"A Mouthful of Sky" holds the distinction of being India's pioneering English-language television series, breaking new ground when it debuted on DD National in 1995. The show, based on a script by Ashok Banker, delves into the lives, aspirations, challenges, and complexities of the post-independence generation of Indians, predominantly individuals in their mid-thirties. It skillfully navigates between the traditional values of Indian society and the influences of a rapidly modernizing, urbanized, and Westernized ethos.
The narrative centers around a group of five individuals who are alumni of an MBA program. These characters, after a gap of 13 years following their graduation, reunite only to confront a haunting and sinister secret from their past. This enigmatic revelation becomes a weapon wielded by a group of relentless adversaries, threatening to dismantle their lives and aspirations. The storyline blends elements of crime and thriller, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
While the core storyline revolves around this compelling crime-thriller structure, "A Mouthful of Sky" intricately weaves in various subplots. These subplots serve as windows into the lives of urban Indians from diverse communities, each grappling with their unique struggles. The series deftly explores the intricate interplay between the inherent contradictions of their Indianness and the influx of Westernized influences, including language, customs, and perspectives. This exploration of cultural amalgamation and clash forms a significant backdrop against which the characters' lives unfold, adding depth and richness to the storytelling.
Throughout its run, the show skillfully examines the societal dynamics, personal dilemmas, and the quest for identity faced by its characters. "A Mouthful of Sky" is not merely a thriller but a tapestry of emotions, aspirations, and conflicts that resonate with the audience. It stands as a groundbreaking series that not only entertains but also offers a thought-provoking reflection of the evolving Indian society and the intricate fabric of its cultural ethos.
Cast
- Rahul Bose as Sarkar / Pavan
- Kruttika Desai as Anita
- Milind Soman as Akash Bhandarkar
- Samir Soni as Ashok Mathur
- Neesha Singh
- Shiuli Subaya as Kshama
- Divya Seth
- Mukul Dev as piyush raheja
- Shivaji Satam
- Ayesha Dharker
- Simone Singh as Madhulika
- Soni Razdan
- R. Madhavan
- Ranjeev Mulchandani as Prithvi Raheja
- Kushal Punjabi