Serial scan: 'Dil Se Di Dua... Saubhagyavati Bhava'

Show: Dil Se Di Dua... Saubhagyavati Bhava
Channel: Life Ok
Time: Mon-Sunday, 10 pm
Rating: ***

A direct rip-off of two films Agneesakshi and Daraar, the show revolves around the lead protagonist Janvi (Sriti Jha) being tortured by an abusive husband Viraj (Karanvir Bohra), who goes through great lengths to instill fear in his new wife, including locking her up in a room full of cockroaches. For the world, Viraj is nothing less than a perfect husband and this over-possessive side of Viraj is only known to Janvi, who silently bears his cruel behaviour in fear for her family’s life. But soon things get out of hand, and Janvi finally manages to escape when the car she is traveling in with her mom-in-law meets with an accident. Viraj believes that it was Janvi who died in the accident, giving her a chance to begin a new life.

No doubt that the cruelty shown in the film can be very disturbing, and the situations seem over the top to a great extent, but the strong performances of the lead actors Karanvir and Janvi make it a compelling watch. While Karanvir’s maniacal act actually manages to give one goose flesh, Janvi’s vulnerability that she projects make her quite endearing. Together they keep the audience’s interest alive. On the downside, Janvi’s character fails to inspire or encourage women to speak up against the issue that the show claims to tackle. Instead of showing her to start fighting for her rights, the show chooses to instead go the filmi way where she’s opting for a new life. Overall, the show is a family bonder, and entertaining and the actors impressive, but you do find yourself wishing that it would send out a stronger message to women to speak up, than just glamourise violence.