Baapofmovies.com Rating: 3.5/5
- Air Date: February 13, 2026
- Streaming on: Prime Video
- Episodes: 8
- Runtime: 39-55 Minutes
- Directors: Akshat Verma & Ankur Tewari
- Cast: Shalini Pandey , Zahan Kapoor , Swanand Kirkire , Ashish Vidhyarthi , Anupama Kumar , Sanjana Dipu and others
Bandwaale Series Review (2026): Created by Ankur Tewari & Swanand Kirkire, “Bandwaale” finally aired on Prime Video. The series takes us to a music-driven dramedy that is rooted in small-town ambition, identity, and digital-age aspirations. The series offers a relatable premise and has engaging musical elements, and Bandwaale somehow feels like a familiar narrative that misses emotional depth and narrative harmony.
Bandwaale Plot Overview
Bandwaale takes us to the quiet town of Ratlam, where the story follows Mariam (Shalini Pandey). Mariam is a young poet who is very determined to carve her own path despite growing up in a conservative household. Her strict father, Principal David (Ashish Vidyarthi), is looking to enforce the rigid discipline and suppress her creative instincts.
Mariam’s life takes a turn when she forms an unconventional creative alliance with DJ Psycho (Zahan Kapoor). DJ Psycho is a mysterious techno artist, and he is with Robo Kumar (Swanand Kirkire), who is a brass band singer. They both are struggling to stay relevant. And the trio, including Mariam, explore music, poetry, and content creation.
The narrative starts with a campus controversy that involved the poetry and romance. The conflict set the stage for Mariam’s quiet rebellion. Mariam’s journey takes us to the emotions of the aspirations and anxieties of a new generation, especially those who are trying to break free from social constraints.
Themes of Ambition and Female Agency
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Bandwaale’s strongest point is its exploration of small-town dreams. Mariam’s struggles are visible. Here journey is the true representation of the realities many young women face. It takes us through the family pressure, societal expectations, and the constant push toward marriage over career.
Music and Performances Stand Out
Music plays a central role in shaping the narrative. Yashraj Mukhate has done an amazing job. His compositions, when paired with Mariam’s poetry, work well to add an emotional texture and authenticity. The blend of brass band traditions and modern techno gives the series a much-needed distinct sonic identity.
Performances are largely solid. Ashish Vidyarthi was effortless in his role of a rigid patriarch. He is shown as the controller whose ego and insecurities shape the family’s dynamics. Shalini Pandey did well to capture Mariam’s vulnerability and ambition. On the other hand, Swanand Kirkire and Zahan Kapoor did well to bring realism to their roles as struggling artists.
Where the Series Falls Short
Bandwaale struggles with emotional engagement. There are key moments, such as Mariam’s poems being destroyed or her anxiety before a stage performance, that could have been done better, as it lacked the intensity that is needed to resonate deeply.
The writing often relies on predictable tropes: arranged marriage drama, sudden career breakthroughs, convenient coincidences, and rushed resolutions. Psy’s backstory could have added depth. However, due to poor scripting, it somehow feels underdeveloped and formulaic. As a result, the Bandwaale series rarely surprises viewers, and it looks to lean heavily on familiar storytelling patterns.
Final Verdict
All in all, Bandwaale presents an earnest attempt at telling a story about dreams, collaboration, and identity in modern small-town India.
If you are someone who enjoys music-led dramas with a slice-of-life feel, then this series will offer you a decent watch.
Watch Bandwaale Trailer
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