Sony TV's Beyhadh is intriguing

Love is difficult. True love is difficult still. Perhaps that's what the makers had in mind when they came up with Beyhadh (Cinevistaas), which traces the journey of a rich, psychotic woman's passion for a go-getter of a simple boy. There's a third angle to their story too. A rather sweet and simple girl, who also secretly harbours affection for the hero. Phew.

The first episode, which beamed on Sony Entertainment Television,  easily and swiftly sets the premise for the series. It not only introduces us to the main leads, but also highlights their contrasting personalities and upbringing by telling us about their respective families. If Arjun (Kushal Tandon) is an ambitious, passionate boy who wants the world at his feet, his mother is a constant reminder of his realities.

His best friend, Saanjh (Aneri Vajani), is your typical girl-next-door who wants the best for her buddy. But is also secretly in love with him...her character is the most rounded of all as we instantly fall in love with her and her family- a cool dad, a cooler mom, and a cute little brother.

They let their daughter chase her dreams and also advice her to profess her love for her "friend" aka Arjun. Finally, Maya (Jennifer Winget) is cold, calculating, and brutally practical whose troubled childhood and irresponsible mother seem to be the major reason for it. We don't know why her mother is disturbed and for whom she's waiting for, but we do know that it's a dark past that will tell us why Maya is the way she is.

Her insomniac ways will eventually haunt everybody associated with her. That much is for sure. The characters' intro might be slightly clichéd, but it does pique our curiosity as we try to put the puzzle pieces together. Their varied personalities are obvious from their aspirations too.

While Arjun wants to own the city, his buddy Saanjh only wants a loving home, and even though Maya has it all...she doesn't like losing to anything or anyone. There's a particular scene that was a brilliant stroke of symbolism. As soon as Maya's dupatta fell on Arjun, his car went on an overdrive. It just stopped short of destroying him and his co-passenger Saanjh. The scene clearly states that the hero is going to have a tough time with our grey-charactered heroine because her touch can destroy it all.

The initial episodes are going to be about the two's love story as Arjun has already seen Maya aka his potential boss' badass-ery at the parking lot. How will they fall for each other? We can't wait for it!

The scenes are crisp, no-nonsense and perfectly dramatised. The leads put in their best acting chops on display too. Jennifer is a natural who doesn't let her sweet face from overshadowing her mean streaks. Aneri is perky and peppy, bringing the right amount of fun to her character, without going the frivolous route. Kushal starts off shaky, but manages to catch up with the ladies. Since his role is going to be more complex and constantly torn between Maya and Saanjh, we hope he lives up to the pressure.

The background score adds value to the scenes, while the supporting cast carry the story ahead. It's an intriguing new addition on TV and one that you shouldn't miss.