The self-proclaimed godman of Kashipur has returned. And his heinous deeds are clearly aided by the dishonest cops and gullible politicians he distorts with complete impunity. Season 3 of Aashram is well-made and performed, yet it only strikes in spurts with no amount of action. Despite his nefarious activities, the petty criminal-turned-preacher nonetheless has such a large following that the state’s chief minister is at his leash, the cops are at his beck and call, and he has complete control over the judicial and administrative systems.
Baba Nirala is more formidable than ever, and he’s getting closer to transforming from a mere Baba to a Bhagwan who can bestow miracles. Unfortunately, the one miracle that the character desperately requires – a hint of mystery and terror – remains elusive.He’s locked in a predictable loop, surrounded by his loud and frenzied acolytes. The figure is unable to break free from the confines of a plot that sets him against a group of disillusioned followers who want to see him die but have little hope of really removing the mask from his face.
Baba Nirala (Bobby Deol) sort of struggles to recreate the aura of mystery and intrigue that surrounds him throughout the first two seasons of Aashram.He sprinkles the story with flashbacks, raising the prospect of a ‘bigger picture’ canvas developing from the story’s many tangents. The narrative is still dominated by the faith-politics-police nexus. The story also includes a case of sexual abuse, as well as a government-backed land grab and the eviction of forest inhabitants. However, the twists and turns that endanger Baba Nirala’s wicked kingdom are only a trickle at best. At the midpoint of the 10-episode show, Esha Gupta, a new character to the cast, who appears in the role of internationally famous branding expert Sonia. Hukum Singh (Sachin Shroff), the state chief minister, summons her to work on a profitable project to improve the image of his state and the Baba he worships.