Bandish Bandits Season 2 Review: A Soul-Stirring Melodious Masterpiece Rooted In Emotion

Last Updated:December 13, 2024, 01:22 IST

Bandish Bandits 2 Review: With its unforgettable characters and a stellar soundtrack blending Hindustani classical with contemporary styles, this season elevates the series to new artistic heights.

Masterfully helmed by Anand Tiwari and Amritpal Bindra, Bandish Bandits Season 2 delves into themes of love, legacy, and redemption while seamlessly balancing tradition and modernity.

Bandish Bandits Season 2 Review: Mesmerising, spellbinding, invigorating and utterly unparalleled—these are but a few of the myriad superlatives that scarcely capture the brilliance of the second season of Bandish Bandits, masterfully helmed by Anand Tiwari and Amritpal Bindra. A symphonic marvel, this season transcends mere entertainment, offering an exquisite blend of music that stirs the soul and a narrative wunderbar laden with themes of dreams, ambition, love, and resilience. Across its eight enthralling episodes, the series not only deepens the emotional resonance of its characters but also elevates the stakes, building upon the tension of the first season. The Rathod family’s precarious future, Radhe’s unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence, and Tamanna’s courageous journey of self-reinvention form the beating heart of this tale, while the nuanced exploration of both familiar and new characters adds a profound depth. Far from being confined to its central narrative, Bandish Bandits thrives as a celebration of human aspiration and the enduring power of music—a masterwork that stays with you long after the final note fades.

The new season begins three months after Radhe’s triumphant ascent as the Sangeet Samrat of Jodhpur. The shadow of loss looms over the Rathod family with the passing of Pandit Radhemohan Rathod (played with gravitas by Naseeruddin Shah). In the midst of their mourning, tradition calls: a Makar Sankranti gathering, a cherished family ritual. The scene opens with Radhe (Ritwik Bhowmik) and Mohini (Sheeba Chadha) leading a soulful musical session, joined by their kin in their humble courtyard. As “Yaahin Rahio Sa” in Raag Desh fills the air, a composition by the late Pandit Radhemohan Rathod, it becomes a poignant reminder of a legacy carefully tended and carried forward by those left behind.

The narrative shifts to the serene expanse of Kasoli, where The Royal Himalayan Music School nestles amidst lush, verdant hills. Here, Tamanna (Shreya Chaudhary) embarks on a new chapter, her presence in the classroom sparking murmurs of recognition from her peers. The air of curiosity is pierced by the smooth, intricate vocalizations of jazz scatting, heralding the entrance of Nandini (Divya Dutta). As Nandini takes the helm of the class, her mastery of western music sets the tone for a bold new journey. Amid this backdrop, Tamanna discovers an exciting opportunity—the Indian Band Championship (IBC), a prestigious national competition that promises to showcase the best of musical talent. Brimming with determination and eager to prove her mettle, she auditions for the college band, her ambitions reignited and her resilience shining through.

Back in Jodhpur, tensions simmer between Radhe and Digvijay Rathod (Atul Kulkarni), hinting at the storm to come. At a book launch honoring Pandit Radhemohan Rathod, the family faces a public reckoning as buried secrets surface, tarnishing Panditji’s legacy and casting disgrace upon the Rathod Gharana. Once revered, the family finds itself ostracized, even from the royal palace. With the Gharana at the brink of oblivion, Radhe and Mohini shoulder the responsibility of restoring its honor. Radhe journeys to Mumbai, joining a fusion band, Rage N Raga, as a way to breathe life into his grandfather’s compositions. Meanwhile, Mohini, silenced for years after Pandit Radhemohan suppressed her voice for outshining him, takes a bold step back into the limelight. With her husband Rajendra (Rajesh Tailang) standing by her despite his own insecurities, she chooses to perform alongside Digvijay Rathod, reclaiming her identity and her music.

As Devendra returns to the hustle of daily life, resigned to a future without the Gharana’s glory, the stage is set for Season 2 to unravel its rich narrative of drama and redemption. The story meticulously weaves its threads, bringing Radhe and Tamanna back into each other’s orbit—this time, under vastly altered circumstances. With themes of resilience, ambition, and reconciliation, the season promises a compelling symphony of emotion and artistry.

If Bandish Bandits Season 1 left you impressed, Season 2 is nothing short of a revelation. The depth with which the story and characters are explored elevates the series to a masterful new level. Unlike many OTT dramas where the spotlight rarely strays from the protagonists, this season ensures every character has their moment to shine, offering authenticity and nuance that resonate deeply. Take Mahi(played by Paresh Pahuja), the zitarist of Rage N Raga—initially cocky, flippant and irreverent, he emerges as a voice of pragmatism, challenging the rigid constructs of Hindustani Classical Music. A heated exchange between him and Radhe encapsulates this conflict: Mahi laments the inaccessibility of the art form, reserved for an elitist few and perpetuated by a self-congratulatory circle. His bold critique of the hypocrisy within this tradition—pitting purists against those with modern, progressive perspectives—is as thought-provoking as it is realistic. The series brims with such subtextual dialogues, seamlessly weaving profound social commentary into its narrative fabric.

