Sooraj Barjatya, the acclaimed director known for his heartfelt family dramas, is set to bring his signature storytelling style to the digital space with his upcoming series, Bada Naam Karenge, due to premiere on SonyLIV on February 7, 2025. This romantic drama, which is Rajshri Productions' first foray onto OTT platforms, is eagerly anticipated for its promise to capture the essence of family-oriented narratives similar to Barjatya’s classic films.
Directed by Palash Vaswani, best known for his work on Gullak, Bada Naam Karenge aims to encapsulate the innocence and simplicity often associated with Barjatya's films. With two timelines weaving through the plot, the narrative explores the love story of Rishabh Rathi and Surbhi Gupta, highlighting the intersection of modern romance and traditional family values.
At the core of the series are the lead characters, portrayed by Ritik Ghanshani and Ayesha Kaduskar. Ghanshani plays Rishabh, the heir of the Rathi family, known for its rich heritage and strong traditions. Kaduskar takes on the role of Surbhi, who belongs to the more modern Gupta family. Their relationship forms the emotional backbone of the series, beginning during the pandemic lockdown period when they are unexpectedly forced to share close quarters.
Vaswani emphasizes the importance of showcasing Gen Z's connection to their parents and the challenges they face bridging traditional and modern values. He stated, “I wanted to present their innocence and explore how the younger generation navigates their love lives against the backdrop of family expectations.” This sentiment mirrors the thematic heart of Bada Naam Karenge, which aims to resonate with those who cherish family connections.
Sooraj Barjatya's connection to the project goes back to 2013, as he crafted the story and collaborated with Vaswani for nearly nine months on the script. This time investment reflects Barjatya's vision to bring back the nostalgic feel of films like Maine Pyar Kiya, aiming to evoke the same warmth and familial affection.
The interactions between the characters explore various dynamics, such as the awkwardness during their forced time together and the eventual familial revelations and misunderstandings. The story takes place across several locations starting from Ratlam to Ujjain, enriching the narrative with cultural depth.
Vaswani's direction earned praise from the cast, particularly by actress Ayesha Kaduskar, who recounted her surprise and excitement upon receiving the call from him. She shared how her casting came about through what initially seemed like just a prank call. Ghanshani, too, shared his enthusiasm for working on what he describes as “a project that's beautifully rooted and pure.”
Critics are already weighing in on the series. Early reviews highlight its intention to shine amid the current trend of violent and bold content dominant on Indian OTT platforms. Bada Naam Karenge stands out as an invitation to those weary of excessive drama, promising instead wholesome storytelling and emotional richness.
Regarded as quintessentially Rajshri, the show attempts to retain the essence of Indian values and traditions through narratives steeped with love and respect. An intriguing aspect highlighted by reviewers is how the series incorporates music from past Rajshri films, enhancing the emotional nuances of the plot.
While many modern series have grown accustomed to shock value with elements of violence and profanity, current sentiments suggest a longing for the warmth of family-oriented storytelling, especially among diverse audiences. It’s something Barjatya continuously aims to achieve—portraying truth and non-violence as integral aspects of Indian culture.
Critics are taking note of how well Bada Naam Karenge captures the gentle storytelling style indicative of Sooraj Barjatya’s legacy, successfully transitioning these themes onto the OTT platform. With much of the show’s success hinging on the chemistry between the leads, early reviews suggest their interactions bring forth the pure, understated romance reminiscent of Barjatya’s earlier films.
The series’ finale, extending over 80 minutes, strives to culminate the narrative threads built throughout the episodes, promising viewers both heartfelt revelations and emotional resolutions. Such depth invites audiences to connect with the characters' journeys, offering escapism akin to the classic offerings by Rajshri Productions.
With its emphasis on strong family ties, culture, and love, Bada Naam Karenge arrives amid increasing polarities present within contemporary storytelling formats. It holds the potential to redefine familial narratives for audiences seeking relatability and enlightenment.
High production values, coupled with strong performances from veteran actors like Kanwaljit Singh and Jameel Khan, give credence to the storyline, pushing the narrative forward as it intersperses elements of laughter and emotion. Bada Naam Karenge is set to be not just another web series but rather a significant reflection of Indian family life, urging viewers to embrace the values of love and kinship even as times change.
Whether Bada Naam Karenge can captivate its audience to the extent of its cinematic predecessors remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a promising chapter for Rajshri Productions within the modern storytelling sphere.