web series: ETV Win introduces the web series 90’s featuring Shivaji, Mouli, and Vasuki in leading roles, directed by Aditya Haasan. This family drama unfolds in Wanaparthy, centered around Chandra Sekhar (Shivaji), a government teacher, his wife Rani (Vasuki), a homemaker, and their three children: Raghu Teja (Mouli), Divya (Vasanthika), and Aditya (Rohan). The series captures the highs and lows of a middle-class family’s life, particularly Sekhar’s strict approach to his children’s education.
Synopsis:
Set against the backdrop of Wanaparthy, “90’s” delves into the life of Chandra Sekhar and his middle-class family. The narrative explores the challenges faced by the children, the stringent educational expectations imposed by Sekhar, and the emotional rollercoaster inherent in a middle-class household.
Highlights:
“90’s” stands out for its universal appeal, resonating with both youth and family audiences. The series taps into the nostalgia of school memories, offering a trip down memory lane. Unlike conventional cinematic experiences, “90’s” keeps it authentic, portraying simple and endearing moments from daily life.
The series captures relatable scenes, such as expecting money from relatives, experiencing first love in school, sneaking in TV shows when parents aren’t around, and playfully scolding mothers for repetitive cooking. Director Aditya Haasan presents these moments in an engaging and heartwarming manner, maintaining a consistent blend of fun and emotions.
The performances are commendable, with Shivaji portraying the head of a middle-class family with precision. Vasuki convincingly embodies the role of a homemaker. Mouli, Vasanthika, and Rohan steal the show with their portrayal of siblings, breathing life into their characters. Snehal Kamat leaves a lasting impression with her performance.
Drawbacks:
While the series excels in portraying daily life moments, the third episode’s handling of private school education feels somewhat lacking. At times, the pacing slows down, and certain scenes may appear repetitive.
“90’s” lacks a complex narrative, making it somewhat predictable. Trimming down certain sequences could have enhanced the overall impact of the series.
Technical Aspects:
Suresh Bobbili’s music contributes to the series’ lighter tone, complementing the narrative well. Azeem Mohammad’s cinematography is noteworthy, capturing the essence of the story effectively. The production values are apt, and the editing, though decent, could benefit from some trimming.
Director Aditya Hasan deserves applause for delivering a clean family entertainer that pays tribute to 90’s kids and their parents. Despite occasional pacing issues, the series successfully strikes a chord with family audiences.
Verdict:
“90’s” emerges as a delightful family entertainer, evoking nostalgia with its relatable moments. As a middle-class biopic, the series, featuring strong performances from Shivaji, Vasuki, Mouli, Vasanthika, and Rohan, delivers a heartwarming narrative. While pacing may dip in the mid portions, and the length could be trimmed, “90’s” is a recommended watch, offering a pleasant weekend viewing experience.