JL 50 (2020) Movie Drinking Game
Take a Drink: for Indian Series in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Genre
Take another Drink: for the fair attempt and courage of the creator
Do a Shot: for Amazing Start Cast like Pankaj Kapur, Abhay Deol, and Piyush Mishra
Do a Shot and Laugh: for a dialogue, “If it happens in America, it’s phenomena, and if it happens in India, it’s story”
By: Arpit Nayak (Three Beers) –
A passenger plane named JL 50 crashes on a mountaintop in West Bengal. When another plane, AO 26, is reported hijacked, the case goes to CBI officer Shantanu (Abhay Deol). Once he reaches the accident location he finds out the plane that crashed is not AO 26, but it’s JL 50, which disappeared 35 years ago. With his investigation into the JL 50 plane, he found out a passenger named Subroto Das (Pankaj Kapur), a quantum physics professor, bought a ticket but did not board the flight. He also meets the pilot of JL 50, Bihu Ghosh (Ritika Anand), one of two survivors. The other survivor, we are told as the story starts, is yet to be traced. Shantanu tries out to solve the puzzle and receives some unrealistic findings.
A Toast
A big round of applause goes to Shailender Vyas, who wrote, directed, and produced. He sets the right sci-fi fantasy tone for Indian audiences. His writing is a mixed bag of crime, mystery, politics, terrorism, and science. The show creator explains its sci-fi fantasy to the Indian viewers in an easy way. The character Subroto Das effortlessly explains Quantum physics in the midst of the time travel that is featured in many scenes.
What plays out the best for the show is the performances of the cast, particularly Abhay Deol, one of our most underrated actors, in the role of Shantanu, who brings mixed feelings of confusion and deepness. He delivers the part correctly, and his chemistry with other cast members is a delight to watch. A fine actor like Pankaj Kapur in the professor’s role is outstanding; his dialogue provides stunning exposition. The surprise package is Piyush Mishra, who brings out the magic in his acting with his limited screen time, and the rest of the supporting cast helps bring the best out of the creators’ vision.
The story is good, which gives you enough moments to think about what is happening. It defiantly engages you. The climax is perfect, setting the tone for the thrilling ending of the series.
Beer Two
The story has its thrills and layers; with an exciting concept, but seemingly missing a plan. It rushes from one angle to another quickly, which makes viewers confused. When the critical part comes, one will be in a state of confusion.
Beer Three
The show’s short format plays against it with the whole series getting wrapped up in just four episodes. It could have been easily extended with needed details that would explain the story more and keep the thrills alive.
Verdict
JL 50 is a must watch which is worth your time; it definitely has some points where it could be better, but has enough thrills to engage you. The acting of the cast is top-notch; it’s something which deserves your attention. You can check out this series on Sony Liv.
