Postcards (Series)

Postcards follows the journey of Aunty Olubunmi (portrayed by Sola Sobowale), who decides to enjoy life after her husband’s death. She’s the star of all the cool parties in Lagos. But when the party’s over, she’s alone and faces difficult situations like her health getting worse, her son Yemi (portrayed by Tobi Bakare) ignoring her, and her brother Olumide (portrayed by Richard Mofe-Damijo) being too busy for family. 

The series tries to blend four different stories together. It also follows Zainab (portrayed by Rahama Sadau) and her husband Siddharth (portrayed by Rajneesh Duggal). A couple who agreed not to have kids, but when Siddharth meets Aunty Olubunmi, he changes his mind, causing problems in their marriage. Siddharth now wants a family, but Zainab isn’t convinced, despite pressure from his family.

The series also delves into the journey of Yemi, Aunty Olubunmi’s son, as he navigates the challenges of being a backup dancer in a Bollywood production. Despite his talent, he faces adversity from Ronny, a lead dancer who bullies him for being different. However, Yemi finds support in Aarti, another dancer, who not only stands up for him but also aids him in perfecting his choreography, but Ronny remains a formidable obstacle in Yemi’s path to fulfilling his dreams. 

Another story explored by the series, is the journey of Aunty Olubunmi’s brother. Olumide, embodies the persona of a thriving businessman in India. He’s portrayed as antisocial, with little time for family or social interactions beyond the realm of business. This singular focus renders him unapproachable and cold to those around him.

Postcards is an interesting fusion of cultures, weaving a tale of self-discovery and redemption across six captivating episodes. Through the lens of Nigeria and India, the series celebrates diversity while underscoring the common threads that bind us together.

Created by Indian filmmaker Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, known for her previous work on “Namaste Wahala,” “Postcards” ventures into the intricate tapestry of cultural exchange between the two nations. The series offers a fresh take on themes of love, marriage, and societal norms.

Despite its ambitious premise, “Postcards” falls short of its potential, leaving several subplots unresolved. Nonetheless, it remains an engaging exploration of cultural convergence and the universal quest for fulfillment.

The initial episode sets up a promising and engaging hook, particularly through the compelling portrayal of the lead character, Sola Sobowale, whose contrasting public and private lives are flawlessly executed. However, the transition to the second episode feels jarring, almost as if watching a different film entirely, especially with the introduction of Richard Mofe-Damijo’s character. While intriguing, this sudden shift in tone disrupts the coherence of the viewing experience. Ideally, all main characters should have been established in the first episode, culminating in a gripping cliffhanger. However, the decision to reverse this principle of filmmaking could have been justified if executed effectively, which unfortunately isn’t the case for this series.

The series struggles with story coherence, resulting in a lack of logical consistency and flow. The elements of the subplot such as Nancy Isime’s role, Tobi Bakare’s character development, and the absence of groundwork for his strained relationship with his mother feel disjointed. The supposed prior connection between Rahama Sadau and Richard Mofe also feels disconnected at the resolution. These plot points are not properly established from the start, making it hard for the audience to engage effectively. This lack of coherence leads to abrupt shifts in tone, unclear character motivations, and unresolved plot threads, ultimately failing to create a cohesive and understandable story.

Once the storyline shifted from Lagos to Mumbai, the coherence of the plot became disjointed, leaving viewers questioning its direction and central focus. The film’s supposed depth, twists, and turns failed to meet expectations, leading to a sense of confusion about its overall purpose. 

While the series aims to be a feel-good movie, it suffers from numerous loose ends, unnecessary scenes, underdeveloped characters, and implausible events, such as Sola Sobowale being referred to India for fibroid diagnosis and surgery. This choice raises questions about the availability of medical facilities in Nigeria for such procedures and suggests a lack of thorough research. Attention to such small details is crucial for maintaining believability and enhancing the viewer’s experience.

The Bollywood-inspired drama of Rahama Sadau and her husband, Siddharth also takes center stage in the subsequent episodes. The mix of Hindi and English in the dialogue adds charm, especially with Rahama’s seamless transitions. Despite the drama, it never feels patronizing. Visually, it’s as fresh as crisp banknotes, with a interesting storyline that begs to be binge-watched. While it excels in simplicity, delving deeper into some aspects of why the couple decided against having children, initially could have added more depth. Though, the cross-cultural family drama is perfect for relaxed viewing and it still delivers meaningful messages.

The series shines with its stunning cinematography, offering a captivating visual journey through India and Lagos, Nigeria. The performances from both the Nigerian and Indian cast are exceptional, adding delight to the viewing experience. The fusion of Nigerian and Indian language elements creates an exciting blend, while the music and dance sequences are both intriguing and entertaining. Additionally, the series imparts valuable lessons on family, love, marriage, friendship, and communication, drawing from the rich tapestry of both cultures.

On performances, Sola Sobowale shines and commands the spotlight with her captivating performance and undeniable presence. With every scene, Sobowale captivates audiences, adding an extra layer of brilliance to the series. Her magnetic presence elevates the entire show to new heights, making her an indispensable asset to the production.

RMD brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his character, delivering a performance that leaves a lasting impression. Known for his amiability, seeing him transform into an old sourpuss adds depth to his character, portrayed with convincing flair. Rahama Sadau captivates with her screen presence and mastery of Hindi, infusing authenticity and grace into her character, enriching the series’ cultural blend. Her exceptional performance highlights her diverse talent, solidifying her status as one of Nigeria’s leading actresses, especially in Kannywood.