Name: It Happened In Calcutta
Cast: Karan Kundra (Ronobir Chatterjee), Naghma Rizwan (Kusum)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Ratings: 3.5 stars
Director: Ken Ghosh
Love is the nectar of life. You cannot live without love. Those who have not received love, dream of fantasy love stories. While others who are grateful for their love, tries to make it more special by spending time and planning surprises. For all the love birds, ZEE5 has brought you a beautiful periodic love saga, all set in ‘The City of Joy’ i.e., Kolkata.
It Happened in Calcutta is a web series that is presented by ALTBalaji. In the recent past, Ekta Kapoor announced the cast of the web series. While the male lead is the popular television face Karan Kundra, the female lead of the show would be played by a new face that is Naghma Rizwan. The period-drama premiered on February 29, 2020.
With an IMDb rating of 9 out 10, this ZEE5 Original romantic series has two ideas – first, it’s a story that managed to leave a mark during the times of war, epidemic and political unrest. The ’60s and ’70s were the time when India was rocked by the cataclysmic India-Pakistan war compiled with the helpless Cholera disease that killed many at that time.
Second, it’s a periodic love drama based in the era of ’60s and 70’s that not only created memories but also impacted history.
Story
It’s 1962 and the show’s protagonists Ronobir Chatterjee, Kusum Ganguly, and Ratan Bagchi have just joined Calcutta’s most revered medical school. The three are as different as chalk and cheese. Ronobir is not the one for commitment but knows how to win the heart of the women in college. Kusum is the normal geek – ambitious, firm about her objectives without the smallest trace of interruption – until Ronobir enters her reality. Ratan is keen on Kusum, in any case, to his mistake, is generally friend-zoned by the latter.
Kusum getting enchanted by Ronobir’s flamboyance and winds up falling head over heels in love with him. And afterward the inescapable occurs. She gets double-crossed and cheated and winds up losing confidence and faith in love. A heartbreak and 9 years later, when their paths cross again, sparks fly again, but will Kusum ever trust Ronobir again when he claims to be a changed man?
Performances
The performances are strong and commendable from Karan and Naghma and the duo gives their best to get the body language right when it comes to behaving and emoting as two people in love around the 60’s era. Kundra’s bell-bottoms and long hair, and Rizwan’s umbrella cut sleeves did little to add to the authenticity of the show. While Karan does his best to play the ‘baddie’, debutante Naghma’s screen presence will not make you feel that she is a newcomer. In an ideal world, Harmanjeet Singha (as Ratan Bagchi) deserved to have been the protagonist of the series. Though, there are some interesting layers in his character that the makers should explore for the next season.
Analysis
With regards to the period show, one summons pictures of excessive outfits and arrangements with over-the-top art directional sources inputs. Often, makers neglect to keep the harmony between expanded reality and reality however it appears as though the balance has been settled by Ken Ghosh.
The whole story manages how destiny and love can endure a shot because of strife in the general public, an adept impression of the present occasions. The background score is commendable and utilization of mesmerizing and calming Bengali tracks like ‘Ekla Cholo Re’ just add to the feature of the show. It acts as a metaphor for the show narrative. The creators tried to instill history with the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war, communism, Naxals, floods, and cholera.
Verdict
If you are looking for something periodic or little from mid-century, then watch ‘It Happened in Calcutta’ to get the perfect twist of history blending with love. You might just get reminded of the beautiful ‘Once Upon A Time in Mumbai’ when it comes to certain scenes.
This definitely sounds interesting! I didn’t know such a show has launched. Period dramas, if well done,are great entertainers. I am hoping this one will be a good watch over this weekend.
Love and history together, makes the plot intriguing Really sounds like a binge watch this weekend.
This looks like a great romantic watch. I will surely watch this plot sometime soon.
Naghma Rizwan is the sister of one of my friends… Really happy for her… I will definitely watch it!
It Happened in Calcutta looks a periodic drama to keep viewers engaged with an epic love story set. All of it is well-researched, and everything is chosen carefully and purposefully.
Perhaps I have to watch the Mumbai one first and then watch this one. I love series and movies set in the old days. Such elaborate dressing and unique hairstyles.
Anything that is related to Calcutta always fascinates me. Although I am not much into mushy love stories, the back drop of that turmoiled time shown in the city attracted me from the trailer.
Zee5 has come up with some great content these days, I am pretty sure this is a great series
I am watching this today as karan kundra is one of my favourite actor and I love his acting skills too.
I like Karan Kundra and have enjoyed watching him on television. Will check out this series on ZEE5.
i am really liking zee5 content these days. I will check this one out.
Wow, I would love to check on these series. Looks amazing. This series looks grand and gripping based on your review.
Going back in the era with the show It happened in Calcutta will be a great nostagic journey. Actor Karan is also looking charming in his looks, shall watch this one.
I haven’t seen this series yet , but the storyline sounds so interesting. Even the performances seems to be good. ZEE5 is bringing in some good shows.
What happened in Calcutta has all the right ingredients to inspire binge watching.Love and history set in Calcutta.
What a great storyline. I have heard a lot about that period in Kolkata from my mom. I’m so excited to watch. Thanks for sharing.
Hi thanks for sharing. Looks like an interesting show. I like period dramas.
This series is of the kind I love to watch thanks a lot for sharing about it
Have heard a lot abt this on zee5 sure I will be planning to watch it… Even the trailer and you ur review looks amazing…
What an interesting plot and storyline. Let me try to get my family and view it together during the 21 days lockdown
Wooo, what a plat. Definately adding to my watchlist for the lockdown period
Karan kundra is one of the promising face of TV industry and this series looking like a different and unique plot for him, to show case his talent. will watch this series for sure. thanks for sharing detail review.
It happened in Calcutta plot sounds intriguing, and performance in series is so entertaining. indeed a must watch
This sounds very interesting.. I will check out for sure.. thnks for sharing..
Thanks for the details I’m adding it in my watch list and tune it really soon.
I am really looking forward to watching this series. Karan Kamra is such a good actor, and the period setting will lend it’s own charm.
The trailer looks very good and engaging. I always liked shows in Calcutta settings. I think I will like this one too.
Thanks for the recommendation.
Will watch it to release the boredom. Also, liked the storyline.
Looks like a must watch. I am adding this to my watch list. Thanks for sharing the review with us
Looks like an interesting series. I like period dramas specially for understanding the old culture, society and other things.
i am still in conflict whether to watch this or not, the genre is not much of my interest but the plot and ratings says i should not miss this one.
I think I will watch a couple of episodes and decide on.
Really into romantic shows/books right now! Brings out the teenager in me!