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Sushmita Sen and Ram Madhvani successfully navigate away from the clichéd portrayal of the self-sacrificing mother to present Aarya as a formidable mob boss and a poignant protagonist in the third season. My only quibble with Aarya Season 3 is its brief duration.

In a move similar to The Night Manager, Disney+ Hotstar will roll out the latest chapter of the series starring Sushmita Sen in two separate releases. The first segment, currently available, sets a high bar, signaling that the second will be an extensive but gratifying experience.

The end of the last season saw Aarya evolve into a crime lord, with the shocking act of taking her own father's life marking her descent into this dark role. The ease with which she committed the act shook her, not because of his identity, but because she extinguished a human life.

In Season 3, Aarya steps firmly into leadership. The season opens with a poignant moment, reflecting on her late husband Tej as his favorite song, "Bade Acche Lagte Hain," plays, soon to be replaced by a more foreboding, mafia-esque soundtrack. Sushmita stands cloaked in a black robe, a cigar in hand, surveying her domain from her stronghold.

The transformation of Sushmita's character from a frightened mother to a commanding figure in Season 3 is both compelling and seamless. Her authority is evident, yet she allows Aarya's previous innocence to peek through occasionally, ensuring the audience remembers her journey. This balance between newfound dominance and innate vulnerability provides a robust depth to her role.

Sushmita embodies the empowered Aarya with a mix of dramatic flair and subtle fear, presenting a character who seems to revel in her new role. Her all-black attire signals her power, and she is often shot from sharp angles, as if to keep the camera from meeting her gaze. It's in her eyes that we see a glimmer of the trepidation that comes with her position.