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‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2’: What Makes the Reboot Hot (Or Not)?

Ekta Kapoor returns with ‘Kasauti Zindagii Kay 2’; episode one leaves a lot to be desired.

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Ekta Kapoor had just started reigning prime time TV and everyone was in awe. Watching her shows was a family-bonding time in most households, and for the seven-year-old me, nothing was more fascinating than the story of Prerna and Anurag in Kasautii Zindagii Kay. Every night at 8.30 pm, it was time for the two star-crossed lovers to grace our screens and show us the true meaning of “aankhon hi aankhon mei ishaara ho gya”.

That is, before the endless time-leaps, men and women who defied age, story lines that defied logic, and show producers who did not know when to call it quits.

But all that is not going to stop me or the rest of the country from watching what Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 (KZK 2), a reboot of the original series, is all about, is it? I found myself glued to the TV again to find out what has changed from the 2001 series.

Ekta Kapoor returns with ‘Kasauti Zindagii Kay 2’;  episode one leaves a lot to be desired.
The original series was feel-good, with twists and turns before they dragged it to death.
(Photo: Star TV)
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The Crazy Rich Bong and the Family Friend ki Beti

Like it’s predecessor, KZK 2 is set in Kolkata. Our hero (Anurag) is a crazy rich Bong who is not at all a brat. He is good at heart, plays basketball and hates parties. Prerna is the daughter of Anurag’s father’s right-hand-man or munim-ji. No prizes for guessing what gives rise to the conflict here.

Played by Cezanne Khan in the first one and now by Parth Samthaan (Parth Laghate on Twitter), Anurag Basu is the perfect “take home to your parents” material. Samthaan with only having a Voot original and a few episodic roles in his kitty, is a newcomer and acts like one.

The first episode is too early to judge, but it's fair to say that Samthaan has a long way to go and big shoes to fill.

Ekta Kapoor returns with ‘Kasauti Zindagii Kay 2’;  episode one leaves a lot to be desired.
Both Erica Fernandes and Parth Samthaan are new and have huge shoes to fill.
(Photo: Balaji Telefilms/Star TV)

Same can be said for the leading lady Erica Fernandes as well. Played by a very young and dynamic Shweta Tiwari - before she took to reality shows and Bhojpuri cinema - in the original. Prerna was the quintessential good girl, with a lot of screen presence and charisma.

Ekta Kapoor returns with ‘Kasauti Zindagii Kay 2’;  episode one leaves a lot to be desired.
Shweta Tiwari as Prerna Bajaj.
(Photo: Balaji Telefilms/ Star TV)
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More often than not, Erica looks bored and still has a long way to go with her acting skills. She’s not exactly a newbie though - remember her as Dr Shohini Bose in Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi?

The chemistry between Parth and Erica too seems to be lacking. The coming episodes will be a testament if these two can come anywhere close to the now-benchmark scintillating chemistry Khan and Tiwari shared on screen.
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Red Dupatta, OTT Sets and Casual Homophobia

Red dupatta was the signature in these two lovebirds’ life along with the song “Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Ye”. In the rehash too, the dupatta makes its appearance in the first episode when Erica aka Prerna decides to don a red salwar-kameez.

When it comes to production values, it of course shows primarily in the sets. As OTT and royal as they come, they scream money from the rooftops.

Ekta Kapoor returns with ‘Kasauti Zindagii Kay 2’;  episode one leaves a lot to be desired.
Anurag and Prerna during a Durga Puja sequence.
(Photo: Star TV)

There is a hint of casual homophobia too when women quiz Prerna about Anurag’s sexual orientation and ask, “Vo seedha hai ya tedha (Is he straight or gay)?” As cringe-worthy as they come. Then there’s also the scene where all the girls in the college are ogling Anurag. Reason? That’s the only time he can be seen in his track suit. Wait, what? We are accustomed to objectification but this is taking it way too far.

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What Next?

We are still waiting on the outstandingly brilliant vamp, Komolika, essayed by Urvashi Dholakia in the original., to make her entry. The role will reportedly be played by Ye Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai veteran, Hina Khan.

Another interesting character to look forward to is Mr Bajaj, the elderly gentleman who brings the biggest twist in the love story. It is to be seen who will be chosen to essay the role.

We have a lot to look forward to and also hope that the new rendition, if unable to match up, at least comes close to the original’s charm.

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