Show review: 'Satyamev Jayate 2'

Satyamev Jayate 2
Star Network
Sunday 11 am
Rating ***

After raising the ire of doctors, and shaking up governments by raising burning topics like medical malpractices and female infanticide, Aamir Khan is back with the second season of Satyamev Jayate. Going by the first two episodes, Aamir is on his way to opening another can of worms, albeit with a sensitive and humane touch. What is heartening is the way he brings in all sides of an issue and ends it on a hopeful note.

The first episode dealt with the rape and at the outset he made it clear that children below 12 years of age should be refrained from watching it. It began with the brutal Delhi gang rape and presented a few more such cases, each with a chilling ending. What emerged in every case was the apathy of the police and lackadaisical law system. One rape victim has been fighting for justice for 21 long years. "The perpetrator of the crime is free and living his life to the fullest, probably married, while I am waiting for justice. Even after so many years I am not able to move ahead in life because the case is pending," she said in anguish, as every woman in the studio and at home was moved to tears. Two other victims, one from the city and another from a village were brave enough to not only come to the studio but reveal their identities and talk about their determination to fight against the criminals. Also, the various women, one working for an NGO, an advocate, an activist talking about gender sensitisation, eradicating the social base against rape victims and helping them move ahead in life gave a ray of hope in the otherwise grim scenario.

The second episode dealt with the police force and for once it was not the predictable police bashing. Yes, it began with Aamir showing footage of greedy, corrupt cops showing their brutality. Like a person in the audience said police had now become goons! However, the episode delved into why police behave the way they do. Though you know that constables are paid pittance? It highlighted that they work crazy hours and highlighted their stark living and pathetic working conditions. No doubt cops have a thankless job but people who are at the receiving end of their brutality can hardly be expected to sympathise with them. However, the episode with top ranking officials elucidating their internal problems was enlightening. While a few officers are endeavouring to change the system politicians are thwarting them. As they said police is a sarkari dog answerable to the ruling party and not people!

Whether the show will help bring about a change or not remains to be seen but at least it is attempting to highlight issues, which is more than what we can say about the shows that other celebrities align themselves with!

Aamir as the host is engaging and sensitive. Most importantly, he lets his guests talk. He cuts in at the right time never overshadowing them. The only grouse is the length of the episode which can be cut down by 10-15 minutes. Also, the song at the end of the episode can be done away with leaving the audience to dwell on the points raised.