Cadets Indian TV Series Review

The series offers a wealth of life lessons—such as “Punishment is Training” and “Loyalty pays in the long run”—yet it falls short of being truly inspiring. Directed by Vishwajoy Mukherjee, Cadets is an 8-episode series that transports viewers back to 1998, where youthful enthusiasm intersects with the strict discipline of military life at the fictional Armed Forces Academy in Pune. Adapted from Tanushree Podder’s novel Boots Belts Berets, the series presents a delightful mix of drama, action, and the endearing awkwardness of young romance.

Cadets Indian TV Series Review

Cadets Indian TV Series Plot Summary:

YouTube (JioCinema)

Set in 1998, Cadets transports viewers to the fictional Armed Forces Academy in Pune, where four young men from diverse backgrounds converge to undergo rigorous military training. The series is adapted from Tanushree Podder’s novel Boots Belts Berets and follows the lives of Manoj Mitra (Tanay Chheda), Albert Marak (Tushar Shahi), Neeraj Tomar (Gautam Gujjar), and Randhir Dhanua (Chayan Chopra). These cadets, each with unique personalities and backgrounds, are placed in Garuda Company, the underdog unit at the academy. They must overcome challenges, both physical and emotional, to prove their worth against the more prestigious Fateh and Chetak companies. The story is a blend of drama, action, and the awkwardness of young love, set against the backdrop of military discipline.

Cadets Indian TV Series Cast:

Tanay Chheda as Manoj Mitra: The idealistic Bengali cadet who dreams of making his mark in the armed forces.
Tushar Shahi as Albert Marak: A carefree and fun-loving cadet from Meghalaya, who brings a touch of humor to the group.
Gautam Gujjar as Neeraj Tomar: The grounded and resilient Haryanvi cadet, who faces challenges head-on.
Chayan Chopra as Randhir Dhanua: A cadet with a military lineage, who is determined to uphold his family’s legacy.
Ria Nalavde as Koel: Randhir’s love interest, whose existing relationship with his senior adds a layer of complexity to their budding romance.
Pooja Rawat as Suzie: The commander’s daughter, who becomes the object of Albert’s affection.

Cadets Indian TV Series Review:

Cadets is a series that strikes a balance between military rigor and youthful exuberance. Directed by Vishwajoy Mukherjee, the show offers a nostalgic look back at a time when life was simpler, yet filled with the challenges of growing up. The series is not just about military training; it’s about the personal journeys of the cadets, their friendships, rivalries, and the life lessons they learn along the way.

The narrative unfolds linearly, starting with the Cadets’ Oath, which sets the tone for the series. The show’s strength lies in its ability to portray the camaraderie between the cadets. Whether they are pulling pranks, sharing their fears, or pushing each other to do better, the bond between them feels genuine and heartwarming.

What Works:

Authentic Portrayal of Military Life: The series does a commendable job of capturing the essence of life at a military academy. The discipline, the training, and the sense of duty are all portrayed with authenticity.
Strong Performances: Tanay Chheda and Chayan Chopra, in particular, deliver standout performances. Their portrayal of cadets navigating the pressures of military training while dealing with personal issues adds depth to the series.
Humor and Light-Hearted Moments: Despite the serious setting, the show doesn’t shy away from humor. The light-hearted moments, especially those involving Albert Marak, provide much-needed relief and balance the intense training sequences.
Cinematography: The series is visually appealing, with well-composed shots that highlight the expansive academy grounds and the emotional intensity of the characters. The muted color palette reflects the disciplined environment, enhancing the overall tone of the series.

What Doesn’t Work:

Predictable Plot: The story, while engaging, follows a predictable path. The romantic subplots, in particular, are clichéd and do not offer any new insights or twists.
Lack of High Stakes: The series doesn’t offer many nail-biting moments. The challenges faced by the cadets, while significant, do not carry the high stakes that one might expect from a military drama.
Pacing Issues: At times, the narrative feels slow, particularly during the training montages. A tighter script could have made the series more compelling.

Cadets Indian TV Series Cast Performances:

The cast of Cadets brings sincerity and charm to their roles. Tanay Chheda, as the idealistic Manoj Mitra, and Chayan Chopra, as the determined Randhir Dhanua, anchor the series with their strong performances. Tushar Shahi adds a touch of humor as Albert Marak, while Gautam Gujjar portrays the resilience of Neeraj Tomar effectively. The supporting cast, including Ria Nalavde and Pooja Rawat, add depth to the story, even though their characters are somewhat predictable.

Verdict:

Cadets is a series that offers a wholesome and heartwarming portrayal of life at a military academy. While it may not push boundaries or offer earth-shattering twists, it succeeds in delivering a narrative that is both engaging and relatable. The series is more of a gentle march than a full-on sprint, but for those looking for a light-hearted drama with a military backdrop, Cadets is a watchable and enjoyable series.

Cadets Indian TV Series Director:

Director: Vishwajoy Mukherjee.

Cadets Indian TV Series Writer:

Writer: Kshitij Roy.

Where to Watch Cadets Indian TV Series:

Jio Cinema.

Cadets Indian TV Series Rating:

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is Cadets based on a true story?
No, Cadets is a fictional series inspired by Tanushree Podder’s novel Boots Belts Berets. However, it captures the essence of life at a military academy.
Where can I watch Cadets?
The series is available for streaming on Jio Cinema.
How many episodes are in Cadets?
The series consists of 8 episodes.
Is there a sequel or second season planned for Cadets?
There has been no official announcement regarding a sequel or second season.
What genre does Cadets fall under?
Cadets is a mix of drama, action, and coming-of-age genres, set against the backdrop of military life.
Is Cadets suitable for all ages?
The series is generally suitable for a wide audience, though it does contain some mature themes related to military training and young romance.
What is the main theme of Cadets?
The main theme of Cadets revolves around personal growth, camaraderie, and the challenges of military life.
How are the romantic subplots handled in Cadets?
The romantic subplots in Cadets are light-hearted and serve as pleasant distractions from the main storyline, though they can be a bit predictable.
Who is the director of Cadets?
The series is directed by Vishwajoy Mukherjee.
Do cadets focus more on action or drama?
Cadets offers a balanced mix of both action and drama, with a stronger emphasis on the personal growth and relationships of the characters.