Aspirants Season 2 Review: Aspirants,” the TVF show that delves into the relentless pursuit of success in India’s competitive education system, is back with its second season after a two-year hiatus released on October 25, 2023, on the popular streaming platform, Amazon Prime video.
While the series continues to capture the anxiety and determination of students aspiring to become civil servants, it also raises some thought-provoking questions about the toxic system that produces these “accidental administrators.” In this Aspirants Season 2 review, we will explore the complexities of “Aspirants Season 2” and its portrayal of the competitive exam culture in India.
The Relentless Pursuit of Success
The show brilliantly portrays the intense competition that plagues India’s education system, with hundreds of thousands of students vying for a limited number of spots in prestigious civil service positions. The pressure to succeed is palpable, and “Aspirants” captures the sacrifices, blood, sweat, and tears that aspirants invest in their pursuit of becoming civil servants. However, it does so without delving into the fundamental question of why these young individuals are so driven to enter the bureaucratic lifestyle.
The Unexamined Motivations
One of the show’s missed opportunities is its failure to explore the underlying motivations of its characters. Are these aspirants genuinely dedicated to serving the nation, or have societal pressures and parental expectations conditioned them to believe that anything less than the IAS is failure? This critical aspect of why lakhs of young individuals mindlessly strive for an almost unattainable goal is largely overlooked by the series.
Abhilash Sharma: A Realistic Administrator
The protagonist, Abhilash Sharma, played by Naveen Kasturia, is depicted as a District Magistrate. However, his approach to administration falls short of the idealistic expectations one might have. Abhilash’s ideas about governance seem textbook and lack the visionary approach needed in real-world governance.
While the show attempts to question his lack of expertise and highlight the flaws in the system, it quickly moves on with the plot, leaving these issues unaddressed. In a world where memes often pit “reality vs. expectation,” Abhilash’s character represents the former, emphasizing the show’s subtle critique of the system.
Juvenile Interpersonal Relationships
“Aspirants” dedicates a significant portion of its screen time to nurturing the interpersonal relationships among its characters. However, these relationships come across as somewhat juvenile. The rivalry between Abhilash and Sandeep, played by Sunny Hinduja, is a constant battle for supremacy and respect, despite neither character demonstrating significant reasons for respect.
The dynamics within the “tripod” group, comprising SK (Abhilash Thapliyal), Guri (Shivankit Singh Parihar), and Abhilash, highlight the toxic nature of their friendship. They struggle to acknowledge that their association with Abhilash is primarily motivated by his influence, and Abhilash’s self-centeredness prevents him from recognizing the secondary role his friendships and romantic relationships play in his life.
Aspirants Season 2: Glorifying Toxicity
The series occasionally glorifies the toxicity ingrained in India’s education system. One character humorously suggests that “old Rajendra Nagar must be declared a heritage site,” underscoring the idea that shows like “Aspirants season 2” serve to glorify the toxic aspects of the education system.
They cater to the nostalgia of a specific audience, effectively creating a reunion where viewers can reminisce about their younger, more impressionable years. TVF has a history of producing content that resonates with various academic fields by tapping into the inside jokes and experiences of those industries.
“Aspirants Season 2” presents a bittersweet reflection of India’s competitive education system. While it vividly portrays the trials and tribulations faced by aspirants, it falls short of critically examining the motivations driving these young individuals. The character of Abhilash Sharma serves as a realistic administrator in a system that often falls short of idealistic expectations. The series also sheds light on the complexities of interpersonal relationships among its characters, albeit in a somewhat juvenile manner.
Ultimately, “Aspirants” offers a glimpse into the intense world of competitive exams in India, leaving viewers with a mix of nostalgia and reflection on the toxic aspects of the education system. It serves as a reminder that while success is worth pursuing, it should not come at the cost of one’s well-being or ethical values.
