I happened to catch the latest Netflix streaming thriller show, The Fame Game, starring none other than Madhuri Dixit and thought it would make a nice addition to my Netflix reviews. I have to admit I binge watched the whole show in one night. At 8 episodes of around 30 minutes each, I was thoroughly entertained throughout. What follows is my tv review of the same.
At the start I have to admit I was hate watching it a bit- what with all the Bollywood tropes coming to life. Petulant star kids, affairs, ageism- the show has all that and more. Post the first two episodes however, I was watching more out of the sheer interest in the layers peeling off Anamika (Madhuri Dixit’s) and her perfect life.
The story revolves around superstar Anamika Khanna going missing one night. In the investigations that follow we find out well, everyone had a motive. Her ideal life being anything but. Produced by Karan Johar, this gripping show makes you realize more than finding Anamika, the viewer needs to find out who is Anamika.
Without further ado, here’s why you need to binge this next:
1. The acting: For many watching Madhuri on screen again will prove to be a dream come true. She blurs the line of reel and real with her storyline as an aging actress making a comeback. The clips from her actual films help to add to the authenticity. The screen legend looks stunning and reminds us why she is so beloved- you can’t stop watching her when she is onscreen. Her portrayal of Anamika is riveting- her picture-perfect personality coming undone the more we watch.
Smiles do not a marriage make
Sanjay Kapoor seems to be born for his role as the slimy husband who lives off his movie star wife. In his villainous avatar you can’t help but shout on the screen for Madhuri to be careful whenever he’s around- the aura of sinister he emanates is truly palpable.
Madhuri’s kids on the show- take star kid to the next level
Madhuri’s star kids are portrayed by and respectively and both showcase hidden depths the more episodes you watch. Her son, Avi (Lakshvir Saran), who harbours his own secrets, is the only character in this show who seems to have a clean heart. Her daughter, Amara (Muskkaan Jaferi), the meek girl living in the shadow of her superstar mother, has some surprising character development and pulls it off with aplomb.
These two have a little thing called chemistry going on
Madhuri’s soulmate and her one that got away is portrayed with elegance by Manav Kaul. Battling his own mental demons, this actor manages to essay a melodramatic role with ease. He also makes us root for him and Madhuri to end up together.
Special mention to Suhasini Mulay who plays Madhuri’s dictator of a mother, Madhav (Gagan Arora) who plays her psychotic fan and Hari Lal (Makarand Deshpande) who plays a film poster painter on the lines of MF Hussain.
Creepy gets a new name with this stalker
2. The score: Andrew Orkin and Harini Raghavan’s score is truly moving and at the same time can be quite sinister in places. Double thumbs up to it!
3. The twists (especially the final one!): I love a show with twists and while I was more focused on the parts which showed Anamika’s past- and not that concerned about her whereabouts in the here and now, this show has twists aplenty. While some, like her son’s secret and who kidnapped her, I solved pretty easily some I did not see coming. The ending is heart wrenching, reminiscent of the show Cruel Summer, but impactful nonetheless. None of the characters, barring the son, seem to be truly good, so it’s hard to hate any one of them or love them fully but this show delivers on the surprises.
What I loved:
The nostalgia factor
The acting
The score
The story by Sri Rao
The twists!
This burn is love
What could be better:
Less reliance on tropes
A bit more backstory on the crazy fan
For fans of shows/movies like:The Great Indian Murder/ Cruel Summer/ Gone Girl
For more tv and Netflix reviews click here and here
You have given a nice gist of the series. It was a gripping series but Madhutri really looked jaded. What happened to Madhav in the end? Why show three gay couples in a single series? I feel it could have been better.
I watched it last weekend n except the ending I liked everything… i am not a madhuri fan but I watched it for Manav Kaul. the twist in the ending was too much for me to digest and moreover i like proper endings, not the ones u r left with guessing. Having said that, I love your review, how uv written it. It encompass everything one needs to know before watching yet doesn’t give away much of the thrill.
I am still watching it on episode 7 and so far I have loved it. The acting and casting is perfect and Madhuri looks so beautiful always an eternal beauty. I loved the characters played by her children and of course Manav is also so enticing in his character.
Finished watching the series last night and I’m still reeling from the ending. I quite liked it, specially Madhuri and Manav. Your review is such an honest one.
