“Kitchen Politics” is a Hindi web series that premiered on Eros Now in 2020. The show revolves around an Indian politician Naveen who is always on the run to maintain his political dominance and position, but the quest for power often hinders his personal life.
The series opens with Naveen (played by Mohan Kapoor) being appointed as the Chief Minister of his state. However, with power, comes its share of challenges, and soon, Naveen finds himself navigating through a circle of conspiracies, deceit and manipulation amongst his own party members, bureaucrats, and media representatives. Furthermore, the personal aspirations and agendas of his family members complicate matters for him.
Naveen's wife, Banu (played by Rini Das), is a typical Indian housewife, who's perpetually unhappy with her husband's commitments to his public life, often feeling frustrated and alienated. Naveen's brother-in-law (Jai Upendra) is equally ambitious and joins the opposition party to challenge Naveen's political reign. He is secretly encouraged by Naveen's son, Abhi (Furqan Merchant), who feels overshadowed by his father's personality and wants to make a name for himself.
The show is centered around Naveen's family, who are constantly battling with their individual demons and unresolved issues. Banu is grappling with her existence, trying to find her identity, purpose, and social acceptance outside the family milieu. As a result, she forms new friendships, attends workshops, and tries to pursue a passion.
The writing of “Kitchen Politics” creates a fine balance between politics and personal life, touching upon the emotions, and vulnerabilities of its characters. The show also portrays the complexity of human relationships and the politics of loyalty, betrayal, and manipulation.
The direction and cinematography of “Kitchen Politics'' are excellent, with the depiction of Naveen's public life and his family's private affairs seamlessly transitioning from one scene to another. The show also displays gripping storytelling through brilliant character development and nuanced performances.
One of the highlights of the series is Mohan Kapoor's intense and realistic portrayal of Naveen. He effortlessly switches between his public persona's glibness and his private moments of introspection, vulnerability, and self-doubt. Rini Das as Banu captures the essence of the Indian housewife, who's torn between her domestic and personal responsibilities. Her character and story add a much-needed balance to the political drama.
“Kitchen Politics” also benefits from the excellent supporting cast with Jaimini Pathak, Asif Basra, Sheeba Chaddha, and Shoaib Ali playing significant roles in the series. Their acting adds depth to the storyline, giving the viewers a sense of what happens behind the scenes in the political arena.
In conclusion, “Kitchen Politics” is a brilliantly crafted and executed web series that provides insight into the complexities of Indian politics and human relationships. The show's depiction of the consequences of the quest for power and its impact on personal life is commendable. With power comes its share of challenges, and “Kitchen Politics” shows this in a realistic and engaging way. The show's characters are relatable, and the storytelling is gripping, making it an excellent addition to Eros Now's catalogue.
Kitchen Politics is a series that ran for 2 seasons (20 episodes) between October 22, 2014 and on Eros Now