Episodic Analysis

P.O.W.- Bandi Yuddh Ke: A Show That Changed Indian TV

Very few TV shows actually have the capability to be remembered.

7th November, 2016 aired a new show on Star Plus-P.O.W. Bandi Yuddh ke; A show that changed my perspective towards Indian Television.

I had already seen the trailer of this show before. I was excited but scared of the fact that will the Indian TV audience, who made shows with snakes a TRP topper, be able to accept this.

I live in Dubai, and because of a few reasons, this show was not aired here. Hence, the only option I had was to watch on the internet.
When I read the first written episode on ‘Telly Updates’ i.e. the ‘Homecoming’, I immediately felt that I should watch this show. The emotions and the terrible experiences of the POW’s gave me chills when I was reading it itself!

From that day onwards, I have watched every episode of P.O.W.
The Homecoming left me in tears ?, and I better say this- I have NEVER cried for TV shows before.
All the emotions, the wonderful portrayal.
The scene when Sartaj asks his father about his mother, the scene when Shaira holds Salim’s hand when Naaz hugs Imaan. All these scenes have been done so beautifully.

I was confused. Are Imaan and Sartaj working for the country in which they were kept in for 17 years?
Vikram’s doubts made me question their character especially Sartaj feeling scared about something and Imaan asking him to forget the past.
But I just could not accept the fact that Imaan and Sartaj could be terrorists! NO!
Vikram’s questions, his continuous suspicion irritated me but afterall, he was doing his duty.
On the other hand, Naazneen’s and Harleen’s emotions were so raw.
Their characters made me question who the actual P.O.W’s were.

After a lot of emotional turbulence and suspicion, we got to know about the third prisoner- Lt.Siddhant Thakur, a man who left me totally confused.

When he came back, the happiness on Shobha’s face, the removal of guilt in Imaan and Sartaj made me feel that everything was alright.
But, Sid was not Sid, that man was Sadiq.
I was frustrated. Doing so much for just Hussain?
He practically met his family after 17 YEARS and all he remembered was those two years with Lala?
But what could he do, afterall he was a mere human being, having emotions just like us.

I didnt know if I should have respected him as Sid-the Officer or hated him as Sadiq-the Terrorist.
This question was beautifully answered in the last episode.
The worst part in the story was the death of Sartaj. I mean WHY?
Even that episode made me choke but I didn’t cry-perhaps I just wanted to show myself as a strong person.
In the last episode, Harleen and Afreen meeting each other was just so saddening. Both of them were in the same condition.
But what took my heart away the most in that episode was Imaan staring at the flag ?? and then imagining Sartaj and Sid beside him.
That scene was disheartening. Vikram was right, Imaan was the loneliest person, whose pain we would never understand.
That seen had me in tears
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I am so happy that I am a part of the fandom of this show. Infact, I am proud of it.
P.O.W. brought the change we needed. As I have written before also, this show is like a breat of fresh air on television.
I still dont understand how the dumbest serials still keep on running for centuries ?!

I just want to say thank you to the team for giving us this terrific show with such a beautiful concept.
All the actors were so amazing. Not even for a second did I feel that they were acting! ?
I wish all the best to the whole team for their future projects !! ❤️

I would like to conclude this update with the first line I wrote- ” Very few shows can actually be remembered forever, P.O.W. is surely one of them. ”

We will really miss you guys!! ???❤️

Mahashweta

I live in Dubai I am an avid reader of books. I play the grand piano. I am interested in various things and hindi TV is a huge interest of mine. I read a lot about cinema and TV

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