Review: The Fame Game is a Madhuri Dixit show all the way with every actor adding value

The Fame Game is a suspenseful family drama that takes us through the highs and lows that accompany stardom and its effect on families -  the secrets they hide and  the games they play. Produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, written & showrun by Sri Rao and directed by Bejoy Nambiar and Karishma Kohli, the series stars Madhuri Dixit Nene, who makes her on-screen streaming debut. 

The series also brings together a brilliant ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Kapoor, Manav Kaul, Suhasini Mulay, Muskkaan Jaferi, Lakshvir Saran and Rajshri Deshpande in pivotal roles. As the series streams today, we got our hands on it a while before than the rest, and here's what we think about it!

Performances

It was absolutely no surprise that Madhuri would ace the role and she does not disappoint as Anamika Anand for a single second on the screen. She knows the character like the back of her hand and well, you do lose sight of the blurred lines every now and then. However, the thrill of the show does bring you out of that blur, reminding you of how Dixit may be a star like her character Anamika, but she's not struggling for her life out there.

After seeing Manav in the Netflix anthology that Ajeeb Daastaans was, this seems to be quite different and impactful. His character has certain layers to himself and Manav has gotten it right. As he dons the role of the superstar in the series, he also displays all the baggage of the character well, and in parts, those little things make every character in the story relatable.

Sanjay Kapoor as Anamika's wife is clearly the villain here and it doesn't take too long to hate on him. However, the fact that he gets it right, is commendable after all. Among others, are Rajshree, Muskkaan, and Suhasini, who each play their parts very well. Though every character is different, this Netflix series does scream women power and how.

Gagan Arora's is one of the finest portrayal, for you feel sorry for him, but you also despise him. Adding to the element of mystery and how, he has definitely managed to create a mark with his part in the series. Another fine performance comes from Lakshvir as Anamika's son - another well written, layered character, which has flaws, but also teaches you how to show strength.

The Good

Moving on from the performances, the themes that show explores are also one that find a place in your daily life, minus all the glamour, of course. For a thriller, it does have quite a few unpredictable and edge of the seat moments, all keeping you hooked to the screens. The most beautiful part about the series' writing is how every character teaches you a lesson, some that maybe relatable, while others, that will stay with you long after. 

The show has been shot, directed, and edited well, not leaving any scope for technical lags out there. The production quality, set design, all are magnificent, and truly make for an illustrious debut for Madhuri Dixit Nene.

The Bad

We saw 6 episodes just in time, to be left at an absolute cliffhanger, and yet, you do feel like it is a slow burner. For a thriller, you want any show to be less preachy and more full of content and edge of the seat drama. Not saying that there aren't any, but you kind of did expect more on that front. 

There are some tried and tested tropes that the series uses and they are most likely to go in any direction, which is a shortcoming for this show that boasts of terrific performances. 

Verdict

You must watch the series for the actors and their performances, if not for the thriller that it is. Though engaging, the series does fall short to have something that could set the story apart. Having said that, you might enjoy this thriller and the way it ends, adds value but also gives it the 'filmy twists and turns', and we all know how that goes!

Ratings: ***1/2 stars (3.5/5)