The saga of TVF’s “Aspirants” continues, with the highly-anticipated Season 2 taking viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions. While the first season received praise for its engaging narrative, it was not without its fair share of criticism.
Product placements occasionally disrupted the storytelling, but the show’s creators have returned with a second season, armed with the means to steer clear of such distractions. This time around, the narrative flows smoothly, even though its impact is somewhat sporadic.
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Familiar Faces, Yet Unfamiliar Territory
Season 2 reintroduces the beloved characters from the previous season. However, the story itself is peppered with jarring gaps that can be challenging to connect. The series maintains its memorable background score to mark pivotal transitions in the characters’ lives. Still, there are moments where the music falls short of saving certain scenes. This shortcoming can be attributed to the writing and editing, which prematurely propel scenes toward sentimentality, leaving them undercooked.
Despite these occasional hiccups, “Aspirants” remains a source of inspiration, albeit in a non-linear fashion. The narrative jumps back and forth between two distinct timelines. One follows Abhilash as he makes his final attempts at the Civil Services Exam, while the other depicts his life as the District Magistrate of Rampur, where he grapples with personal and professional challenges.
Abhilash and Sandeep: A Tumultuous Relationship
The cracks in Abhilash and Sandeep’s friendship begin to show. Sandeep Bhaiya, once a legendary figure in the realm of Old Rajender Nagar, had encountered Abhilash during their preparations for the exams. He had failed to achieve IAS status but had secured a state-level position as the Assistant Labour Commissioner.
Their hierarchical shift didn’t initially lead to significant problems, as mutual respect prevailed. However, a shift in social politics sets them at odds, with a businessman named Dayanidhi Joshi acting as the catalyst. Dayanidhi’s involvement in Red Giant Distillery presented a unique opportunity for Abhilash to implement ethanol-blended fuel policies. Simultaneously, Sandeep was approached by laborers who had been wronged by Dayanidhi. As Sandeep took action against Dayanidhi, Abhilash felt the pressure and, unfortunately, distanced himself from the laborers’ plight. This growing discord culminated in a labor strike, eventually leading to an inquiry into Sandeep’s intentions as a civil servant.
The ‘Tripod’ and Their Complex Pasts
While Abhilash faces the challenges of his new role, Guri and SK grapple with their own complex lives. Guri struggles with a tender application continuously rejected, putting his shoe company in jeopardy. SK, despite being the glue holding the group together, remains emotionally isolated. The events of five years ago still affect their interpersonal dynamics. Guri’s marriage to Abhilash’s ex-girlfriend, Dhairya, and SK’s unresolved feelings for Abhilash cast a shadow over their interactions.
The trio, affectionately known as the ‘Tripod,’ find themselves thrust back into their shared history. However, this reunion is precarious, and their dynamics will soon be tested as the Sandeep-Abhilash conflict looms.
Guri’s Tender and Abhilash’s Dilemma
Abhilash stumbles upon an anonymous note indicating corruption within the Fire Department, implicating improper safety standards in a tender allotment. Although this matter falls outside Abhilash’s jurisdiction, he delves into it and discovers that Guri’s company, ‘S2,’ is one of the contenders. Guri initially refuses to confirm if he sent the note but requests the tender allotment’s cancellation to avoid nepotism allegations. Guri’s product’s superior safety standards ultimately lead to him winning the tender, thanks in part to Abhilash’s initial inquiry.
Abhilash’s Secret and a New Relationship
Dhairya, now with Guri, senses Abhilash’s loneliness and questions his romantic life. Abhilash, however, remains secretive about his current love interest, fueling speculation about his motives. Despite someone special in his life, Abhilash hesitates to move beyond his ‘aspirant’ identity. Nevertheless, Dhairya’s prodding prompts Abhilash to build a relationship with Deepa Nabam, a woman he once rejected. Their relationship faces challenges, especially with Abhilash’s unresolved feelings and the bumpy road ahead.
The Unraveling of Friendship
Sandeep’s promotion is put on hold due to the inquiry, leading to a growing divide between him and Abhilash. Both have their reasons for their actions, with Abhilash trying to protect Sandeep from allegations of emotional decision-making. The inquiry ultimately vindicates Sandeep, but the damage is done, as he questions Abhilash’s integrity.
Sandeep’s unwavering commitment to the workers, coupled with his belief in Abhilash’s collusion with Dayanidhi, taints Abhilash’s image. Season 2 ends with the workers promised an increment, moving Abhilash closer to fulfilling his dream of ethanol-blended fuel in Rampur. However, Sandeep raises an accusation that could jeopardize Abhilash’s career.
Season 3: The Brewing Storm
As Season 2 closes with serious allegations, it is evident that the conflict won’t be easily resolved. Sandeep’s accusation also implicates Guri and Dhairya. Whether this is mere speculation or a calculated move remains uncertain, but Sandeep’s certainty about the anonymous note’s sender raises questions.
The next season promises an escalation of the conflict. While the allegations may not be severe enough to cost Abhilash his job, they can undoubtedly derail his career. Guri, SK, and Dhairya will continue to grapple with their personal and professional challenges, playing a pivotal role in resolving the turmoil between Abhilash and Sandeep.
The tumultuous journey of “Aspirants” continues in Season 3, promising a dramatic and emotionally charged narrative that will test the bonds of friendship and the characters’ resilience.
