When adversity strikes, it's natural to react, but for journalists or actors, once the camera is on, they must set aside personal turmoil and focus on delivering their best performance. This dichotomy between personal struggles and professional obligations was beautifully depicted in the latest season of "The Broken News." The first season of this show was well-received, showcasing the chaos within a newsroom, the cut-throat competition between channels, and the blurred lines between truth and sensationalism. But does the second season live up to its predecessor? Let's find out.
Story
The first season followed the story of Radha Bhargav (Shriya Pilgaonkar), who raised her voice against Operation Umbrella and ended up in jail. Now, the second season picks up from there, with Radha behind bars for a month, while outside, Aawaz Bharti and Josh 24*7 are engaged in a relentless battle to uphold their respective truths. Meanwhile, Deepankar Sanyal (Jaideep Ahlawat) continues to target Radha relentlessly. However, the narrative takes a fascinating turn as it explores how Radha's perspective changes upon her release, the dynamics between Radha and Ameena (Sonali Bendre), and the emergence of new competition within Josh 24/7. This season takes the story in a fresh direction, offering a compelling portrayal of the journalistic field.
How is the series
While many shows often struggle to maintain the impact of their first season in subsequent installments, "The Broken News" Season 2 manages to captivate with its unique angle on journalism, delving into the nuances between right and wrong. Those who have watched the first season will appreciate the depth of the second season's narrative. However, even for those new to the series, it's worth a watch. The depiction of the ethical dilemmas, government interference at a higher level, deception, and various angles in this battle of truth vs. falsehood is gripping. The story gets slow after the first three episodes, and then picks up momentum from the fifth episode, keeping viewers engaged until the climactic end.
Acting
Sonali Bendre delivers an outstanding performance, surpassing her previous work in the series. She truly embodies the character of Ameena Qureshi, showcasing a hunger to portray the truth under any circumstances. On the other hand, Deepankar Sanyal, portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat, appears even more formidable than before, demonstrating his versatility whether playing the role of Hathi Ram from Patal Lok or Deepankar Sanyal. However, it's Shriya Pilgaonkar as Radha who steals the spotlight this time. Whether it's standing up to her boss Ameena in public or risking her life for Ameena's sake, Shreya shines in every scene. Overall, the entire cast delivers stellar performances, bringing their respective roles to life with finesse.
Direction and Editing
Like the first season, Vinay Waikul's direction in this season is commendable. He skillfully portrays the cold War within the newsroom and the high-stakes media house operations, making viewers feel like a part of the media house itself. The narrative might seem repetitive at times, especially during the ongoing cold war between Radha and Ameena, but this is more of a writing issue than a directorial one. Nevertheless, the editing and production quality remain top-notch throughout.
For those interested in journalism, 'The Broken News' Season 2 offers a fascinating insight into the truth behind the headlines. Moreover, the stellar acting performances make it a worthwhile watch for all audiences. With its gripping twists and turns, "The Broken News" Season 2 is definitely binge-worthy.