'Aarya - Antim Vaar' Review: Sushmita Sen Delivers A Stellar Performance In The Gripping Finale Of An Unsettling Storyline

In the opening shot of the Season 3 trailer of his family crime drama ' Aarya ,' creator Ram Madhvani reveals that Sushmita Sen 's titular character is shot. As the season unfolds in flashback, the investigation delves not only into how she arrives at that moment or who pulls the trigger, but also into whether she survives and what drives her assailant. Amidst these intriguing questions and discoveries lies a larger, overarching theme that captivates Ram: Does Aarya find closure?

Closing all threads

The family crime drama genre continually offers rich narratives. From Francis Ford Coppola's iconic Godfather trilogy to Sandeep Reddy Vanga's recent Bollywood blockbuster 'Animal,' there's a plethora of content to consume, analyze, and savor. With its gripping screenplay and profound commentary on how one generation's decisions shape the next, often leading them to embody what they once condemned in their parents, a family crime drama serves as an endlessly gratifying banquet for the mind and soul.

'Aarya' successfully captures the essence of the genre, thanks to the skillful direction of Ram and his co-directors Kapil Sharma and Shraddha Pasi Jairath, who expertly balance thrill and drama throughout. In contrast to the recent Prime Video India Original show Indian Police Force, where distinguishing scenes directed by Rohit Shetty from those by his co-director Sushwant Prakash is challenging, Aarya maintains a consistent thread of ideology across all seasons. This cohesive vision imbues the show with a captivating personality all its own.

This evolution isn't limited to Aarya's character alone. Much like its protagonist, the show has undergone significant development from its inception in 2020 to its conclusion in 2024. While Sushmita Sen's portrayal of Aarya Sareen has consistently showcased her as a fiercely protective mother with remarkable self-preservation instincts, there's noticeable growth from the vulnerable widow of Season 1 to the formidable force she becomes in Season 3.2. Indeed, Aarya undergoes a full-circle journey from her initial skepticism towards the criminal world in the first and last seasons to her central presence in the turmoil of Seasons 2 and 3, where she even begins to assert control over it.

The contrast between Aarya's character arcs in Season 1 and Season 3 is strikingly memorable. In Season 1, viewers witness the heart-wrenching moment when Sushmita, as Aarya, struggles to cope with her husband's murder, symbolized poignantly by her biting into the shadi ka laddoo. However, Season 3 opens with a transformed Aarya, relaxed and contemplative as she enjoys a cigar by her swimming pool. Despite the absence of overt smoking scenes in Antim Vaar, Aarya is depicted mainly indulging in wine at night, reflecting on her past rather than actively pursuing new ventures. Sushmita Sen's portrayal of Aarya is marked by a remarkable sense of ease, whether she is breaking down in despair or wielding a sword in battle. Throughout the show, Sushmita masterfully preserves Aarya's essence, culminating in a powerful portrayal of her inner strength as she embraces her inner Durga in the electrifying finale.




Unsettling season, electrifying conclusion

The finale serves as a much-needed injection of adrenaline for a season steeped in unease. Throughout Aarya, the prevailing atmosphere is one of impending doom and the weight of life-altering tragedy. However, the final season introduces a new layer of despair. Despite Aarya's unwavering commitment to doing good and her cunning resourcefulness, she finds herself ensnared in a web of defeat from which there seems to be no escape. Viewers are gripped by a pervasive sense of sinking dread, as if an anchor is lodged in their throats, dragging them down into an uncertain abyss. This feeling persists until the last episode when Aarya finally embraces her destiny, unleashing her inner strength like a beast unshackled, ready to confront whatever comes her way.

Concluding a family crime drama is a delicate balance, as each generation's actions often lead to a cycle of vengeance. In Season 3.1, when Veer's girlfriend Roop meets her demise, he bids her farewell by scattering her ashes to the tune of "Bade Ache Lagte Hain," the same song that holds poignant memories for Aarya of her late husband. The complexities of familial relationships are further explored when Veer rejects Aarya, only for her mother to remind her that children cannot remain resentful towards their mother. This poignant moment is followed by Aarya embracing her mother, despite their past grievances. The repercussions of actions reverberate throughout the narrative, as Khan, in his relentless pursuit of Aarya, realizes the irreversible losses he has incurred. Even Daulat, the one who inflicted great pain by shooting their father, ultimately redeems himself by saving Aarya's children. 'Spoiler alert' The ultimate twist occurs when Aarya, whose husband fell victim to her gangster-father's right-hand man, faces a similar fate herself. 'Spoiler alert' ends These interconnected threads of karma and retribution weave a compelling tapestry of consequences within the intricate fabric of the story.

Indeed, there are some shortcomings in the portrayal of certain characters in the latest season. Geetanjali Kulkarni's character, Sushila , who initially promised to unravel in unexpected ways, is unfortunately sidelined once again, squandering the talent of a remarkable actor. Similarly, Ila Arun's character, who exuded menace in the previous installment, suffers from repetitive mannerisms and dialogue, diminishing the impact of her once-intimidating presence. Sushmita Sen's character, while compelling, falls into a verbal loop with her oath, "Maine jo bhi kiya, apne bachchon ke liye kiya," which becomes tiresome until Daulat prompts her to take action instead of mere words. Breaking free from this verbal repetition proves essential in escaping the narrative circles that the story finds itself trapped in.

When Sushmita Sen's character finally unleashes her fury with a primal scream and strikes with the force of a goddess, it ignites a visceral response deep within you. In that moment, concerns about the fate of her family, worries over whether it's truly the end of arguably India's finest show to date, and fears about the potential tragic conclusion for the latent predator within us all fade away. Like Aarya, you sense that the end is imminent, but you're prepared to confront it head-on because you've attained the closure you sought.