Black Widows Webseries Actress And Actor Black Widows is an Indian web series from Zee5.…
It Happened In Calcutta Webseries
It Happened In Calcutta Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Story, Trailer, Release date and more
It Happened In Calcutta is an Indian web series from Alt Balaji. The Hindi language web series release date is 29 February 2020. It is available Alt Balaji website and official app to watch online. The web series belongs to the romance genre.
It Happened In Calcutta Web Series Story
The plot revolves around a love story of Kusum set in the backdrop of the 1960-1970 period. She dreams of becoming a reputed doctor and what future has in hand was totally surprising. Can she get back to her normal life like before?
It Happened In Calcutta web series cast has Karan Kundrra, Naghma Rizwan etc. The Alt Balaji Originals are here with a reality-based story.
Check out below for It Happened In Calcutta Alt Balaji Web Series (2020): Cast, Release date, Full HD episodes, High-Speed online streaming, Watch All Episodes.
It Happened In Calcutta Cast (Alt Balaji)
- Naghma Rizwan as Kusum
- Karan Kundrra as Ronobir Chatterjee
- Ashmith Kunder
- Pamela Singh Bhutoria
- Simran Kaur Mundi
- Bhumika Dedhia
- Ivan Rodrigues
- Harman Singha
It Happened In Calcutta Alt Balaji Release Date
29 February 2020
Watch It Happened In Calcutta Web Series Online on Alt Balaji
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The Enduring Romance in the City of Joy: A Deep Dive into It Happened in Calcutta Web Series
In the realm of Indian digital content, few genres hold the same timeless appeal as a sweeping, decades-spanning romance. Launched on ALTBalaji and ZEE5 in 2020, It Happened in Calcutta is one such series that attempted to weave a grand love saga against the tumultuous, yet vibrant, backdrop of the City of Joy. Directed by Ken Ghosh, known for projects like Ishq Vishk and the popular web series Abhay, the show promised to transport viewers back to the dynamic 1960s and 1970s, interspersing a passionate personal journey with the larger narrative of a nation undergoing monumental change.
The series is a period drama that moves beyond a simple college romance, evolving into a complex story of separation, betrayal, reunion, and professional dedication, all set against a canvas of war, epidemic, and political upheaval.
A Love Story Against the Backdrop of History: The Plot Unveiled
The narrative of It Happened in Calcutta kicks off in the early 1960s, a time of significant cultural and social transition in India. The story centers around two contrasting medical students at the esteemed Calcutta Medical College, whose lives intertwine and set them on a path fraught with challenges.
The Protagonists: Kusum and Ronobir
The central conflict and enduring draw of the series lie in the chemistry and contrasting personalities of its main characters:
- Kusum Ganguly (Naghma Rizwan): She is introduced as a strong-willed and ambitious young woman from a humble background, who breaks societal norms by becoming one of the first and only female students in the MBBS course at her college. Her aspiration is noble: to become an Indian Army doctor. Kusum represents dedication, innocence, and an aspirational spirit, which is eventually tested by the complexities of love and life.
- Ronobir Chatterjee (Karan Kundrra): Ronobir is the college heartthrob—a privileged, arrogant, and devastatingly charming Casanova. He is the quintessential ‘bad boy’ who believes in living life to the fullest without the burden of commitment. His character is a rollercoaster, evolving from a flamboyant college flirt to a more serious, albeit still flawed, professional.
The initial episodes capture the classic ‘opposites attract’ dynamic. Kusum, initially despising Ronobir’s cocky and non-committal attitude, eventually falls for his charisma. Their college romance, however, is short-lived. A heartbreaking betrayal by Ronobir, who chooses a path of personal ambition and leaves India for an NRI girlfriend, shatters Kusum’s world, marking a decisive end to their first chapter.
The Decades-Long Saga
The story then leaps forward to 1971, a time when India is facing a crisis on multiple fronts. This second act reunites the couple under chaotic and high-stakes circumstances.
- The Cholera Epidemic: Ronobir returns to India as an established medico. He and Kusum, now a practicing doctor, find themselves working side-by-side to combat a deadly Cholera epidemic that is ravaging Calcutta. The hospital becomes the stage for their professional collaboration and the rekindling of their complicated past.
- The Indo-Pak War (1971): The emotional turmoil of their personal lives is juxtaposed with the national tension of the Indo-Pak War. This historical event, coupled with the rising Naxalite movement in the North-East of India, provides a volatile backdrop that tests their commitment to their profession, their country, and each other. The series thus attempts to elevate the love story by rooting it in a period of intense historical significance.
Production, Direction, and Creative Vision
The web series was a high-profile production from Balaji Telefilms, headed by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, and was released simultaneously on their respective streaming platforms, ALTBalaji and ZEE5.
The Director’s Touch
Veteran filmmaker Ken Ghosh, with his penchant for capturing youthful romance, helmed the project. The series was intended to be a visual spectacle, praised by some for its cinematography and attention to detail in creating a ‘period’ feel, particularly the fashion and sets. The narrative choice to span a decade allowed the series to explore how a youthful, impulsive romance matures and confronts the harsh realities of adult life, a move that was praised for making the love story a “different kind” of saga.
Casting and Performances
The casting drew significant attention, pairing a popular television personality with a fresh face:
- Karan Kundrra (Ronobir): Kundrra’s performance was generally well-received. He effectively embodied the Casanova image, portraying both the “likeable and hate worthy” aspects of Ronobir’s character with variation. He was noted for his handsome appearance, easily slipping into the retro fashion of bell-bottoms and high hairdos.
