Draft:Thinkistan

Thinkistan
Genre	Drama
Written by	Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy
Directed by	Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy
Starring	Shravan Reddy Naveen Kasturia ``see entire cast below``
Music by	Neel Adhikari (12 episodes) Aniruddh (11 episodes)
Country of origin	India
Original language	Hindi
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	23
Production
Producer	Rajnish Lall
Cinematography	Mahesh Aney
Editors	Satyajeet Kelkar Abhijit Deshpande
Running time	25 Minutes per episode
Original release
Network	MX Player
Release	6 September 2019 (2019-09-06)

Thinkistan (styled as THINKIस्तान) is an Indian Hindi-language web series created by MX Player, starring Shravan Reddy, and Naveen Kasturia in lead role, while Mandira Bedi, Vasuki, Shraddha Musale and many others in supporting roles.

Story line

The series is set against the backdrop of the Indian advertising industry of the 1990s, specifically in 1996. The narrative focuses on the lives of two contrasting protagonists, Hema and Amit, who represent diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Hema, portrayed by Shravan Reddy, is an earnest and idealistic copywriter hailing from a small town. His character embodies the quintessential underdog, driven by his passion for creative writing and a desire to prove his worth in the metropolitan milieu. In contrast, Amit, played by Naveen Kasturia , is the epitome of urban sophistication. He is an English-speaking, confident professional who epitomizes the new-age advertising executive. His character reflects the privileges of an urbane upbringing and a natural flair for the advertising domain.

The series unfolds within the offices of MTMC, a bustling advertising agency. The juxtaposition of Hema's idealism with Amit's pragmatism sets the stage for a compelling exploration of the advertising industry's dynamics. Hema's journey is marked by his struggle to overcome language barriers and societal expectations, while Amit navigates the industry's competitive landscape with his inherent charm and strategic acumen. "Thinkistan" delves into the lives of their colleagues, each contributing to the office's eclectic environment. Anushka, played by Mandira Bedi, is the no-nonsense boss who balances toughness with fairness. The creative director, William, portrayed by Neil Bhoopalam , introduces an element of humor and eccentricity, adding to the workplace's vibrant atmosphere. These characters enrich the narrative, providing a multifaceted view of the advertising world.

The series meticulously recreates the 1990s, capturing the essence of a transformative period in Indian history. The setting includes rotary phones, typewriters, and the early advent of satellite television and the internet, symbolizing India's transition into the digital age. The advertising campaigns featured in the series draw inspiration from real-life advertisements of the era, enhancing the storyline's authenticity.

As the plot progresses, the professional rivalry between Hema and Amit evolves into a profound friendship. This transformation underscores the series' exploration of personal growth and mutual respect. The narrative highlights the characters' learning from each other's strengths and weaknesses, fostering both personal and professional development.

"Thinkistan" also addresses broader socio-political themes, subtly reflecting the era's liberalization, globalization, and changing cultural ethos. The series paints a vivid portrait of a time when opportunities were burgeoning, dreams were expansive, and the advertising industry was at the forefront of societal change.

In summary, "Thinkistan" is a poignant depiction of the Indian advertising industry's vibrancy in the 1990s. It celebrates creativity, ambition, and the indomitable spirit of the era. The series offers a timeless narrative about the power of determination and the transformative impact of creativity, set against the rich and dynamic backdrop of a rapidly evolving India.

Cast

• Shravan Reddy as Hema, Priya's fiancé later husband, a trainee later promoted to Junior copywriter
• Naveen Kasturia as Amit Srivastav, Hema's best friend, an intern later promoted to Junior copywriter
• Mandira Bedi as Anushka, Group Head of MTMC Advertisement Agency
• Vasuki as Sneha
• Jayashree Venketaramanan as Priya, Hema's fiancée later wife.
• Shraddha Musale as Nina
• Anindita Bose as Sharmishtha
• Satyadeep Misra as Ashiq Jabeer, a talented script writer. He is a Homosexual, his other colleague Bhuvan, Daniel and Sagar often bullied him for his sexual orientation.
• Paul Varghese as Daniel
• Ninad as Sagar
• Jaswant Dalal as Bhuvan
• Rashmi Somvanshi as Sonam, a bas dance later became translator in MTMC by reference of Amit as she is Amit's friend and neighbor from Bhopal.

External Links

• Thinkistan at IMDb