Tellywood's answer to Hermoine Granger ... with her magic bag equipped with all the requirements to construct a couple of romantic gazebos within a few minutes ... complete with billowing white curtains stolen from the lions' den, lanterns, flowers, candles ... the works!
It looked very beautiful, I have to say ... what a perfectly romantic setting!
Interspersed with Ranjana and the water bottle ... and CC, also the friendly, not to mention thirsty, ghost ...
And finally Manav wakes up ... he first sulks some more that he's the one angry, and Chhanchhan is the one not talking ... typical woman ... being a decent bloke, and truly madly in love with his beautiful biwi, he tries to wake her up ... only to find her missing ... and promptly goes hunting for her ...
Liked the touch of him trying to call Rugved at night ... and Mukut bhai watching TV late at night because his wife was busy with the kids ...
And finally the scene of the day ... don't know who started the trend of using the older movie songs in shows these days, whoever it was ... brilliant idea !!! The older songs are so completely beautiful and melodious ... and this one was so apt for the situation ... a naughty impish wife trying to manao her rootha hua husband by seducing him ...
Baahon mein chale aao ... humse sanam kya parda, humse sanam kya parda ...
Yeh raat ka milan nahin, yeh sang hai umar bhar ka ...
The song was beautifully picturised ... it actually could have been in any BW movie.
Sanaya was FAN-TASTIC ... her moves, her expressions ... the smiles, the teasing, the sexy moves always accompanied by the sparkling mischief in her eyes ... . she was just perfect!!!! Had a wide grin on my face the entire time, watching the siren in white move so gracefully to the beautiful song ... I love the song, the words were so apt and her expressions so cute, flirtatious and seductive and sweet and mischievous all at the same time ...
Anuj complemented her beautifully ... I love the song, the words were so cute and apt ... choreography was good, and they were fab together!!! Fell in love with this jodi today!!!
And so good to have a guy who can move with Sanaya in a dance!!!
*Edit*
More on the last scene and the song ... it was so beautiful!
SHE TOOK MY BREATH AWAY ... 
I'm still there on the terrace in the rain with that beautiful nymph dressed all in white ... mischief and love sparkling in her eyes ... as well as that blend of innocence and sensuality that only Sanaya can bring to a scene ... no other telly actress is anywhere close!
Did not even notice Anuj after Sanaya appeared on the screen ... Sanaya is such a scene stealer ... her movements were graceful and sexy without being vulgar in the slightest ... her smile lit up the screen with the wattage of a thousand bulbs ...
Sanaya was dressed so simply, white churidar kameez, big jhumkas and her mangal sutra her only ornaments ... no skin show, no gaudy clothes, no heavy jewellery ... and she took my breath away ... Beauty in simplicity ... that defines her ... A water nymph, a forest sprite ... she looked ethereal ... and her smile was to die for ...
A water nymph, a forest sprite ... she looked ethereal ... and her smile was to die for ...
And her dance movements were seductive without being vulgar in the least ... I have no idea how she managed that, but she did ... the dance was full of love, teasing, mischief, hidden passion ... nothing overt or blatant about it at all ... neither from her nor from Anuj (oh yes, I finally noticed, he was good too 
) ... a young wife deeply in love and not shy to show it ... and her husband trying to keep up pretence of being angry, but failing completely ... and letting himself enjoy the pleasure of being seduced by his little nymph of a wife ... their LOVE all pervasive in the romantic setting ...
) ... a young wife deeply in love and not shy to show it ... and her husband trying to keep up pretence of being angry, but failing completely ... and letting himself enjoy the pleasure of being seduced by his little nymph of a wife ... their LOVE all pervasive in the romantic setting ...
I will add ... loved the choice of song ... perfect for the occasion ... the original is picturised on an identical scenario of a wife trying to lure her husband ... Jaya Bhaduri the thespian there, and Sanaya did full justice to the original ...
I also loved the background score before the song started ... the music department has definitely got their act together ... it was perfect ...
