Review by meghanpitale

The best thing about Hutatma, a ZEE5 series of 7-episodes inspired by the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, is that it isn't inclined towards taking any stand. Even if the trailer might give away that feeling, it is rooted in reasons behind their rebellion. In today's world where language-based politics is taking rise while being equally outdated, this is a daring attempt in trying to contextualize the motivations behind their demands. What may seem like an anti-government script at first glance is keener on its responsibility in explaining the incitements. And it does that with giving more than one perspective to ponder over. No matter which side we are on, Hutatma shouldn't be dismissed as propaganda which it clearly isn't. History, which is often told by a single or rather biased point-of-view, doesn't dwell into the minds that contribute to shaping it. It presents the incidents as facts and gives morals accordingly. This series, as explained in an interview by the creator (Jayprad Desai) himself, presents characters which represent certain ideologies. They are, to be taken as the representations, and not an actual character or happenings around it. While it also features real-life characters like Pralhad Keshav Atre, Yashwantrao Chavan, Pandit Nehru among others, the series is a mix of fictional and real incidents from the past. The cinematography was very neat with the lights that compliment well-suited production design. I loved how it never submitted itself to a higher tonal contrast which would have created drama by itself. The concise framing helped to bring out the narrative even better. Acting performances were clearly a stand-out among other aspects, by each and every one. The three young rebellions from the poster, performed by Patil, Tatvavadi, and Mahajan shine in their roles with sincerity. Even the veterans were reliable as ever. It's an absolute treat to watch them perform weighty lines with absolute ease. Ashwini Kalsekar and Chhaya Kadam were fitting in their respective roles. The exposition through the flashbacks does feel unnecessary at times; especially when there is enough tension to tell the narrative and the actors have enough potential. But there's so much to admire in this web-series that it went way beyond my expectations. I sincerely hope it sustains this grip over its intentions further.