Bobby Deol as Baba Nirala steals the show

A stunning achievement to portray the ‘not so good’ picture of powerful people who mishandle religion for their ulterior motives, Ashram delivers a beautiful yet brutally honest depiction of caste division in society.

The first scene of the web-series helmed by Prakash Jha opens with a young girl brutally hitting her hostel warden to flee, which creates doubts in the mind of viewers as the scene leaves a question mark over yearning for freedom. The story goes into flashback and we are introduced to a wrestling match between two girls, Savarna belonging from highclass society and Pammi from Dalit section. The match creates a fuss as it clearly portrays the indifference and biasness towards the Dalit girl. Then there›s a scene where the higher class society beat up a bunch of Dalit people just because they took a ‘Baaraat’ from their colony.

Director Prakash Jha has shown the caste oppression, wherein the lower class is always suppressed and looked down upon. Babaji (Bobby Deol) who is not a ‘godman’ but a ‘conman’ is now introduced to the audience. He essays the role of a calm and composed guru with a devoted set of disciples. Baba Nirala is a popular and wealthy guru who helps the needy. Guru is no God. Then again, there›s a flashback scene and we are introduced to a girl who is being brutally stabbed by four goons of Babaji and thrown in a jungle. The interesting twists and turnover of events are what makes this web-series gripping and worth watching.

The mystery behind the dialogue, “Once you come to the ashram, you can never go back” needs to be decoded. Also, sit back and relish the romantic chemistry between a head constable and a doctor. But the turnover of events without any signal is definitely eye catchy and builds up the interest.

The narration and theme are beautifully penned. The theme is strong and impactful. A binge-worthy series is incomplete without a stellar cast and power-packed performances. Bobby Deol is the centre of attraction as he plays Babaji and keeps the audience intrigued. Aditi Pohankar has done an excellent job as a small-town girl. Darshan Kumaar and Tushar Pandey have done complete justice to their roles.

Aashram is streaming on MXPlayer.