'Sixer Season 2' web-series review: TVF scores yet again with a show that explores the profits and politics of cricket

Cast: Shivankit Singh Parihar, Badri Chavan, Rahul Tewari, Karishma Singh, Vaibhav Shukla, Brij Bhushan Shukla

Director: Divyanshu Malhotra

Language: Hindi

Sixer as a title could have many connotations and metaphors and meanings. There are two places where you can hit a six- The cricket field and the playground of life. TVF gave us a searing and rooted web series called Sixer back in 2022 which came from the makers of Aspirants and Kota Factory. The biggest strength of The Viral Fever is its satirical touch and take on the issues the nation continues to grapple with in the different walks of life. In Sixer, the characters soon blend with the milieu of the story purely because how authentic they feel. And then comes the galvanizing and genius writing.

In the first season, there was a remarkable reference of Bhasmasura, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. Given the sheer unpredictability of life and the conflicts it throws upon us, the best bet for mythological references can be in a slice-of-life story. It’s now time for season two after three years and Nikku, the central character, has evolved and so have his issues and personal turmoil. It’s his coming-of-age in true TVF style- Rousing and relatable, laced with both horror and humour. It’s also a show and season that talks about empathy and compassion. It’s a show that exposes and explores not only the profits in the game of cricket but also the deep rooted politics of it. It’s a show that showcases the valour of its people on the cricket field and their vulnerability outside.

Sixer also scores in its pulsating camerawork where the cinematography also reflects the mood of the scene and the characters that occupy it. There are countless titles on this game of bat and ball that Hindi cinema has thrown at us with more horrors than hits. Before Aamir Khan saved the villagers of Champaner in Lagaan, he took on this game in Dev Anand’s Awwal Number. And then we have the remarkably moving Iqbal and the instant turds like Victory, Azhar, and Dil Bole Haddipa. Sixer is able to save itself from joining the hall of shame purely because of its performances and intense writing.

It also works because of how most of the characters are able to savour their moment of glory and scenes to shine. The dialogue about how players not only make stats but memories too stands out. This season delves deeper into the dynamics between Nikku and his former rival turned ally, Shanu, as well as the emotional entanglements within their circle of friends. It’s hard to tell now whether the makers will come back with another season or not. The show isn’t pretentious to end every episode with a cliff-hanger. When most of the viewers are hooked to the IPL, the characters of this web-series opt for a Test format. The people in the world of Sixer take time to resolve their conflicts and understand their turmoil and demons. Because it doesn’t matter when the match ends, it’s important not to be on the losing side by the end.

Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)

Sixer Season 2 is now streaming on Amazon MX Player