Showtime Review: Emraan Hashmi And Mahima Makwana Steal The Limelight In This Series

When the trailer of Showtime premiered amidst a grand event in Mumbai, it ignited everyone's interest. Featuring a diverse cast including Emraan Hashmi , Mahima Makwana , Mouni Roy, and Shriya Saran among others, the series backed by Karan Johar appeared poised to offer something innovative and captivating. Nevertheless, Showtime fails to meet the expectations it initially sparked.

For those unfamiliar, Showtime delves into the realm of Bollywood, centering on the lives of two individuals – Raghu Khanna (portrayed by Emraan Hashmi) and Mahika Nandi (brought to life by Mahima Makwana). The series endeavors to shed light on various facets of the Bollywood industry.

The series appears quite implausible. Suddenly, Mahika transitions from an ordinary individual to the CEO of the nation's largest production house, all while discovering her mother's heritage. It's akin to Karan Johar unexpectedly appointing me as the successor to his Dharma Productions. I found myself questioning the plausibility of such a scenario while watching Showtime.

Even as the show sets up a pivotal storyline for future events, it fails to engage viewers with its characters and subplots. Everything seems rushed, lacking attention to detail. The fault lies with both the storyline and the direction. While attempting to emphasize the importance of strong scripts in filmmaking, the creators neglect to refine their own script, ultimately undermining the show's potential.

Showtime also falls short in its use of background music. Once more, the music fails to make a lasting impression, lacking any standout moments. Consequently, it doesn't resonate with viewers after the series concludes.

That being said, one aspect of the show that deserves recognition is its intentional inclusion of the general public's perceptions about Bollywood. It delves into topics such as nepotism, debates whether South Cinema surpasses Bollywood, and challenges the notion of prioritizing scripts over superstars. These layered discussions add depth to the narrative and offer valuable insights into the industry's dynamics.

What ultimately rescues the show are the standout performances delivered by Emraan Hashmi and Mahima Makwana. Emraan, in his trademark style, delivers a stellar portrayal, infusing his intense character with a layer of charm and amusement. He effortlessly embodies the role of Raghu Khanna, captivating audiences with his performance.

Meanwhile, Mahima Makwana imbues her character with a refreshing simplicity. Her portrayal feels authentic and serves as a testament to her transition from television to cinema and now to OTT platforms. Rajeev Khandelwal, portraying the role of an actor in Showtime, offers something novel to his audience. He embodies a character that is smart, cunning, and witty. For those accustomed to seeing Rajeev in intense roles, his performance in Showtime is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Mouni Roy's performance might leave some viewers wanting more, as she appears somewhat underutilized, primarily serving as a glamorous accessory in the initial episodes. Conversely, Shriya Saran receives limited screen time. Overall, Showtime proves to be a decent watch, but it falls short of delivering a mind-blowing experience.