Will write more later...dropped in to say Sanaya was just awesome today and Anuj supported her so well.
ReplyDeleteSeem to be on their way to become a popular jodi!
Well done Team Chhanchhan!
-U
Uma,
DeleteEpisode was really enjoyable ... although I said it was a filler for the song, but it was entertaining and enjoyable all the way ... have watched the entire thing a couple of times already, without wanting to skip any scene!
It was Sanaya's day ... she was simply perfect throughout.
And I just loved the last scene ... she was stunning, and her expressions were WOW!!! Anuj supported her very well ... It was good to see San get a co-actor who can move gracefully with her in a dance ... Barun was always so stiff!
I am dying to catch this one, Dia, after your edit....
Delete'I'm still there on the terrace in the rain with that beautiful nymph dressed all in white ... mischief and love sparkling in her eyes ... as well as that blend of innocence and sensuality that only Sanaya can bring to a scene ... no other telly actress is anywhere close! '
- You are in love! :D
And yes, Anuj! He is wonderful. This is going to be a treat.
Su, they were completely beautiful ... both Sanaya and the scene! I love the original song, Anamika was one movie I watched twice, which was unheard of for me, as I was not allowed to watch too many movies ... Jaya Bhaduri-Sanjeev Kumar were a favorite pair, both such good actors and this song was picturized so cutely on them ...
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq_vWD4lTcw
Jaya had that impishness that Sanaya copied to perfection yesterday. Jaya was never sexy or overtly seductive, she was perfect in this song ...
And Sanaya was the same ... not overtly sexy or seductive, she retained that mischief and cuteness factor in the song and dance perfectly ... and she looked like a dream.
Also there was no skin show at all ... she was dressed in a churidar suit, very little jewelry except for the jhumkas and mangal sutra ... and she looked gorgeous! Her dance moves too, were sweet and perky, never vulgar ... she played the sweet loving wife manaoing her rootha hua husband to perfection, a blend of mischief, love and hidden sensuality. Very well choreographed ...
The ambience was beautiful too ... roof top gazebo, all green and white ... very tasteful and classy ... nothing tacky or garish. CV's have to be applauded for that.
And Anuj was good support ... he was not required to be more than that. Plus the guy can move ... thank God Sanaya finally has a co-actor who can dance.
DeleteThe rain sequence was superb, Sanaya was superb, Anuj did well too. Well done Team Chhanchhan. Dia, liked your edit. Makes me wonder how the makers who could not deliver good romance in the first two months are slowly conjuring such awesome scenes for the young couple. Not just yesterday even other post-marriage ChanMan scenes were well written and executed. Of course Anuj is a good actor, but directing and writing has changed. Sanaya proved she can create chemistry given a half way decent actor.
Dia, did you ever get a chance to see the Sonali Jaffar (our new story writer along with Vipul Shah) interview link I posted here? Quite an interesting insight into the mind of a daily soap writer.
Rest copying from IF here:
I enjoyed yesterday's episode - the comedy, romance and drama. The highlights for me are as follows:
1. Uma Ben's underestimation of ChanMan bond and love, and unlike other couples in that house this one communicates, shares, argues and makes up!
2. All others were in character- Mukut-Kaumudi distance in their relationship, Manek' s confusion, his and Rajnana' s romance less marriage shown even in the small scene when R steps out of bathroom and frustrated to see her husband fast asleep.
3. Uma Ben rubbing the salt in Ranjana' s wounds, the CC-Ranjana chasm is widening.
4. Comedy scenes were well done. No OTT and Rajnana bhabhi is a good actress.
-Uma
Uma,
DeleteI didn't get a chance to watch that interview .. could you please re-post if you have the link handy? I'd like to watch it.
I guess the writer and director of the show has changed, or rather they have gotten some more hands on board, who are better at this writing than the original team, which is more into light family drama. Also, I think because FK was such a disaster, they rushed through the romance, and now they can take more time on it, because the pair can deliver. Earlier, Sanaya was struggling alone.
