A Bold Exploration of Wealth, Power, and Social Injustice: A Review of 'Class'

At Hampton International School, three scholarships are awarded to new students, disrupting the status quo in the Indian Netflix series "Class," a retelling of the Spanish series "Elite." The show delves into the class struggles present in India's major cities and examines the effects on the social fabric.

The eight-episode series follows the journey of Balli Sehrawat, a wannabe influencer; Dheeraj Valmiki, a Dalit who falls for Suhani Ahuja; and Saba Manzoor, a Muslim girl from a strict family. The three "outsiders" face discrimination from their classmates, but their arrival stirs up the lives of all those involved.

The series begins with the murder of Suhani and the shock of her lover, Dheeraj. The police investigation drives the story, while the five families - Dalits, Ahujas, Kalras, Saba and Faruq, and Sanghvis - struggle with secrets, betrayals, and violence in a world where secrets are exposed through social media and technology. The series highlights the intertwined lives of the elite and the less fortunate.

As the investigation unfolds, the dynamics between the characters become increasingly complex and volatile. The series presents a raw and unflinching portrayal of the class divide and its effects on those caught in its crosshairs. The characters must navigate the treacherous waters of privilege, power, and prejudice to survive in a world where the stakes are high and the consequences of one's actions can be dire.

"Class" explores themes of identity, ambition, love, and tragedy, painting a vivid picture of contemporary India and the struggles of those seeking to better their lives. The series is a potent commentary on the power structures that shape society and the individuals who must navigate them. With sharp writing and compelling performances, "Class" is a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking and socially relevant television.

"Class," a Netflix series directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, delves into the complexities of India's class struggles and social biases through the stories of three scholarship students who attend the elite Hampton International School. The new students - Balli Sehrawat, Dheeraj Valmiki, and Saba Manzoor - bring with them a sense of vulnerability and soon become entangled in the lives of the wealthy "brats" who attend the school.

The series explores themes like wealth gap, gender, sexuality, jealousy, insecurity, teenage infatuation, greed, and caste, but fails to examine these topics in depth. The sound design and color scheme, however, effectively immerse the audience in the different environments of the wealthy and less affluent areas.

While "Class" touches on important issues, it fails to fully address them and instead opts for a flamboyant pulp-inspired narrative. Some moments, such as Saba's confidence and bravery, and the relationships between characters, stood out but some conversations and scenes were considered regressive.

Despite its flaws, "Class" offers a nuanced look at adolescent rebellion and the demands for social rights, as well as the gullibility of those in positions of authority. Ahluwalia tries to balance the humour and depravity of the wealthy, but fails to fully highlight their motives.

Despite its flaws, "Class" is a must-watch for its bold approach to challenging topics and its nuanced portrayal of characters from different backgrounds and walks of life. It's a thought-provoking series that will leave you questioning the values of the society and the impact of wealth and privilege. The show also showcases the importance of self-discovery and the struggles of fitting into a world where you're an outsider. The three main characters are compelling and provide a fresh take on the high school drama genre. With its strong acting, gripping story, and well-executed cinematography, "Class" is a series that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.

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