The much-anticipated India’s Best Dancer Season 4 has finally premiered, and the initial two episodes have certainly set the stage for a season packed with extraordinary talent and dramatic moments. As a dedicated follower of dance reality shows, I tuned in with high expectations, and while some aspects exceeded those, others left me slightly underwhelmed. Here’s a breakdown of the standout performances and initial impressions from the first two episodes.
The audition rounds always bring a mix of emotions, and this season was no different. One of the initial disappointments was the elimination of the Tollywood dancer during the battle round. His audition was captivating, and he showcased remarkable skill and stage presence. Despite a few minor errors in the battle, his overall performance deserved a spot in the top 12. The “Mauka vs Chauka” concept, where contestants choose between a safe spot and a challenge, adds an element of risk, and in this case, it felt a bit harsh.
Among the duos battling it out, Nextion stood out more prominently than Nepo. Nextion’s movements were incredibly fluid and precise, demonstrating a strong command over his dance form. If only one could advance, Nextion was undoubtedly the more deserving candidate. The trio performance featuring Boogie added an entertaining element and highlighted Nextion’s ability to collaborate effectively.
Arjun’s selection was undeniably well-deserved. His performance radiated passion and technical prowess. However, the show’s persistent use of struggle narratives during contestant introductions feels somewhat cliché and detracts from the performance itself. These channels should reconsider relying so heavily on emotional backstories.
Chitranshi’s performance was decent, but it lacked the ‘wow’ factor. It was competent but not particularly memorable compared to some of the other acts.
On the other hand, the “Fevicol guy” as the judges affectionately nicknamed him, delivered one of the most entertaining and jaw-dropping performances of the episode. His bone-breaking routine was both captivating and unique. The judges’ and Momma’s enthusiastic reactions were completely justified. The song choice also complemented his style perfectly, enhancing the overall impact.
Sushmita and Ishani both delivered phenomenal performances. They skillfully fused Western and classical dance styles, creating a mesmerizing blend that was both innovative and graceful. The anticipation is high for Shweta to return as a choreographer this season, as her expertise would undoubtedly elevate these contestants further. However, the selection of Ishani’s boyfriend raises ethical questions if his audition was indeed a scripted scenario. It feels somewhat staged if he was directly selected without a genuine audition process.
The contestant who paid tribute to Geeta and Terence was a commendable dancer, but the comedic elements incorporated into his act didn’t quite land effectively. The humor felt a bit forced and detracted from the dance itself.
Harsh’s performance was nothing short of incredible. He presented a formidable challenge to Samarpan, last season’s winner. It seemed the judges and show producers struggled to openly acknowledge that a contestant had outperformed a previous winner, hence the excessive praise heaped on Samarpan despite Harsh’s superior showing.
Adina’s act, for some reason, didn’t resonate as strongly. The battle between her and Boogie also felt somewhat lackluster. Perhaps this particular dance style isn’t as appealing, or the performance execution fell short of expectations.
The choreographer from Odisha was another notable performer. His selection process, however, also appeared scripted. The sudden interaction with the audience, a departure from previous seasons, felt unnatural and contrived.
Sunday’s episode saw Harsh and Adina both emerge victorious in their respective battles against Samarpan and Boogie. As a result, Arjun, Harsh, and Adina have secured their places in the top 12, promising an interesting dynamic moving forward.
Special Comments After Watching the Episodes:
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Gaurav’s new hairstyle is… questionable. It’s quite a drastic change and not necessarily in a positive direction.
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The “LOLO Love” dialogue is already bordering on cringeworthy. The show should avoid pushing this further to prevent it from becoming overly cheesy. Additionally, Karishma’s repeated anecdotes from past shows like DTPH are becoming repetitive and stale. Mentioning them twice in a single episode was excessive.
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The judges’ and contestants’ exaggerated reactions to “Chauka” selections are overblown. The dramatic responses, as if choosing “Chauka” is a catastrophic decision, are unnecessary. Geeta’s comment, “don’t you even think?” when a contestant chose “Chauka,” exemplifies this overreaction. Conversely, the overly positive reactions to “Mauka” choices are equally artificial. It’s their own concept, after all; some balanced reactions would be more authentic.
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The stage name “Nepo” feels incredibly ill-suited for today’s audience. The term is heavily associated with untalented star kids and carries negative connotations. It’s an unfortunate and potentially damaging choice for a talented dancer trying to establish their own identity.
In conclusion, India’s Best Dancer Season 4 has kicked off with a mix of brilliant performances and questionable production choices. While the talent pool is undeniably strong, certain scripted elements and over-the-top reactions detract from the overall viewing experience. Hopefully, as the season progresses, the focus will shift more towards pure dance and less on manufactured drama, allowing the exceptional dancers to truly shine.