Plus I think the guy was really not a decent fellow. Sanaya is never aloof with her costars, this is a first in so many years. Her body language in the off-screen segments was telling, and also the fact that they stopped doing any segments together at all. So another reason for putting romance on the back burner ... he was a creep and a pervert, and the PH and/or Sanaya, did not want to have those close scenes with him. Yuck ... poor girl, what an awful experience to go through!
The rest ... agree with you, especially the part about this couple communicating and actually talking things through. Seems like neither Umaben, nor any of her sons actually communicate much with their spouses. That might be where Umaben comes her next cropper. And more hints about the distance between Mukut and Kaumudi. Also agree about the comedy - well done, no OTT.
Just writing some thoughts which came to my mind...
ReplyDeleteDon't know how CC is shaping up for wider audience, but TRP seems to rule more than content for survival on the channel. Recently we have seen some good shows being pulled off. For me Chhanchhan doing better than when it started, has found some rhythm and with Anuj coming in the entire cast is promising. However, I feel the creatives need to start putting foundation for some other tracks to balance the saas-bahu saga and make it more a family drama. They need to identify and start highlighting what is that makes this show different from others. Dadaji or someone's entry needed to counterbalance Uma Ben's tyranny.
Whatever happened about the news of a new maid coming in to facilitate ChanMan's marriage? Dadaji did not come, the third wheel in ChanMan relation did not come yet, is the channel waiting for better TRP to bring in new people?
Srman is leaving the show, of course he got other offers, and he is not needed much right now, but hope they rope him in for some future tracks, the creatives need to weave other stories into UB-CC one. Glad he left the window open to come back.
Unrelated to CC...the IPK rerun news triggered this question...what do you think of Sanaya returning to Four Lions for her next show? Considering she does not like repeating the same genre wonder what she will do next...but I hope something very complex and which showcases her talent to the full extent. Hoping for some of that in Chhanchhan too.
-U
Uma,
DeleteWas out yesterday ... went for the IIFA - a very long trip it turned out! Will get back with my thoughts on this later today.
Hope you had fun Dia :) take your time...
Delete-U
Uma,
DeleteThe re-run of IPK triggered some thoughts in me too ...
First ... Chhanchhan. I also feel the show has picked up in terms of execution, not only because of Anuj's entry but also the writing and direction. This is the story the PH had envisaged, starting with the wedding, both Sanaya and Supriya said so. And slowly I can see what they are getting at. I always felt this was Sony's answer to DABH ... I think indeed it was planned roughly this way.
DABH also deals with an educated bahu dealing with conservative in-laws, and her husband supporting her in her dreams. It degenerated into regular saas bahu fare, where Sandhya after two years is still trying to prove to her MIL, that an educated girl can still be a good bahu. However, in the process I don't see much change in Bhabho or the family - I may be wrong, because I don't watch the show, but the promos are still all about Bhabho putting Sandhya through one test after the other, and Sandhya proving again and again that she is a good bahu.
In Chhanchhan, the premise seems to be somewhat similar. Of course, early days yet ... but earlier we thought that a modern bahu will upturn all the customs the first day ... here we see a modern girl is still trying to make adjustments in her new home ... the difference I see in CC, as compared to DABH, is that in three days CC has already made it clear about things she does not like or is not comfortable with. Like wearing sarees, taking help in cooking ... and of course, voicing her disapproval about men not helping to clear up, bahus eating last ...
Now how will that translate into TRP terms remains to be seen. TRP aunties will appreciate that CC is polite, respectful and not outrightly dissing everything, including wearing sarees ... and is trying her best. AND that it is so much nicer if in-laws appreciate their DIL's efforts, and also try to meet her halfway, the way Babuji did. So it's a lesson for the older generation as well, that everything a younger more modern girl does, is not wrong. And if she tries to adapt, they can adapt as well ... after all progress happens only when new ideas are allowed to take root. If everyone stuck to old customs rigidly, there would never be any progress ever.