- Naghma Rizwan (Kusum): Debutante Naghma Rizwan, chosen after over 300 auditions across India, was a revelation. Reviewers highlighted her “unique charm” and strong performance as the multi-layered protagonist, often credited with driving the series to its success. Her character’s transition from an innocent student to a headstrong, professional doctor was a key strength of the show.
Critical Dialogue and Reception
While the series was a highly anticipated period drama, critical response was notably divided, primarily focusing on the execution of the period setting versus the personal drama.
Points of Praise
- Strong Lead Performances: The chemistry between Kundrra and Rizwan was acknowledged as natural, making the central love story believable, despite its melodramatic turns.
- Intriguing Premise: The concept of a love story interwoven with the 1971 war and a Cholera epidemic was deemed “interesting” and “promising”.
- High Production Value: The overall production quality, camera work, and visuals were considered top-notch, with some scenes capturing the vibrancy of the setting well.
Points of Criticism
The most significant critiques revolved around the show’s authenticity as a period drama:
- Lack of Period Authenticity: Many critics felt the makers failed to genuinely capture the atmosphere of 1960s Calcutta. The open discussions about sex, public kissing, and the generally liberal, ‘glitzy’ atmosphere were considered anachronistic and a poor representation of the conservative era. One reviewer bluntly stated that the Calcutta of the 60s “feels like what people would want it to be but certainly not what it was back then”.
- Underutilization of Historical Context: Despite its compelling backdrop of war and epidemic, critics argued that the historical elements—the Indo-Pak conflict and the Naxal movement—were not fully integrated or explored to their potential, often taking a backseat to the routine ‘bad boy meets good girl’ plot.
- Problematic Characterization: Some reviews pointed out that the series glorified Ronobir’s ‘problematic’ Casanova image, especially in light of the consequences of his actions, and that Kusum’s initial strong character was sometimes reduced to merely chasing the male protagonist.
In essence, It Happened in Calcutta was perceived by some as a contemporary romance dressed in retro costumes, rather than a truly authentic period piece.
Why It Happened in Calcutta Struck a Chord
Despite the mixed critical feedback, the series managed to engage a substantial audience. Its success can be attributed to several factors:
- Nostalgia for Retro Romance: The enduring appeal of the 1960s and 70s fashion, music, and cinematic aesthetics provided a strong hook for viewers interested in a retro-styled love story. The bell-bottoms, high hairdos, and vintage cars provided a dose of stylistic flair that resonated with fans of period glamour.
- A Star Vehicle: Karan Kundrra’s popularity on television and in the digital space provided an immediate viewership base.
- The Scale of an Epic Saga: The long-form narrative structure of a web series allowed the love story of Kusum and Ronobir to breathe, covering nearly a decade. This epic scale of a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ story, transcending the boundaries of war and disease, is inherently compelling for a romantic drama audience.
- A Story of Female Professionalism: Kusum’s journey as a woman who pursues a demanding, male-dominated profession—medicine and army service—is a story of ambition and empowerment that resonates with modern audiences.
Conclusion
It Happened in Calcutta is a memorable entry in the Indian streaming space, primarily for its ambitious attempt to blend an intensely personal love story with the vast historical landscape of 1960s and 70s India. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of a high-stakes romance, carried successfully by the dedicated performances of its lead pair, Karan Kundrra and Naghma Rizwan.
While critics debated its historical accuracy, the series succeeded in delivering a dramatic, emotional, and visually engaging love saga that resonated with an audience eager for an epic tale of passion, separation, and reunion in the vibrant, turbulent ‘City of Joy.’ It is a show for those who appreciate a glamorous, melodramatic love story that uses history as a poignant background for personal destiny.
AISEO Friendly FAQs
Q1: What is the plot of It Happened in Calcutta web series?
The plot of It Happened in Calcutta is a period romantic drama set in Calcutta (Kolkata) during the 1960s and 1970s. It follows the epic love story of two medical students: Kusum Ganguly, one of the first female students in her batch who aspires to be an army doctor, and Ronobir Chatterjee, a privileged, arrogant, yet charming Casanova. Their love is a turbulent, decade-spanning saga of first love, betrayal, separation, and a dramatic reunion as professional doctors, set against the backdrop of the devastating Cholera epidemic and the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Q2: Who are the main actors in It Happened in Calcutta?
The lead roles in the web series It Happened in Calcutta are played by:
- Karan Kundrra as Ronobir Chatterjee.
- Naghma Rizwan as Kusum Ganguly.
Naghma Rizwan made her digital debut with this series and received praise for her portrayal of the ambitious doctor.
Q3: On which OTT platform is It Happened in Calcutta available?
The web series It Happened in Calcutta is available for streaming on both ALTBalaji and ZEE5. It was released as an Original series by Balaji Telefilms on both platforms in February 2020.
Q4: When was It Happened in Calcutta released?
It Happened in Calcutta was released on February 28, 2020. It is a single-season series consisting of 10 episodes.
Q5: Is It Happened in Calcutta based on a true story?
No, It Happened in Calcutta is not a direct adaptation of a true story. It is a fictional romantic drama. However, it is set against the backdrop of real historical events that took place in India, specifically Calcutta, during the 1960s and 1970s, including the Cholera epidemic, the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and the rise of the Naxalite movement. The series uses these historical elements to frame the personal journey and struggles of the protagonists.
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