Ep 1. Blue Bandit

Bandish Bandits is an Indian musical drama web series, released in 2020, that showcases the journey of two distinct music worlds coming together. The show primarily focuses on Indian classical music, with elements of pop music, and explores the dynamics between a renowned, traditional musical family and a talented, young pop singer.

In season 1 episode 1, titled "Blue Bandit," we are introduced to Radhe (Ritwik Bhowmik), a shy and introverted classical musician from a musical family in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He is a prodigy in his own right, and is being groomed to carry forward the legacy of his musical lineage. However, his father, Ratna (Atul Kulkarni), a strict and traditionalist music teacher, believes that the path to true artistry lies in perfecting the purity of Indian classical music and frowns upon any deviations from this form.

On the other hand, we also meet Tamanna (Shreya Chaudhry), a young and talented pop singer from Mumbai, who is making waves in the music industry with her electrifying performances and unique style of music. She is a free spirit who believes in taking risks and exploring new musical horizons. Her manager, Arghya (Amit Mistry), is a shrewd businessman who is determined to take Tamanna's career to new heights, even if it means making compromises with her artistic integrity.

The episode kicks off with Tamanna's concert, where we see her perform her hit song "Sajan Bin". It is a high-energy performance that sets the tone for her personality and musical style. We get a glimpse into her world, where she is surrounded by fans, paparazzi, and the glamour of the music industry.

The story soon shifts to Jodhpur, where Radhe is performing at a classical music concert with his father. However, his performance is interrupted by a group of gypsies who have set up camp nearby. They are playing a catchy tune on their dholak, which Radhe is drawn towards. He sneaks away from the concert to listen to their music and is entranced by their melody.

This is where Radhe and Tamanna's paths cross. Tamanna arrives in Jodhpur for a music festival and coincidentally crosses paths with Radhe. She is initially dismissive of his classical music and musical pedigree, while he is intimidated by her cool attitude and pop sensibilities. However, they soon discover a common bond in music, and Tamanna recognizes Radhe's talent and potential.

The episode ends with Radhe, inspired by his newfound friendship with Tamanna and her pop music, composing a new tune on his guitar. He is conflicted about whether he should follow his own musical path or adhere to his father's strict classical teachings. Meanwhile, Tamanna is facing her own struggles with the music industry, where her manager is pressuring her to collaborate with a famous pop artist.

Overall, "Blue Bandit" is a great introduction to the world of Bandish Bandits. It sets up the major characters and their conflicts, and gives a glimpse into the musical traditions and styles that will be explored in the show. The episode is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals of Jodhpur and energetic musical performances. It leaves us eager to see how Radhe and Tamanna's musical journey unfolds in the coming episodes.