The writing and pacing of the show further allow it to delve imaginatively into the patriarchal underpinnings of classical music. A particularly charged moment between Mohini and Digvijay encapsulates this theme. When Digvijay declares, “If I have to save this Gharana from you, I will do it,” Mohini’s anguished response, “You’ll save it from me? Gharana toh kabhi auraton ka tha hi nahi,” is both searing and revelatory, striking the viewer with its unvarnished truth.

This season also ventures into the thorny complexity of Radhe and Tamanna’s relationship. Their chemistry is palpable, their tension electric, and the inherent toxicity of their dynamic is not shied away from but confronted with brutal honesty. Without giving away spoilers, their story is shaped by more than just love and rivalry—it’s a reflection of personal evolution and the clashing ideals that define their paths.

A significant narrative thread is the Indian Band Championship (IBC), executed with skill and authenticity. Watching Radhe and his troupe, as well as Tamanna and her band, tackle every challenge is both engaging and insightful. The creative process behind their compositions—how they navigate diverse genres and transform raw ideas into polished performances—offers a realistic and captivating glimpse into collaborative artistry. The cinematography adds to this immersive experience, with sweeping wide-angle shots that evoke the grandeur of classic Coke Studio music videos.

At the heart of the series lies its music, and Season 2’s soundtrack is nothing short of extraordinary. The album boldly traverses the realms of Hindustani Classical and Western music, experimenting with style and genre to deliver an unparalleled auditory experience. From “Saavan Mohe Tarsaaye” in Raag Brindavani Sarang to “Sakhi Mori” in Raag Durga infused with hard rock, and “Araj” in Raag Yaman, the compositions blend tradition with innovation. Tracks like “Ghar Aa Mahi” in Raag Kausi Kanra, layered with pop sensibilities, and “Hichki 2.0,” merging Manganiyar folk tunes with jazz and cabaret, showcase the series’ sonic brilliance. Even “Bebaqiyaan,” steeped in 80s synthwave reminiscent of The Weeknd, reflects the diverse narrative threads. This season’s soundtrack doesn’t merely complement the story—it amplifies its themes, making it an unforgettable auditory journey.

On the acting front, every performer delivers a tour de force, elevating Bandish Bandits Season 2 into an unforgettable experience. Ritwik Bhowmik as Radhe commands the screen with a performance that is both restrained and electrifying. Whether portraying Radhe’s calm composure or moments of fiery ego and frustration, Bhowmik transitions seamlessly, embodying the emotional complexity of his character. Shreya Chaudhry as Tamanna brings a raw vulnerability to her role, her evocative expressions conveying a character eager to learn and grow. Her sensitive portrayal captures the essence of a team player grappling with ambition and self-discovery. Sheeba Chadha as Mohini is nothing short of extraordinary; her ability to convey pain, affection, and quiet resilience underscores her mastery as an actor. She delivers every scene with a depth that lingers long after the credits roll. Rajesh Tailang as Rajendra is equally remarkable, embodying his character’s insecurities and torment with precision. Through his silence, he speaks volumes, and in one pivotal performance, he steps into the limelight with unparalleled grace and power.

Divya Dutta’s addition as Nandini Singh is a standout. As a hard-nosed taskmaster with a tender, empathetic core, she crafts a character that feels layered and authentic. Kunaal Roy Kapur as Arghya injects much-needed levity into the otherwise intense narrative, his comic timing and steadfast loyalty to the Rathod Gharana providing moments of relief and depth. Atul Kulkarni as Digvijay Rathod offers a more textured interpretation of his character this season, particularly in his achingly complex dynamic with Mohini—an interplay of admiration and unrequited love that is both poignant and haunting. Yashaswini Dayama as Soumya, the lead singer of Tamanna’s band, is a revelation. She portrays her character’s struggles with eating disorder, body dysphoria and societal pressures with authenticity and sensitivity, offering a realistic lens into the challenges artists often face. Rohan Gurbaxani as Ayaan, a soft-spoken poet and keyboardist, is charming and layered, infusing the narrative with both humor and heartfelt sincerity. His budding romance with Tamanna adds an intriguing new dimension to the storyline.

Aaliyah Qureishi, aka Jhalli, as Ananya, is a brilliant addition to the ensemble. Her portrayal of a fiercely intelligent, analytically minded character who applies her passion for numbers to Hindustani Classical music is both refreshing and heartening. Her chemistry with Radhe is magnetic, adding vibrancy to the show. Arjun Rampal as Imroz Dehalvi is a soulful surprise, embodying a heartbroken poet with depth and charisma. Despite his sporadic appearances, his enigmatic presence casts a profound shadow over the narrative, leaving an indelible impression.

Saurabh Nayyar as Devendra seamlessly fills the void left by Amit Mistry, while Krishna Marathe as Sheela, Samad Khan as Vishal, Sanchi Mannotra as Nidhi, Karan Chitra Deshmukh as KCD, Rahul Kumar as Kabir, Anish Bhagat as Kingshuk, and Pawan Uttam as Prashant all deliver memorable performances that enrich the ensemble cast.

To sum it up, Bandish Bandits Season 2 is a melodious experience punctuated with the right mix of drama, romance, heartbreak, music, and an inevitable clash between traditional and modern points of view. It’s engaging from the first frame to the last and is filled with moments that will leave you with goosebumps and perhaps some tears in your eyes. Its emotionally mature content proves that we need more such series based around music and its varied nuances, and we need to step away for a little bit to explore stories that are not necessarily crime dramas, cop capers, or thrillers.