So I would also like the focus to shift to family, rather than remain at saas bahu drama. But the initial write up on the Sony website was about this 30 day challenge, so obviously this is the first track they had planned. Once UB fails to throw out CC, then the focus will shift to the rest... which is "how CC deals with the dysfunctional family she has married into" - that is from the initial writeups too.
Srman's role in Adalat was already there even before CC started, so I think he signed on as a favour to the PH - he seems to be very thick with them. That's also why he was the spokesperson about FK! He may be in and out ... the brother's and sister's role has not been very well defined from the beginning, its the parents who have been more prominent. Rugved's disappearance can easily be explained by his profession, Srman doesn't have to be replaced. He can keep coming back for short spells, he has left that window open.
Did the new maid disappear because the wedding track was changed to facilitate the change of Manav? Also what about Dadaji? These two I have no answer for, esp Dadaji. Again, the actor is a stalwart of the PH, he may come here, he might be sent to SBS2 ... he might even do both if needed ... character actors can easily manage more than one role at the same time. Manorama mami did it in IPK, she was in a Zee show at the same time, and she was pretty prominent in IPK!
Regarding IPK re-runs ... I think it is a clear signal that Star recognises that none of its shows have anywhere near the same international appeal that IPK did. And the optimistic Sanaya fan in me hopes that this is also a sign that SP will wait for Sanaya (and maybe Barun) to be free and will take them on board again as soon as they are. Regarding Sanaya, I am pretty sure about it ... she is on excellent terms with SP, she was on Welcome right after IPK ended, and chief guest on Masterchef the very day CC started on Sony, which never happens with Star ... they are very firm about their actors being exclusive on their channels.
DeleteAlso Sanaya is an excellent ambassador for Star and they know it. None of their other stars are anywhere near as confident, articulate or intelligent enough to hold the attention of an international audience.
And if Barun's movies fail, then with the re-run he gets back in the public eye for the TV audience ... so it's good for him, it recreates the SaRun brand, if SP is seriously contemplating an IPK2. If he succeeds in BW, then of course SP will take Sanaya with another actor. But about Sanaya I am pretty much certain ... SP definitely wants her back. And they also probably want another international love story of the type IPK was, as it succeeded so well for their international audience. Re-runs of IPK on the international LifeOk means (to me) that SP is very aware of this, and wants to keep the memories alive till such time they can get another similar show on air.
4 Lions will take Sanaya back in a heartbeat ... they offered her their very next show when IPK ended ... it never worked out. I just hope they don't do a fourth version of bubbly girl and angsty tycoon - 3 are more than enough, and with QH, Gul has managed, or will manage, to complete her story. So hopefully she will move on to something different ... like we've been saying on IF, a role reversal, a female tycoon and a carefree playboy, or even a marital conflict ... would love to see Sanaya in such roles with complex emotions - she will ace those.
Dia, I was thinking along the same lines...you've put it very well.
DeleteAfter seeing this show and glimpses of others, I have to say, Gul has one of the best technical teams in TV industry right now and 4 Lions really do emotional scenes well (but credit should be given to Team Chhanchhan for some of the ChanMan scenes and rain dance). Agree with you that if they take Sanaya in their next show it should be a different kind of love story and by now they are aware of Sanaya's calibre and so should go with something challenging.
Found this article on Twitter, so sharing with you, how much we can trust the sources I don't know but gives a glimpse of what Star Plus is thinking. True, SP has not found such a popular jodi or show after IPK. I think they are waiting to see how they can get Sanaya and Barun back.
http://www.planetsanaya.org/2013/06/iss-pyar-ko-kya-naam-doon-may-return-in-february-2014.html
Raman Singh, head of SP international operations, tweeted that he stuck out his neck to facilitate the reruns of IPK, they are waiting to see if IPK increases international ratings of Life OK. If the above article is to be believed then they are also trying to keep the Sarun brand alive till end of 2014/ beginning of 2015, by that time Sanaya and Barun's plans will be known. Sanaya for sure will be wooed by them for a show or some stint in SP, her popularity with international audience is undeniable. With rumours of Saraswatichandra being under scanner further shows that SP still does not have a drama that found the connect that IPK did.
