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.
“Waack Girls” – Using Dancing (Waacking) As A Stepping Stone For A Better Life
Spoiler Free Review of the Waack Girls (Season One – S1/ 2024) Series
The trailer
The 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.
The 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 has given us some memorable movies
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 else did we like about this Hindi show?
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, the girls have been impressive
| S.No. | Actresses | Characters | Brief Introductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mekhola Bose | Ishani | The protagonist & the leader of the Waack Girls dance group. She belongs to the middle class. However, her grandfather owns a huge property. |
| 2 | Rytasha Rathore | Lopa | The Deuteragonist & the manager of the Waack Girls dance group. She comes from the rich class. |
| 3 | Chrisann Pereira | Abby Tess | Raised by a single mother, she belongs to the middle class. A member of the Waack Girls dance group. |
| 4 | Priyam Saha | Michke | This funny gal comes from the well-off middle class. A member of the Waack Girls dance group. |
| 5 | Anasua Chowdhury | LP | Aspiring fashion designer, she has migrated to Kolkata. A member of the Waack Girls dance group. |
| 6 | Ruby Sah | Anumita | Her father is an Indian Railway employee. A gymnast and a member of the Waack Girls dance group. |
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.
And what did we not like about the show?
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.
The rating
| FM rating of the Waack Girls series | 3.50/5 |
The 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.
Key details
| Genre | Drama |
| Original language | Hindi (a little bit of Bengali and English) |
| Season | First Season | Season (1) One |
| Episodes | Nine (9) Episodes |
| Creator & Director | Sooni Taraporevala |
| Writers | Sooni Taraporevala, Ronny Sen & Iyanah Bativala |
| Taglines | Breaking the rules, one beat at a time. |
| Cast | Mekhola Bose (Ishani), Rytasha Rathore (Lopa), Chrisann Pereira (Tess), Priyam Saha (Michke), Anasua Chowdhury (LP), Ruby Sah (Anumita), Achintya Bose (Manik), Barun Chanda (Ishani’s Grandfather/Dadu), Nitesh Pandey (Lopa’s Father), Lillete Dubey (Abby Tess’ Mother), Nivedita Bhattacharjee (Michke’s Mother), Gulfam Khan (Lopa’s Mother), etc. |
| Network | Prime Video |
The poster
Spoilers Alert – Summary of the Nine (9) Episodes of the Series
Episodes Summary – nine episodes in season one of the show
Stalker Dost (S1, E1) – 35 minutes
Ishani fantasizes about dancing in public. Her theatre legend grandfather Dadu brings her back to earth. Manik convinces her not to hide her talent. Ishani reluctantly takes part in her college talent hunt. When Lopa sees Ishani dance, she is smitten and determinedly stalks her.
Welcome to the Crew (S1, E2) – 35 minutes
Ishani, Manik and Lopa figure out how they are going to find dancers for their group. Ishani’s uncles, who have their eyes on the house, make their first unwanted appearance. Tess’ mother Abby brings a surprise home. Ishani, Manik, and Lopa hold auditions and shortlist the dancers.
Whack! Boom! POW! (S1, E3) – 31 minutes
Waack Girls meet for the first time. They don’t get along. Lopa finds a way to generate income. Anumita’s coach gives her a warning. L.P. makes her client very happy. Ishani and Lopa despair of ever getting the group off the ground. Lopa finds a way to unite the girls, but it doesn’t quite work out as she planned.
Eh Uncle! (S1, E4) – 32 minutes
The girls get better at waacking. Dadu has a meltdown. L.P. is behind on her rent. Lopa sweet talks her childhood friend into hiring the Waack Girls. Ishani is against this gig but the others are swayed by the money on offer. At the gig, the girls are finally united, but unexpectedly, Lopa finds herself outside their magic circle.
Sunny Side Up (S1, E5) – 35 minutes
Lopa’s father threatens her. Ishani loses her job. Tess and Manik go on their first date. Michke scares away a suitor. The girls take part in their first waacking battle in an underground warehouse where they catch a celebrity’s eye. Anumita finds herself in trouble.
Shot in the Dark (S1, E6) – 32 minutes
Anumita shatters her father’s dreams. Lopa figures out her father’s nefarious plan and secretly foils it. The girls rally behind Dadu in court against the machinations of Ishani’s greedy uncles. Ishani’s feelings for Lopa undergo a sea change. The girls ride the celebrity wave and decide to make a music video.
Wonder (S1, E7) – 38 minutes
Abby gets a gold standard tip. Distraught, Tess breaks down and confides in Manik. Lopa visits Diya to try and get the money they are owed. The girls pool their resources and decide on a plan to finance their music video. Manik and Ishani reconcile. Ishani’s past is revealed.
Showtime (S1, E8) – 33 minutes
Abby does a noble deed. The Waack Girls are back in business. Ishani’s uncle’s scheme with Lopa’s father. Lopa recruits a film student Aruna to shoot the music video. L.P. kicked out by her landlord, moves in with Ishani. Abby takes care of Dadu while the girls shoot their videos all over the city. They upload it and wait….
Chaap De Bena (S1, E9) – 37 minutes
Ishani’s hookstep goes viral. The Waack Girls are famous. Bollywood and Mumbai come calling. Something is gained, something is lost.
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 Videos and Canva.com