With standout performances from the main cast, the Kannada series ‘Roommates’ is a relatable reflection of the hilarity of friendship and rivalry
The Kannada web series Roommates on ZEE5 is about four bachelors coming to terms with adult life. One of them is an aspiring filmmaker, who is forced to edit wedding videos to cover the bills. Director Darshan Shinde hints at the life of many passionate budding filmmakers struggling to get their break.
The charm of Roommates lies in small moments. It’s a series light on its feet, never taking itself too seriously. Of course, the series shows the usual bachelor habits (e.g., unkept rooms), and since it’s not going after big conflicts, certain ideas get repeated, like the joke about the strict owner always pestering for rent.
Street-cricket saga
Roommates soon turns into a street-cricket saga, with the four boys forming a rivalry with another gang. The cricketing portions are executed with nice imagination, with the protagonists employing quirky strategies to beat their opponents.
In the age of people booking cricket turfs in play arenas, the series champions the charm of tennis ball cricket in open playgrounds, even if it’s for a brief period.
Small moments that rescue the series
Small moments rescue Roommates when it appears to meander. Like the birthday party involving the girlfriend of one of the boys, or a hearty laugh from the four after a heated argument. My favourite is the hilarious dig at IT employees’ fake attitude with their bosses for appraisals.
The humour is distinctly Bengaluru in flavour, with quirky references, such as a joke involving Majestic Bus Stand that is sure to resonate with locals.
Where it falls short
The ‘local vs migrant’ conflict is the main reason for the cricket rivalry, but the idea isn’t fleshed out properly. The resolution isn’t convincing either. However, Roommates ends on an emotional note, making us feel for the four boys.
Even if the platform wants to call such projects a series, these types of attempts are essentially mini-series. I wonder what more these young writers and directors can bring to the table if given a chance to deliver a full-fledged series.
Performances and production
Despite the shortcomings, Roommates is a good enough proof of what the team can do with limited resources. The series has cinematic highs as well, be it the funky background score or the zany camera work in the chase and fight sequences.
The fine performances of the main cast — Aashith, Aahan, Sachin Kumar Pawar, and Jerome Lobo — are an added advantage, keeping us invested in Roommates.
Verdict
Roommates is a light-hearted, relatable watch for anyone who has lived the bachelor life or grown up playing tennis ball cricket on open grounds. It doesn’t aim for greatness, but it delivers warmth, wit, and a few genuine laughs. The series is currently streaming on ZEE5.