Coming to Chhanchhan I agree with you again, the actual story was always after marriage of ChanMan, everything before that was a filler, yet something which should have explained the UB and CC differences better, the part creatives messed up. I feel they should make this into a family saga then just a saas and bahu story, though these two could be the main protagonists, there are enough stories in Borisagar family for that.
Right now from the hints we are getting, I think, the creatives are focusing on ChanMan relationship and its challenges. The reasoning may be two fold for this- the positive response to this jodi and trying to establish the love and longing of ChanMan for each other to make sense of why Chhanchhan would put herself through the wringer for the sake of her husband and his family. She is a "modern" woman so would not subscribe to "mera pati mera devata" ideology despite all humiliation, so it has to be matters of the heart which makes her go through hell and back to save her relationship with Manav. I don't know if I am overthinking this, but this what I think creatives are trying to do.
-U
Uma,
DeleteRegarding IPKKND, interesting ... I did not know that Rajan Singh went out on a limb for IPK re-run ... he is the head honcho for Star International ... the same guy who accompanied Sanaya in UK and US? He was definitely very fond of her. Plus he has seen for himself the response to Sarun and to other Star Plus actors when they tour.
That article made an interesting read ... if any part of it is true, then SP has definitely realised the potential of another good love story for their international audience. Feb 2014 is too early ... I would think late 2014-early 2015 is what they would aim at. By which time not only would CC have wound up, but also QH ... And Barun's plans will also be more clear.
I think they will entrust this new baby only to Gul. They will check how this re-run affects their international LifeOK subscriptions and take a call. And Sanaya being committed to TV, as well already a well known face with the international audience, her return is almost certain. They do have more pairs after SaRun, like Adi-Pankhuri, Jenny-Gautam, but none of them have generated the kind of following that SaRun did ... not even Nia-Kushal, who were both also quite popular.
Regarding Chhanchhan, again, agree with most of your points ... in fact, I was thinking almost exactly the same thing myself. One, the romance has been re-kindled post-marriage because the pre-marriage phase was rushed for various reasons ... and two, CC being the kind of girl she is, will not stay in a marriage and be a martyr and a self-sacrificing bhartiya nari, if she does not have her husband's support and love. Also her father will not let her ... he is very clear that he will not allow his daughter to be mistreated in any way. So the ChhanMan love has to be strong ... the understanding takes time to build up in any marriage, but the basic foundation has to be strong. And I also feel that is what the cv's are trying to do ... because unlike most bechari bahus on Indian TV, who are told they have to save their marriage come what may, here we have a father who will be only too ready to have his daughter back home if he gets even a whiff of trouble for her. His wife and mom have to keep calming him down! So CC has a very supportive family ... another good thing being shown ... and has to WANT to stay in the marriage only out of love for Manav.
DeleteBut I also now want it to be more a family drama, with a shift to the brothers and their marriages, and how Umaben's old-fashioned thinking has kept the family together at least outwardly, but in reality, every member of the family is unhappy or dissatisfied in some way. And how in joint families a balance has to be struck between individual ambitions and dreams, and family unity.
One more point about SP wanting another IPK type love story back on air for their international audience ... the success of the Sanaya-Anuj chemistry is also another plus point for Sanaya ... proves to SP that she can make a good pair with any decent good-looking actor.
DeleteSo if Barun succeeds in BW, or decides not to return to TV for whatever reasons, even that is not a stumbling block for a new season of IPK ... by then, the Sanuj chemistry will be even more accepted than it is now, because Manav as a character is well-written and very likeable. As it is, you have Gautam Hegde tweeting about pairing Sanaya with Karan Wahi, people want to see her with KSG ... she will have no shortage of heroes - if Barun is not available, that is.