Shantaram

Came to write a glowing review for what is a superb adaptation of Greg David Roberts' novels. Not sure I need to as thankfully I'm not alone in thinking this was one of the best shows of the year. I've not always been Hunnam's biggest fan but he absolutely nails it, leading a wonderful ensemble of actors, all at the top of their game. Shubhab Saraf in particular gives a stellar performance as the street-sharp and immensely loveable Prabhu. A story of redemption and love set against a background of corruption, divides and the hardships they entail, the narrative races along immersing us in a strange new world that is foreign to all of us bar those who have visited India. I absolutely loved this show, with a passion.

So what's my gripe? Well here it is... Last night I watched the final episode of season one, an absolute cliff-hanger that sets up the second season beautifully without leaving the viewer feeling short-changed. 'To be continued' flashed up on the screen and needless to say I immediately checked for the scheduled release date, only to find Apple had already cancelled the show, before the final episode even screened. Their algorithm says 'no' apparently. Sod the subscribers, sod their enjoyment, sod building a loyal fanbase or attracting new subscriptions, if this doesn't work for the corporates filling the ad slots, then the game is up. Hike the prices again and **** the viewers. A wonderful way to engender good faith, no doubt! If there's one company that could afford to take a risk, then you'd think it would be Apple, a firm absolutely awash with cash, so here it is, my sad little one-man stand... No more Apple TV for me, no more iPhones and iPads, strictly Windows lappies moving forwards, Spotify over iTunes, Android over all of your proprietary BS. The group have revealed their true colours in recent years and their grasping nature with it. I'm out, for the very little I suspect that will ever mean to Apple. Corporates will be the death of creativity, mark my words :/

'Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows' - Shakespeare in The Tempest Based on Gregory David Roberts's novel by the same name. Although, author claims it to be a novel but it is mostly an autobiography based on his days in Mumbai followed after his escaping from a maximum security prison. He began writing this novel during his prison stay and the manuscript was destroyed twice by the prison staff. I read this book during pandemic suggested by a friend. The story is thrilling ,electrifying and heartbreaking, poignant at the same time. It offers an emotional and philosophical experience and does not miss out the boisterous actions. The series (have watched only first 5 episodes) does recreate the 1980s Mumbai beautifully with vivid colors, the lamp-lit streets, from dhobighat and slums to the squandering affluent class, from a golden sunlight filling up the sultry air on the narrow streets of the city to the dancing moonlight on the cresting waves of the Arabian Sea. Bhupendra Singh's ghazal in one of the episodes is befitting the scene. The characters development is somewhat hurried but does not leave out much details. Commanding performance by Charlie Hunman as Lin, and equally convincong performances by the supporting cast, seamlessly woven the essence of author's experience with fictionalization but mostly the strong narrative that makes this series a great watch. I felt some parallels with Salaam Bombay by Mira Nair.

'God is impossible and that's why it exists!'

What a great show and what a bummer that apple had cancelled season two.

A real Netflix move by apple that I didn't think would happen.

Actually if I had known before I wouldn't have seen the first season. Because now Want more and then I just got disappointed.

This is one of the best games TV shows I have ever seen.

The thing is that it got cancelled because of it didn't hit at first. But that was really a bad decision, I and as far as I can tell, a lot more were ready to recommend this series.

But now I won't at that's a shame because it needs to be seen and it needs to continue.

Shame on you apple, shame on you!!!

Shantaram is quite well done with the atmosphere of Mumbai (Bombay) in the nineteen eighties portrayed accurately. The story is a more exciting rendition than the book, but still holds its own. Much of the scenery matches what I remember of the city. Even the giant open air laundry where Lin hides. The only thing missing is the traffic which even then was much heavier and gave the city its distinctive diesel smell.

Charlie Hunnam does a decent job of portraying an escaped Aussie convict. However I think the secondary characters add more. The denizens of the lowlife bar carry it off with real aplomb. The Mahashtri speaking locals with their casual insults about Westerners is very true to life.

I found the first ten minutes covering the arrival in Mumbai a little travelogue with shots of locals smiling and colourful market scenes. The border scene was tense but not true to life. Indians and Indian descendants are filtered to a thorough customs check whilst Westerners are usually fast track out the airport. Ditto the police stops. In that era a tourist would just pay a small "fine". But hey, it's fiction.

The story, once it gets going, is very watchable. A decent level of subterfuge and hidden agendas. Good all round acting.

(UPDATE. I thought this was brilliant. Just found out today that the absolute thick, moronic numbskull muppets at Apple have cancelled the second season stupid stupid of Apple!)

(2nd update: I still cannot believe that this has not been reinstated due to complaints and uproar from the audience!!! The reviews are generally great and the story was left hanging)

(Update 2 ½: Apple+ you are complete morons. I am losing faith in you entirely!!!)

Review: I started watching this (and have now seen all of the first 4 currently available episodes) at the recommendation of a friend who partly read some of the book many years ago. In fact I have now got the book to read once I have finished this tv show.

The story is based on factual events, and the acting and cinematography is very very good. It starts well and eases you in to the story, you FEEL the angst and the conflict of the main character, The filming and style makes you feel as if you are there as a fly on the wall watching this journey.

I am genuinely surprised how good this is and how it makes me feel while watching it.... I felt the raw anger or frustration, I felt touched by the lives of the people the main character Lin interacted with.

I am a big fan if Charlie Hunnam since the days of Sons of Anarchy, but wasn't sure how he would pull of this new character and accent. He does well.

I can't wait for each episode and will read the book once I have finished this show as my experience is that regardless of how good a film or TV show is, the books are usually better.

I recommend anyone to watch this show, you will know within 2 episodes if you like it or not.