I’m an 80s kid and have grown up watching Madhuri’s performances. This role is something she’s never played before and seems perfect for her caliber. Good review!
I also binge watched the series yesterday and liked it, though I felt the last episode was a last minute attempt to bring in the Gone Girl angle. The ending also left me a bit confused, hoping to see more explanation in the next season about the daughter and how life goes on for Anamika without Manish as he was a very key part of the story.
I have always felt Sanjay Kapoor never got his due in the past and hope this opens more doors for him. Great review!
I am a Madhuri Dixit Fan, so it’s in my to watch list. Now after reading your review I am suely gonna watch it soon for sure. Thank you for the detailed review.
I haven’t watched it yet and wasn’t really planning to but I seem to be having a change of heart after reading your post. Plus, I’m sure actors like Madhuri and Sanjay Kapoor will be worth the watch!
Thank you for the review. On my watchlist because of Madhuri, will surely check it, as it sounds like a good series.
Thanks 🙂 hope you enjoy it
You have given a nice gist of the series. It was a gripping series but Madhutri really looked jaded. What happened to Madhav in the end? Why show three gay couples in a single series? I feel it could have been better.
The series has definitely picked up to viewers because of Madhuri’s comeback. Thanx for the review to what to expect from it
I watched it last weekend n except the ending I liked everything… i am not a madhuri fan but I watched it for Manav Kaul. the twist in the ending was too much for me to digest and moreover i like proper endings, not the ones u r left with guessing. Having said that, I love your review, how uv written it. It encompass everything one needs to know before watching yet doesn’t give away much of the thrill.
I haven’t watched the series yet but it seems to be a decent one. I really liked how you reviewed the show without giving away any spoilers.
Glad to know the positive feedback. As I am planning to watch this weekend. Knowing about star’s real life looks quite fascinating.
Thanks for the review. Sounds so good. And watch it because of Madhuri.
I will come back to this post when I have finished watching the series 😀
Hahaha sure and let me know what you think
I mist admit when its Madhuri, Dil does dhak dhak. Sound wierd from a female but her acting is simply good. Thanks for this 1.
I am still watching it on episode 7 and so far I have loved it. The acting and casting is perfect and Madhuri looks so beautiful always an eternal beauty. I loved the characters played by her children and of course Manav is also so enticing in his character.
True it’s a very entertaining watch
I have been reading mixed reviews about the show but your review is tempting me to give it a watch. Let’s see how it goes.
Finished watching the series last night and I’m still reeling from the ending. I quite liked it, specially Madhuri and Manav. Your review is such an honest one.
I’m an 80s kid and have grown up watching Madhuri’s performances. This role is something she’s never played before and seems perfect for her caliber. Good review!
Thanks so much 🙂
Loved watching Madhuri. Always lights up the screen with her presence and acting prowess. You said everything I have in mind for this show.
Totally agree with your review. Madhuri’s acting is superb. Thinking about if they’re planning for sequel.
I also binge watched the series yesterday and liked it, though I felt the last episode was a last minute attempt to bring in the Gone Girl angle. The ending also left me a bit confused, hoping to see more explanation in the next season about the daughter and how life goes on for Anamika without Manish as he was a very key part of the story.
I have always felt Sanjay Kapoor never got his due in the past and hope this opens more doors for him. Great review!
Too true, I am keen to see how the story plays out in season 2
I am a Madhuri Dixit Fan, so it’s in my to watch list. Now after reading your review I am suely gonna watch it soon for sure. Thank you for the detailed review.
Sure , hope you like it
I haven’t yet watched it as I wasn’t sure. But your review looks good so I would try.
Thanks! Hope you like it
I haven’t watched it yet and wasn’t really planning to but I seem to be having a change of heart after reading your post. Plus, I’m sure actors like Madhuri and Sanjay Kapoor will be worth the watch!
Thanks so much!
I have seen the trailers and Madhuri was looking wonderful in that. Your detailed review pushing me to switch on my TV for GameFame.
Hahaha thanks !
Ah I have been a Madhuri Dixit fan since my childhood. I want to watch it as a fan. The plot sounds interesting.
I am surely gonna watch it. As I’m a big fan of Madguri ji
thanks for this! will check it out soon
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I still haven’t watched it but I’m glad you didn’t give too much away, yet had me intrigued!, Hopefully soon!