Prime Video’s latest series ‘Rangeen’ sets off with a bold and unconventional premise but struggles to live up to its promise. Starring Viineet Kumar Siingh as Adarsh, a middle-aged newspaper editor from a small town, the story takes a wild turn when he discovers that his wife, Naina (Rajshri Deshpande), is having an affair with a gigolo (Taaruk Raina). In a surprising twist, Adarsh decides to get back at her by becoming a gigolo himself. It’s a quirky, daring idea that feels fresh in the context of Indian web series, and the trailer had certainly sparked curiosity.
Initially, ‘Rangeen’ appears to offer an exciting blend of humour, emotions, and small-town drama. The narrative follows Adarsh as he transitions from a struggling husband to someone exploring a bizarre secret life. There’s certainly an undercurrent of emotional depth and social commentary that the show attempts to explore — themes like broken marriages, fragile egos, and societal hypocrisy. However, the show soon falters in execution.
As the episodes progress, ‘Rangeen’ struggles with tonal confusion. It switches between comedy, drama, and awkwardly staged emotional scenes without settling on a coherent narrative voice. Despite the variety of serious topics it touches upon, it never delves deep enough, leaving much of the plot feeling superficial and, at times, stretched.
Viineet Kumar Siingh, known for his powerful roles, seems surprisingly off in this one. His portrayal of Adarsh, a man in emotional turmoil, lacks the nuance and subtlety required. He oscillates between being overly dramatic and emotionally vacant, making it difficult to connect with his character’s inner struggle. Even the pivotal decision to become a gigolo isn’t convincingly justified, a fact that Sitara (played by Sheeba Chaddha) sensibly questions within the show.
Rajshri Deshpande, a gifted actress, is unfortunately underutilised. Her role as Naina is thinly written, offering her little space to showcase her talent. On the brighter side, the supporting cast lends some much-needed energy. Taaruk Raina as Sunny, the confident and carefree gigolo, brings charm and lightness to his scenes. Sheeba Chaddha delivers a grounded performance as Sitara, the boutique owner who secretly manages the gigolo service. Her calm composure and strong screen presence make her one of the most convincing characters.
In the end, what could have been a witty, emotional, and thought-provoking tale ends up being a half-baked attempt at blending genres. ‘Rangeen’ loses its charm and feels like a missed opportunity. It neither commits to its emotional core nor leans fully into the absurdity of its premise. For a show named ‘Rangeen’, it sadly lacks the vibrancy and depth its title suggests.
