# IMDb Rating : 6.4/10
# Genre : Crime, Drama
# Director : Prakash Jha
# Release Date : 28 August 2020
# Star Cast : Bobby Deol, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Aditi Sudhir Pohankar
# Movie Story : Based in the fictional city of Kashipur, is an empire created by a self proclaimed Godman – Kashipur waale Baba Nirala, who derives his power from the influence he has over the lower strata of the society. He has often stood for them and they consider him to be their Messiah. A lower caste girl Pammi, is drawn into his devotion as he comes to her rescue. The sudden resurfacing of a skeleton in the adjacent forest land, disrupts the peace of the city in the crucial times of the upcoming state elections and all the links of the investigation mysteriously point towards one place – THE AASHRAM. Doubts begin to float about Baba Nirala truly being a Messiah.
Synopsis/Plot:
Aashram, directed by Prakash Jha, delves into the murky world of cult-following culture. The series introduces Baba Nirala Ji Maharaj (played by Bobby Deol), a self-proclaimed Godman revered by minority communities and the downtrodden in the hamlet of Kashipur, Uttar Pradesh. However, beneath his saintly facade lies a dark history that begins to catch up with him.
The year is 2012, and skeletal remains are discovered on forest land illegally handed over to a corporate giant. Meanwhile, Baba Nirala grapples with his past misdeeds. As a filmmaker known for addressing social issues, Jha weaves a nine-part exposé on Godmen. The show deftly explores discrimination against harijans and the irony of minority reservations. Corruption, religious fanaticism, and political power struggles add layers to the narrative, making Aashram a gripping watch.
Review:
In Kashipur, Baba Nirala’s Aashram is a powerful institution. When a body is found on forest land, it threatens to expose the Aashram’s secrets. Baba Nirala must decide whether to let fate take its course or silence those seeking justice. As the story unfolds, we witness the clash between Godmen’s influence and political power, all while Baba’s dark past resurfaces.
Trailer: