Waack Girls: Dancing For Better Life

Waack Girls are dancing for a better life in this female-centric drama. This Waack dance tale taps into the dreams and aspirations of six cool young ladies in Kolkata city.

So, the Waack Girls introduces us to the Waacking dance style in this series from India. Targeted at young adults, this uplifting present-day girls’ power tale is set in the City of Joy.

Series Review [Spoiler-Free]: “Waack Girls” (Season 1, India, 2024)

Using Waacking/Dancing As A Stepping Stone For A Better Life

Synopsis

In the vibrant city of Kolkata, a group of six young women comes together to create a dance ensemble that introduces the unfamiliar style of waacking to their surroundings. Under the guidance of Ishani (Mekhola Bose), a skilled waacker, and Lopa (Rytasha Rathore), their determined manager, they confront various challenges both in their dance journey and in their personal lives, grappling with familial and societal expectations. Each member of the group possesses her own distinct identity and struggles. Bound by a shared spirit of fearless defiance, they assert their individuality and carve out their rightful place in the world.

Unique Selling Point (USP)

Well, as the series title Waack Girls suggests, the story revolves around the Waacking (aka Whacking) dance form. And to be honest, we loved this rather unique and energetic dance.

Waacking, also known as Whacking, is a street dance style that has its origins in punking, a dance developed in the 1970s disco clubs of the West Coast in Los Angeles. This dancing style is marked by a strong emphasis on arm movements, which involve forming shapes and poses above and around the head in a rapid and expressive manner. Waacking is frequently danced to disco music.

Sooni Taraporevala

Sooni Taraporevala is the creator, writer and director of this energetic show. We know her amazing work as the writer of acclaimed movies like Salaam Bombay (1988), Mississippi Masala (1991), Such a Long Journey (1998), Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000), The Namesake (2006), etc.

Needless to state the obvious, we genuinely looked forward to watching the show created by her.

Moreover, her web series focuses on the life of young girls (women) in India. It is a modern tale from India, set in present-day India.

Even in 2024, the Indian government has to initiate programmes like “Beti Padhao Beti Bachao” (Educate Daughter, Save Daughter) to send a powerful message and have a positive social impact on Indian society.

Therefore, in light of the social reality of the patriarchal society, such positive-themed stories are much needed.

What’s good?

The story is set in Kolkata, the proverbial city of joy. The historical city has a unique old-world charm. Not to forget, we also get a chance to peek into the distinct cultures of Bengalis, Bhadraloks, Marwaris, Anglo-Indians, etc.

And, of course, the different tourist spots of Kolkata have been beautifully shot, including the thriving underground dance parties of this metropolis. Then there are quite a few surprise guest appearances.

Led by Mekhola & Rytasha, meet the impressive girls

Also, the relatively new actresses impressed us with their amazing dancing skills and fine acting performances. Besides, each one of them has a unique tale. Funnily, the wedding fight scene seemed like a real tale. In a way, it highlighted the daily struggle of the girls in our Indian society. Even in public places, they are often subjected to derision and contempt.

Furthermore, the cliffhanger ending in the first season finale suggests that there is more to come. And most certainly, we would love to see these young actresses in this uplifting and heartwarming tale. In the patriarchal society of India, it is a really rare occurrence that we get to see a bunch of women playing key roles in mainstream series/movies.

Predictable storyline

Somehow, we did not like the predictability of the plotline. But then, one could overlook this aspect, as it tries to tell a contemporary story of young girls in India. And that is indeed a praiseworthy step by its writers Sooni Taraporevala, Ronny Sen and Iyanah Bativala.

We hope in the second season, they will tighten the script and surprise all of us.

Rating

Conclusion

Last time, we reviewed the “PI Meena” (2023) series from Bengal. Now, we have reviewed the “Waack Girls” series set in Kolkata, West Bengal. No doubt, we liked its feminine storyline, which is about girls’ empowerment and their fighting against all kinds of odds. We also liked the performances of its ensemble cast, which includes Barun Chanda, Nitesh Pandey, Lillete Dubey, Nivedita Bhattacharjee, Gulfam Khan, and others. This entertaining show, too, wins a big thumbs up. It is certainly good for the marathon (binge) watch.

Poster

Key Details

Trailer

Check the "How to Waacking" - Easy Steps for Beginners on YouTube video.

Poster, Featured and Other Images of the Waack Girls (Season One – S1/ 2024) Series are credited to Amazon Prime Video and Canva.com