Web Series Review: Effort is strong, but this ‘Zindaginama’ is not effective.

Mental health has been a taboo in our society for a long time. However, since last few years people have started talking openly about it. The anthology series ‘Zindaginama’, released on World Mental Health Day (10 October), is a strong step towards awareness towards mental health. This series is a bouquet of six stories of 35-40 minutes each, which draws people’s attention towards different mental problems like eating disorders, gaming addiction, schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, gender dysphoria.

Trailer of ‘Zindaginama’

‘Zindaginama’ web series review

‘Swagatam’, directed by Sukriti Tyagi and starring Shreyas Talpade and Anjali Patil in the lead roles, depicts the fears of a person suffering from schizophrenia, the struggle of his/her loved ones and the apathy of the society towards him/her. At the same time, Prajakta Koli, Lillete Dubey, Yashaswini Dayama starrer ‘One Plus One’ shows how a comment made about a girl’s weight can have a deep impact on her mind. Directed by Meetakshara Kumar, this story tells the story of a girl struggling with an eating disorder, in which the relationship between two sisters has been beautifully woven.

Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the story ‘Bhanwar’ starring Priya Bapat and Shweta Prasad Basu in the lead role, along with creating awareness about PTSD i.e. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also strongly raises the issue of gender discrimination that is still prevalent in many areas. This is the most effective story of the series, in which Shweta Prasad Basu’s acting also deserves praise.

‘Caged’, directed by Danny Mamik and Sahan Hattangadi, touches on topics like LGBTQ and gender dysphoria. Sumit Vyas and Mohammad Samad have acted well in this. Tanmay Dhanania and Shruti Seth starrer ‘Purple Duniya’ cautions against contemporary mental issues like gaming addiction. Whereas, ‘The Daily Puppet Show’, directed by Rakhi Shandilya and written by Malika Kumar, is about OCD (Obsessive Compulsion Disorder). This story breaks the common belief among people that OCD is only about cleanliness.

If seen, the objective of the series is very noble and the subject matter is very sensitive. These stories emphasize on the support of loved ones and timely treatment for people struggling with mental health, but only one out of six stories is able to impress at the level of making. There is a lack of depth in the presentation of most of the stories, due to which they are not able to keep people engaged.

Despite the excellent acting of Shreyas Talpade and Anjali Patil, ‘Swagatam’ seems shallow, while ‘Purple Duniya’, based on a timely and interesting subject like gaming addiction, becomes meaningless due to the dull and meandering screenplay. Similarly, ‘One Plus One’ also feels empty despite a great message and a strong performance by Yashaswini.

Looking at this series, it seems that the makers just want to touch the issue and get away with it. Nevertheless, the series sincerely serves its purpose of spreading awareness about mental health, hence, can be watched if there is interest in the subject.

Why watch- For awareness about mental health.