With a strong cast and engaging storyline, the new season of ‘Taaza Khabar’ is a must-watch, says Abhi Singhal

Maintaining high standards in the second season is a challenge but ‘Taaza Khabar’ continues to shine with its new season. This web series emphasises how greed can destroy lives, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Directed by Himank Gaur, the new season retains the stellar cast from Season 1, including Bhuvan Bam as Vasant Gawde, Shriya Pilgaonkar as Madhu, Deven Bhojani as Mehboob, and Prathamesh Parab as Raja Chaturvedi. A notable addition this season is Javed Jaffrey, who plays the character of Yusuf Akhtar.

Released on Disney Plus Hotstar, the series offers a beautifully crafted storyline, continuing to revolve around Vasant Gawde (Bhuvan Bam) and his boon, ‘Taaza Khabar.’ The first three episodes are gripping, portraying Vasant’s efforts to free himself from the crushing debt on his shoulders. Although the series is primarily a comedy and thriller, it connects on a deeper, emotional level by exploring themes of right and wrong. The mix of genres adds depth, keeping the audience invested throughout.

In the world of filmmaking, both a strong script and excellent acting can make or break a series, and ‘Taaza Khabar’ excels in both the departments. The characters truly outdo themselves this season. Bhuvan Bam shines as Vasant, improving even further from the first season with his impeccable comedic timing and reactions.

Javed Jaffrey, known for his comedic roles, plays the antagonist this time. His portrayal of a villain driven by malevolence, political power, and money brings intensity to the show. Shilpa Shukla’s character Aapa perfectly complements Jaffrey’s dark, twisted role. The addition of Jaffrey’s character brings much-needed energy to the new six-episode arc.

Shriya Pilgaonkar (Madhu), Vasant’s love interest, has fewer scenes this season, but her presence is felt at key moments. Prathamesh Parab’s portrayal of Raja, Vasant’s loyal friend, is heartwarming and crucial to the emotional core of the show.

The witty dialogues, penned by Abbas Dalal and Hussain Dalal, add layers to the characters and elevate the humour in the series. The use of foul language, reflective of the protagonist’s world, adds authenticity to the setting.

However, the flashbacks intended to give depth to the characters feel dull and add very little to the overall plot. These moments do not significantly enhance our understanding of Vasant's mental processes or the reasons behind his choices. Despite this, the overarching narrative is a reality check for the modern world, showing the rise and fall of Vasant, whose boon quickly turns into a curse, alienating him from his loved ones, including Madhu and his parents.

The music in ‘Taaza Khabar’ perfectly complements the scenes, with songs like ‘Kaun Hai’ by Faridkot, Rajarshi Sanyal, and IP Singh, and ‘Hoke Majboor’ by Mohan Kannan, Akshay, and IP Singh, adding emotional depth. The Baba theme and Kathak theme further enhance the storytelling, giving the audience a rich auditory experience.

Overall, ‘Taaza Khabar’ is a must-watch. Its engaging scenes and witty dialogues keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next. While the show hints at a potential third season, an official confirmation would only add to the growing excitement among its fanbase.

‘Rating: 4/5’