Pitchers Season 1 Story:-
The fifth episode of The Viral Fever’s (TVF) latest web series, Pitchers, finally dropped on Sunday evening, putting an end to the eager anticipation of fans who were eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the first season.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 10 June 2015 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Episodes | 5 |
| Creator | Arunabh Kumar |
| Cast | Naveen Kasturia, Jitendra Kumar, Arunabh Kumar, Abhay Mahajan, Aakanksha Thakur, Maanvi Gagroo, Jaimini Pathak, Rajesh Sharma, Biswapati Sarkar, Sunil Sinha, Sameer Saxena, Abhishek Banerjee |
| Director | Amit Golani |
| Writer | Biswapati Sarkar |
| Cinematography | Vaibhav Bundhoo |
| Music | Vaibhav Bundhoo |
| Producer | Arun Kumar |
| Production | The Viral Fever Media Labs |
| Certificate | 16+ |
As the second web series by TVF, following last year’s successful Permanent Roommates, Pitchers has undeniably made a significant impact. The phrase “Tu beer hai” from a memorable monologue in the pilot episode has become ubiquitous in conversations over the past two months, indicating the show’s widespread influence.
Arguably, a show like Pitchers could only have been created by a company led by a group of ex-IITians. TVF’s founder Arunabh Kumar, who conceptualized and developed the show while also portraying the hot-headed character Yogendra Kumar Pandey, along with series director Amit Golani and writer Biswapati Sarkar, have collectively demonstrated their creative prowess over the years with sharply written and brilliantly acted satirical YouTube videos.
Their talents converge seamlessly in Pitchers, a series that delves into the lives and ambitions of four aspiring entrepreneurs: CEO Naveen (Naveen Kasturia), coder Jitu (Jitendra Kumar), marketing strategist Saurabh Mandal (Abhay Mahajan), and Yogendra Pandey, aka Yogi. Across five episodes, each running approximately 40 minutes (except for the finale, which extends to 56 minutes), viewers are immersed in the captivating narrative of four twenty-somethings navigating the startup landscape in Mumbai.
While comparisons with HBO’s acclaimed sitcom Silicon Valley are inevitable, creator Arunabh Kumar clarified in an interview with HuffPost India that Pitchers was conceptualized before Silicon Valley aired, and many involved hadn’t even watched it until Pitchers was in development. Nevertheless, parallels between the two shows exist, such as sub-plots about plagiarism, seasoned entrepreneurs launching multiple ventures, and the dilemma between accepting a buy-out or seeking a legitimate investor.
However, these similarities feel organic rather than contrived, reflecting common experiences in the startup journey. Moreover, Pitchers distinguishes itself with its unique elements. For instance, it challenges the stereotype of “nerds don’t get laid” by portraying two of its characters, Naveen and Jitu, in relationships—an uncommon depiction in similar narratives. The show authentically captures the settings, characters, and situations, offering a believable portrayal of urban Indian life.
The first five episodes explore various facets of the characters’ lives. We witness Naveen’s idealism driving the creation of his startup while simultaneously affecting his personal life. Yogi, initially portrayed as an immature bully akin to Erlich Bachman from Silicon Valley, experiences moments of introspection. Meanwhile, Jitu navigates the complexities of an arranged marriage and societal expectations as the dutiful son.
As Pitchers concludes its first season, it leaves viewers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for these dynamic characters and their entrepreneurial journey.
Sarkar’s writing and Golani’s direction shine brightest in the subtle, nuanced details: Jitu marking his cigarettes with the days of the week, the meaningful glances exchanged between Naveen and his girlfriend Shreya (played by Maanvi Gagroo), and the quirky mannerisms of would-be investor Gary (portrayed brilliantly by Rajesh Sharma), who spins his car keys around his finger while weaving a Mahabharata analogy.
However, Pitchers stumbles when it tries to blend realism with surreal elements that feel out of place in the show’s world. For instance, sequences set at an IIT-Bombay hostel portraying a young coding genius as a geeky kingpin come across as disconnected from the overall narrative. Similarly, the inclusion of ‘Chacha’, Yogi’s mysterious associate who wears sunglasses constantly, feels forced and detracts from the show’s credibility. Additionally, a scene depicting women entrepreneurs discussing gender discrimination appears crude and unnecessary, failing to provide meaningful commentary on sexism in the startup world.
There are also larger issues with the series. The decision to withhold Naveen’s startup idea until the end of the season feels frustrating, and the absence of the firm’s name despite attending a pivotal startup conference raises questions about coherence. Furthermore, considering the show’s tech-centric premise, the lack of technical jargon is glaring and undermines the characters’ credibility as tech experts.
Despite its reported Rs 50-lakh-per-episode budget, Pitchers exhibits technical shortcomings reminiscent of YouTube videos. The sound design is inconsistent, the original score feels under-produced, and product placements are overt. Moreover, the show lacks the polished aesthetic expected of a high-budget production.
Nevertheless, Pitchers remains engaging and addictive, thanks to its stellar ensemble cast. Kasturia and Gagroo deliver natural performances with palpable chemistry, portraying a romantic relationship that feels genuine and relatable. Arunabh impresses as the outspoken Yogi, while Mahajan brings depth to the character of Mandal, transforming him from a caricature into a nuanced portrayal.
However, the standout performance comes from Jitendra, who effortlessly anchors the show with his authenticity and commitment to his character, even in moments that may seem contrived.
Pitchers marks a significant advancement for Indian web-based content, despite its flaws. While imperfect, it sets a benchmark for future endeavors in the industry. So, raise a toast, because you’ve earned it.
