Bandish Bandits S2: Binge-Watched Both Seasons & My thoughts

I was obsessed with Sajan Bin when it first came out but never got around to starting the series. Instagram reels finally pulled me in, and I finished both seasons in two days. I couldn’t help myself—I loved it!

Now, this might be an unpopular opinion, but I think they did a great job with Season 2. Sure, the songs might not be as instantly catchy as before, but they’re still pretty and absolutely amazing in their own way.

Radhe was such a cutie pie throughout the show. Tamanna, on the other hand... I don’t know. Can someone explain why they’re so deeply in love? Like, I do enjoy their chemistry, but the "why" behind their intense connection wasn’t super convincing for me. That said, Radhe/Ritwik’s gestures and facial expressions while singing were just chef’s kiss. One of my favorite moments was during the semi-finale when Tamanna finishes her second verse, and Radhe sings next with "Mahi" with a little expression directed at her. It was so subtle yet adorable—it absolutely melted my heart.

I never quite understood the hate towards Digvijay in Season 1. To me, he wasn’t a villain until he published Pandit Ji’s bandish book. Sure, it was a bit of a douchey move, but not outright evil. Atul Kulkarni’s performance, though? Phenomenal. Virah was absolutely magical. In fact, Digvijay became one of my favorite characters, and I admired him in a way similar to Karna from Mahabharata.

Speaking of characters, I also really loved Arghya and Mohini. Mohini’s expression when the group was choosing their rock genre and Kabir said "Death Metal"? Priceless. I laughed so hard. Sheeba Chaddha is another gem in the cast. Her presence adds so much depth to the show.

I also appreciate how the lead characters aren’t portrayed as flawless. They mess up. Radhe denying his father the chance to sing as the lead singer in that one scene? That hit hard. It was so beautifully done yet heartbreaking. Also, Radhe’s look during the Abhilasha concert was hot AF. Something about him in that moment was just too good-looking.

That said, I still don’t understand why Radhe’s father doesn’t seem to have a proper job. And what was with the hand quivering while playing the pakhavaj?

Pandit Ji’s flashbacks... ugh. They still didn’t redeem him in my eyes. Why stop Mohini from singing? And why couldn’t he let her marry Digvijay? That backstory didn’t paint him as a saint, despite the show’s attempts. That said, the moment where Mohini and Digvijay sing together at his house/school for the first time? Absolutely beautiful.

Now, about the music: Royalty Free was bland AF. Every song. Sorry, not sorry. Holdin’ On was okay, but overall, the band just didn’t do it for me. I honestly don’t know how they qualified and stayed.

Tamanna during the semi-finale? I couldn’t take her seriously. Her expressions—opening her mouth way too wide—felt a bit much. And while I understand her frustration after losing, Radhe wasn’t to blame for that, girl! Her competing with Mohini rubbed me the wrong way for some reason. Mohini could’ve absolutely wiped the floor with her, and yet Radhe kept apologizing and simping. He didn’t need to. Not once.

Divya Dutta was incredible, as always. But I do think adding Arjun as "Imroz" felt unnecessary, and Ananya’s subplot didn’t really add much. There were too many characters, too many love stories, and way too many backstories. I’ve seen some of my favorite shows fall into this trap, and it’s something I personally don’t enjoy. Also, what was the deal with Saumya’s eating and throwing up multiple times?

And finally, I really missed Amit Mistry. His absence was felt so deeply throughout the series.

I loved the series. I NEED ANOTHER 10 SEASONS.