Shantaram Episode 8 finds the people of Sagar Wada paying the price of aligning with Khader Bhai after Lin took help from the Shakespeare-quoting gangster. The episode is directed by Bronwen Hughes and has a runtime of 56 minutes. For the unversed, the series revolves around a fugitive (played by Charlie Hunnam), who finds refuge in Bombay, during the eighties.
The complete cast of the series includes Alexander Siddig as Abdel Khader Khan, Shubham Saraf as Prabhu, Luke Pasqualino as Maurizio, Elektra Kilbey as Lisa Carter, Alyy Khan as Qasim Ali, Matthew Joseph as Ravi, Sujaya Dasgupta as Kavita, Antonia Desplat as Karla, and Fayssal Bazzi as Abdullah Taheri. Moreover, the latest episode is titled Apo Vai Pranah. The episode is titled Like in the Time of Cholera and is created by Eric Warren Singer and Steve Lightfoot.
-Shantaram Episode 8 Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers-
The episode starts with a sick Linbaba, getting treated by a caring Karla. Who, also hears the former murmuring the name ‘Gemma’ while induced with high fever cholera. The unofficial doctor of the slum recovers incredibly fast, in comparison with the rest of the temporary residents, and wakes up to find Karla gone, just like the usual way (talk about on-and-off relationships).
Linbaba made the choice of survival on behalf of the entire Sagar Wada and now finds himself in another tumult of destruction. The goons of Khader Bhai’s arch-rival, threaten the people of the slum, to take their support back from the gangster. Moreover, they also resort to throwing their water bottles along with a forceful acquisition.
The episode moves steadily fast and makes Lin realize the consequences of his deal with the devil. Furthermore, the latest instalment is mostly centred around Sagar Wada, with slight progress in other areas. Including Lisa’s bruised relationship with Modena, and Karla’s unearthing of Madam Zhoue’s past.
I believe all my complaints regarding the slow revelations in the show are now completely resolved. And are replaced by some engaging set of events, instead of futile filler episodes. The series is finally becoming what it started out to be, and it’s a treat to watch it unfold.
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Charlie Hunnam gets to explore a lot in this episode, including a desi fight with Lathis. The English actor has lived up to his potential throughout the series and has a lot more to offer. Meanwhile, my favourite sidekick cum tourist guide Prabhu (played by Shubham Saraf) is totally alive and kicking in the episode, and still dancing to the beats of a Barsaat Ki Ek Raat.
Although I get why Lin and other foreigners in the show have accents while speaking Hindi or Marathi. But why does Khader Bhai, or Ravi for that matter, speak their native language with different enunciations? I guess that’s the mystery I am willing to ignore as long as the screenplay remains unaffected.
Shantaram Episode 8 Final Thoughts
The episode is successful in moving things forward, with a slick layer of vintage drama. It is also filled with many complicated relationships, that will play an important role in the upcoming episodes.
You can stream the episode on Apple TV Plus. Let us know your thoughts about it in the comment section below.
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