Has there ever been a show that makes you question the very essence of existence while making you laugh out loud at the absurdity of life? 'Afsos', a quirky Indian web series, does just that. This show, created by Anubhuti Kashyap, Dibya Chatterjee, and Sourav Ghosh, with the ever-talented Gulshan Devaiah leading the cast, released on Amazon Prime Video in 2020, cleverly blends dark humor with existential musings.
The story orbits the life of Nakul, played by Devaiah, who is ridden with a persistent death wish yet finds the courage to seek life even while hiring a hitman to finish the job of ending it all. It's set against the vibrant yet cynical backdrop of Mumbai, a city as alive as the paradoxes of our hero. The series is peculiar, driven by its excellent storytelling and an ensemble that delivers nuanced performances with perfect comic timing. It's hard to box 'Afsos' into one genre; it's a knot of black comedy, thriller, and philosophical contemplation.
Underneath its comedic exterior, 'Afsos' questions what makes life worth clinging onto amid moments of despair. It lays bare the mental health struggles that many face in silence. The creators deal with depression and suicidal inclinations in a raw, real way that doesn't glorify or trivialize them. There's a bittersweet honesty in Nakul's journey – a mirror unto our own sometimes messy lives, and a reminder that no feeling is final.
Some might argue that the show is reckless in its treatment of such sensitive topics and does not offer proper resolutions to mental health challenges. Yes, the balance of humor with tragedy can be troublesome for some, and it might come across as reductive for those seeking a more serious discourse. However, often the best way to discuss challenging topics is with the kind of sharp humor 'Afsos' provides, mitigating the discomfort while bringing about crucial conversations.
The show brings an interesting take on life and death, something Gen Z can relate to given the often overwhelming nature of the world today. Nakul's struggles are not alien to a generation that regularly faces uncertainty about the future and bears the brunt of global crises and societal expectations. The approach to life’s inevitabilities, framed within a comedic storyline, offers a coping mechanism — a way to laugh at things we can't control.
The colorful narrative is intertwined with a peculiar plot twist – a mystical pill that grants immortality, which spurs a wild chase involving an assassin with a conscience, a fake guru, and a diligent cop. Each character adds a layer of intrigue and emotion, bearing their own existential burdens and searching for meaning or, at the very least, a meaningful distraction. These intersecting lives, painted in humor and pathos, make 'Afsos' not just to be watched, but to be contemplated for its deeper truths.
On its surface, 'Afsos' could be seen as an absurd tale, yet it's that very absurdity that mirrors our own experiences. It’s authentic in its embrace of contradictions — while we plan our lives to the last detail, randomness often abandons our best-laid plans, demanding of us adaptability and resilience. 'Afsos' understands this and excels in persuading its viewers that sometimes, it’s okay to just let life unravel at its own pace.
Critically acclaimed, 'Afsos' embodies the notion that sometimes errors in our lives are not meant to be eradicated but lived. Each character reflects a form of penance and hope, embodying the light and shadows of our existence. The series doesn’t shy away from showing that life doesn’t always give fairytale endings, yet the journey is always worth the laughter and bewilderment along the way.
For all the liberals out there, it’s invigorating to see content like 'Afsos' breaking conventional storytelling and challenging societal norms. It upends the expectation that difficult subjects can only be told through somber narratives. Instead, it proposes that understanding can come through laughter and absurdity as much as from stoic reflection.
For those who are yet to watch, 'Afsos' offers a binge-worthy experience that broadens perspectives on life's chaotic journey. It represents diverse thinking, a liberal approach to storytelling that Gen Z appreciates for its courage to interrogate pressing issues sans traditional filters. The show isn't just about Nakul’s search for release but about everyone’s quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. Its articulation of life lessons interwoven with humor makes it uniquely touching and eminently rewatchable.