Showtime Part 2 REVIEW: Emraan Hashmi yet again promises us a juicy deal but has no spark

Director: Archit Kumar/ Mihir Desai

Writer: Sumit Roy

Star cast: Emraan Hashmi, Mahima Makwana, Mouni Roy, Rajeev Khandelwal, Shriya Saran, Vishal Vashishtha, Vijay Raaz, Naseeruddin Shah, Neeraj Madhav

Platform: On Disney+ Hotstar

Showtime Part 2 Review

In the previous review of Showtime, we had hoped for a meaty content in the second part but what’s the point of waiting for this for so long as it offers nothing electrifying. It would have been better if everything was shown together instead of delivering disappointment in instalments. Keep reading more about the Showtime Part 2 in this review…

Story

Showtime talks about the legacy and ambition in the world of cinema, giving you a sneak peek into what goes behind the multi-million dollar industry of Bollywood, nepotism and the power struggles at the top.

What’s good about the series

The only saving grace of “Showtime” is Emraan Hashmi’s stellar performance. His portrayal is compelling, with a magnetic presence that keeps viewers engaged. Hashmi’s nuanced acting breathes life into the otherwise lacklustre narrative, making his character the standout feature of the show. Archit Kumar’s direction also deserves commendation. His skilful handling of scenes adds richness and depth to the narrative, enhancing the viewing experience despite the story’s inherent weaknesses. Kumar’s direction demonstrates a keen eye for detail and an ability to elevate even the most mundane moments. While the overall storyline remains weak and occasionally uninspired, Hashmi’s performance, coupled with Kumar’s directorial finesse, injects a sense of intrigue and vitality into “Showtime.” 

What’s not about the series

The series aspires to uncover the darker facets of Bollywood but disappointingly fails to offer any fresh perspectives. Rather than delivering a gritty exposé, it veers into the realm of fiction, coming across as implausible and disconnected from reality. This criticism isn’t new—earlier reviews also highlighted the series’ unrealistic portrayal, a trend that unfortunately continues in its second part. Characters, scenes, and situations are all exaggerated to the point of being impractical. The drama, now more intense, crosses the line into melodrama, with a screenplay that feels overwrought and forced.

Showtime does not venture beyond familiar territory, sticking to well-trodden facts about filmmaking and behind-the-scenes conflicts without offering any new insights or captivating anecdotes. The result is a series that falls flat, failing to engage its audience with the hard-hitting truths it promises. Despite its glamorous packaging, “Showtime” remains hollow at its core, ultimately resembling just another daily soap. One can only hope for a significant improvement in the forthcoming season.

Story and Script analysis

Sumit Roy masterfully captures the industry’s pivotal elements, hitting the mark with precision. He delves into the profound effects of trolling, the significance of transparency with fans, the transformative impact of power, and the strategic alliances that lead to major showdowns. Roy approaches these themes with meticulous care and a keen eye for detail, bringing a sense of authenticity and depth to the narrative. However, while these aspects are well-executed, there remains a hint of potential for the series to evolve and improve. The groundwork is laid for growth, suggesting that future instalments could further refine and expand upon these compelling themes.

Performance

Emraan Hashmi as Raghu Khanna delivers a powerful performance, commanding the screen with his strong presence. His nuanced facial expressions and impeccable dialogue delivery make him a standout as the power-hungry producer. This season, we see a more compassionate side of Raghu, a refreshing change that adds depth to his character. Hashmi’s portrayal keeps the audience engaged whenever he’s on screen.

On the other hand, Mouni Roy’s performance as Yasmin Ali falls flat. Her character shows no development in this part, making her scenes less compelling. However, the climax suggests a promising comeback for Yasmin in the next season, hinting at a potential character arc that could rejuvenate her role. For now, she remains largely unremarkable and overshadowed by other performances.

Shriya Saran’s reduced screen time is noticeable, and her performance feels lacklustre. She fails to leave a lasting impression, and her character lacks the intrigue and presence that we have seen in the first part. Her role and portrayal in this season are disappointingly mediocre.

Rajeev Khandelwal shines as the snobbish star, bringing a mix of arrogance and charm to his character. He convincingly portrays the selfish and egotistical facets of his role, even attempting a humorous Shah Rukh Khan impression in one scene. While it may come off as funny, Khandelwal’s effort is commendable and adds a layer of entertainment to his performance.

Vijay Raaz, despite having a substantial role, feels underutilised. His talent suggests the potential for a more significant impact, and one can only hope for a more robust presence in the upcoming season.

Conclusion

Showtime attempts to unveil the inner workings of Bollywood, but unfortunately, it falls short, ending up as a rather soulless depiction. The storyline is not only unrealistic but also feels dragged and overly dramatic. Despite concluding on a cliffhanger that sets the stage for a second season, the show lacks the necessary allure and entertainment value to truly captivate its audience. However, Emraan Hashmi’s commendable performance and a handful of engaging scenes provide just enough to keep viewers mildly interested.

Watch the trailer of Showtime after the review

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