The second installment of the TVF creation picks up where it left off. However, in this new edition the creators have seamlessly juxtaposed two different timelines: one dealing with the events in the much fabled old Rajendra Nagar and the other showing the intricacies of the post-UPSC life. This little trick provides viewers a closure on Abhilash's success at the UPSC in the final attempt and at the same time delves into how the relationship of the characters evolves as adulthood hits.

An interesting aspect of this seques lies in the fact it shies away from triumphalism of Abhilash's UPSC journey, as the end of season I might have suggested as would be the case. Instead the second season futher explores the uncompromising character of Abhilash, which neatly blends with his character arc as pertinacious District Magistrate. The timeline in old Rajendra Nagar revolves around Abhilash and his new acquaintance Deepa as they prepare to have a crack at the UPSC. This time around however, he is no longer in touch with the other two legs of the tripod, SK and Guri. The present day events show how the dynamics of friendship changes when real-world issues are at stake.

Abhilash's initial experince as a District Magistrate of Rampur serves as the central plot of the season. In particular how his unwavering vision of transforming Rampur into a bio-fuel hub puts him at loggerheads with Sandeep bhaiya, the Assistant Labor Commissioner, who once Abhilash looked upto to for wisdom and clarity in life. In this process, the show also explores the realtion of SK and Gauri with Abhilash. Specifically, how the two still hold misgivings regarding Abhilash's commitment to their idea of friendship and at the same time deep down want to be in his good books.

As in the first season, Naveen Kasturia delivers an excellent performance as an unlikable protagonist with whom you also tend to somehow empathize. You question his process but concur with his intended outcome. Guri as a businessman and SK, the student turned teacher, hold their own as well. The new entrant in the season, Deepa gives a credible performance as a confused aspirant. However, the creators have skipped to even so much as provide a peek into her transformation into an IPS officer, which diminishes the plausibility of her character arc. Likewise, Dhariya as a character again fails to garner attention, as the creators omit to show her tought process in relinquishing the much coveted IRS position to puruse a career in social service. Sunny Hinduja is convincing as the stoic and emphathetic ALC . However, as a character who was most rooted for in season one, it was sad to see him turn into a vengeful subordinate. We might get more clarity in the next season; the ending to this installment has quite clearly suggested that there will be an Aspirants season III.

TVF has an uncanny knack of tugging at the heart strings of the audience with the stories of everday people. They have done this quite remarkably with Panchayat and Gullak. The current season might not have been able to trigger a range of emotions like its predecessor. However, it does offer valuable insights into the complexities of balancing the personal with the professional.