Watch City of Dreams

City of Dreams is an Indian series streaming on Hotstar that first premiered in May 2019. Directed by the talented Nagesh Kukunoor, who is known for his knack for creating realistic yet captivating stories, this political thriller is built around themes of power, dynasty, and the politics ruling urban India.

The series is an extensive exploration of the power dynamics within the influential Gaikwad family, whose patriarch, Ameya Rao Gaikwad, is a formidable figure in the politics of Maharashtra. With a narrative that is as riveting as it's thought-provoking, the show weaves a stunning tapestry of ambition, greed, and sibling rivalry, all against the backdrop of local politics, crime, and corruption.

The show opens with an assassination attempt on Ameya Rao Gaikwad. This incident triggers a chain of events, setting off a gradual shift in power within the Gaikwad family. The ensuing power struggle between the patriarch's daughter, Poornima Rao Gaikwad, and his son, Ashish Rao Gaikwad, forms the crux of the story. The siblings, who previously had a harmonious relationship, find themselves driven by personal ambition, and their rivalry becomes the center of this political saga.

City of Dreams offers a hard-hitting drama with a powerful narrative, with the female protagonist’s quest to stand out in a male-dominated arena. Berths, bribes, and brothels, every episode in this 10-part series pushes the boundaries of the story just a little more. Each character has been animatedly brought to life by seasoned actors giving convincing performances, making the series an enticing watch.

Actor Atul Kulkarni dons the role of the political patriarch with ease. He is commanding and authoritative, exactly as his role requires, while Priya Bapat, who plays Poornima, delivers a power-packed performance. Her on-screen transformation into an ambitious, driven politician combating the weight of patriarchy both within her family and the society is commendable. Sachin Pilgaonkar as the antagonist, who is also a top cop, enacting crime to unravel the political thrill, is enticing. The rest of the ensemble cast, including Eijaz Khan, Pavleen Gujral, and Uday Tikekar, also offer sterling, compelling performances.

What sets City of Dreams apart from other political thrillers is its multifaceted portrayal of Mumbai as a city crippled by crime yet bustling with dreams. The otherwise mesmerizing metropolis is shown in a light that it often experiences but rarely gets a cinematic representation. Each frame in this series seeps in the soul of the city filled with destiny's children carrying aspirations bigger than themselves.

The series delves deep into the intricate world of politics and its interplay with crime and ambition. Embedded within the narrative are subtler elements that focus on societal taboos, traditional assumptions, gender, sexuality, and the role of women in politics - issues that reflect the modern complexities of contemporary Indian society. It's a gritty, far-reaching exploration of the underbelly of the political elite's machinations and how these impact the city and its denizens.

Nagesh Kukunoor’s signature style of storytelling keeps the narrative engaging, with the dark undercurrents of the plot adding a layer of suspense that holds viewers captive till the end. The screenplay is intense and full of cliff-hangers that build anticipation with each episode. Scriptwriters Younus Sajawal and Nilesh Basak have done a commendable job, their writing effectively gauging the gravity and nuances of the characters' emotions. Cinematographer Arunita Tiwari adds to the layers with her versatile camera work that captures the essence of Mumbai and its humbling paradoxes.

City of Dreams, with its riveting plot and alluring performances, strikes the right balance between screenplay and narration resulting in a hard-hitting portrayal of power, politics, and family dynamics. It is a must-watch for fans of political dramas as it offers a compelling, nuanced portrayal of the intoxicating world of power with an adrenaline-pumping storyline. The show serves as a mirror to the grim realities of modern India's political landscape, proving once again that in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.