REVIEW: 'Nach Baliye 8' lives up to the 'LEGACY' of the show convincingly!

It became a sensation when it was launched back in 2005 and brought about a revolution. We are talking about the most popular couple dance reality show of Indian television, 'Nach Baliye.' Spread across seven successful seasons, the show has now become iconic and had a bundle of expectations riding on it, when the eight season was announced.

'Nach Baliye 8' went on-air yesterday and with probably one of the best list of participants this time, the anticipation was infinite and we analyse how the opening episode fared.

The Highlights

There couldn't have been a better beginning to this season, as we were introduced to one of the most unique introductions with the vintage and peppy 'Nach Baliye 8' title track playing in the background. From amazing photography illusions to a creative set design, the start was one to remember.

Karan Tacker marked his entry as the host and his anchoring skills can never be doubted. He did what he does best and was free-flowing when he introduced the couples and welcomed them on stage. One of the key factors that I would like to point out is that the idea of a host doing 'hosting' and nothing else was a fresh sight. Not indulging in any sort of unwanted slapstick comedy and time-killing gags, Karan was purely doing the job of a host not becoming a bore.

The judges panel which includes Sonakshi Sinha, Mohit Suri and Terence Lewis looks apt and they did their tasks fairly good. While, Terence is a seasoned reality show judge and Sonakshi has developed the talent, courtesy her stint in Indian Idol Junior', it was a pleasant surprise to witness director Mohit Suri, who provided subtleness and balance to the panel.

Two of the most popular and loved couples on the show are Vivek Dahiya-Divyanka Tripathi and Mohit Sehgal-Sanaya Irani. There was a lot of curiosity building up, prior to their performances and they did not disappoint completely. Vivek and Divyanka opened the show with their performance to the romantic number 'Gerua', which was just the treat the audience needed. On the other hand, Mohit Sehgal and Sanaya Irani just gave the audience what they would have loved to see. The couple recreated their 'Miley Jab Hum Tum' days in the performance and I am sure, it must have taken all the fans, down the memory lane.

We saw two standing ovations specifically, for two different performances that presented absolutely contrasting flavours. While Dipika Kakar and Shoaib Ibrahim's performance incorporated technology and romance which stunned the judges; the performance of Marathi film star Siddharth Jadhav and wife Trupti Jadhav, got everyone's spirits up.

Brent Goble and Aashka Goradia were nothing but a pleasant surprise, with Brent impressing the judges and co-contestants with his impeccable dance moves. Also, the way the couple's love story was showcased before their performance, was unique and sweet.

Bharti Singh is the best addition to 'Nach Baliye 8' as she continues to showcase her comic prowess, however, this time with her baliye, Harrsh Limbachiyaa. Harsh, who came out in the open for the first time was as cheerful and playful as Bharti and the couple made sure to keep us laughing, throughout the episode.

And finally, the moment when Pritam Singh and Amanjyot Singh's little boys came on stage, it was cuteness overloaded and the aww's just wouldn't stop.

The Low Points

In an otherwise thoroughly entertaining episode, there were just a few low points.

When it comes to the overall look-and-feel of the show, the tempo seemed to be dwindling at times and Bharti came in as the savior. But, it is not fair to rely on Bharti completely all the time and hence we hope the pace and momentum of the show in future episodes continues to only build up more and more.

The melodrama pertaining Monalisa (Antara Biswas) and Vikrant Singh Rajput's (known to all) marriage story totally seemed uninvited for. The saga was much discussed already during 'Bigg Boss Season 10', the show has ended and we are in a new show. So hopefully, we don't see the 'crying' moments of Monalisa once again.

The Verdict

'Nach Baliye  8' brings the original flavor of 'Nach Baliye' back and that is certainly the best thing about it. A show which began with a bang 12 years ago, became a huge hit, but lost its charm last season, seems to have finally put it together and we already foresee a winner here.

Rating - **** (4/5)

What did you think about the opening episode of 'Nach Baliye 8'? Leave in your comments below.