Web Series Review: Made in Heaven Season 2
Artist Sobhita Dhulipala, Arjun Mathur, Vijay Raj, Mona Singh, Trinetra Halder, Ishwak Singh, Kalki Keklan, Jim Sarbh, Sanjay Kapoor, and Shivani Raghuvanshi, among others.
Authors Alankrita Srivastava, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti.
Directors Nitya Mehra, Alankrita Srivastava, Neeraj Ghaywan, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti.
The Creators Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti.
OTT Platform Prime Video.
Release Date 10 August 2023.
The Dynamic Duo of Farhan and Zoya Akhtar Strikes Again: Made in Heaven Season 2
Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar have been an unbreakable force in Hindi cinema, particularly as a dynamic brother-sister duo. One of their notable traits is their unwavering commitment to creating content that resonates deeply. This is evident once again in the second season of the web series ‘Made in Heaven’, making its return after a five-year hiatus. Surprisingly, the passage of time feels inconsequential when revisiting the world they’ve crafted. Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar’s collaborator, also demonstrates her talent for weaving captivating narratives, joined by Neeraj Ghaywan and Alankrita Srivastava. The radiant collaboration between these four individuals is at the heart of the second season of ‘Made in Heaven’. The story continues to follow two young individuals orchestrating marriages while grappling with their own unresolved personal issues. As the company’s financial troubles persist from the previous season, the narrative takes a step forward from that point.
A Tale of Spectacles and Emotions: The Essence of Made in Heaven Season 2
Reflecting on the essence of the web series ‘Made in Heaven’, it echoes the sentiment of Dinesh Thakur’s famous ghazal: “Har haseen manzar se yaaron faasle kam rakho, chaand gar dharti pe uthaare bhi ho gaya hai!” This translates to the idea that every beautiful sight diminishes the distances between friends, for even if the moon is brought down to Earth, it remains enchanting. The series delves into the world of marriages, highlighting that no matter the background, whether opulent families or well-to-do but impolite individuals, the underlying emotions are universal. Even if couples agree, there’s often a Qazi-like figure who complicates matters, much like a storyteller who introduces conflict. Notably, the depiction of LGBTQ+ themes, prevalent in American OTT platforms, is an intrinsic element. The series begins with a disclaimer that acknowledges the LGBTQ+ community, maintaining the momentum of the previous season.
Navigating Life’s Twists and Turns: Characters and Relationships in Made in Heaven 2
The financial downfall faced by Karan and Tara in the preceding season has led them to an unexpected crossroad in their careers. Ramesh Johri’s wife, Bulbul, enters the scene with her vivacious presence. Tara’s divorce from her wealthy husband remains unresolved, complicated by the involvement of her husband’s lover. The thread of Nain Matka continues with Jaspreet, also known as Jazz, the photographer. Characters like Meher Chowdhary, Chef Raghav Sinha, and others who contribute to the uniqueness of various weddings enrich the storyline. Marriages are depicted in a spectrum of colors and styles, often evoking disgust or anger, mirroring the diverse emotions weddings can evoke in real life. However, the series could benefit from more thoughtful handling of certain sensitive topics.
Catering to the Discerning: Made in Heaven’s Unique Appeal
‘Made in Heaven’ has never aimed to appeal to the mainstream Hindi cinema audience. Instead, it targets the elite class and strives to be a reflection of their world. Even though the series doesn’t entirely mirror the opulence of South Bombay or South Delhi, Neeraj Ghaywan, known for ‘Masaan’, contributes to maintaining a balanced perspective. The second season of ‘Made in Heaven’ intertwines themes of friendship and rebellion, fostering its distinct identity. The characters masterfully craft this world, with Sobhita Dhulipala impeccably suited for her role as Tara. Her every mannerism and witty remark elevates her acting prowess. Notably, Sobhita, who shone alongside Trisha and Aishwarya in ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, remains an underrated gem in Hindi cinema. Yet, once recognized by connoisseurs, she’ll undoubtedly share the spotlight with the likes of Deepika, Alia, and Mrunal.
An Ensemble of Excellence: Standout Performances
Arjun Mathur once again delivers a commendable performance, deserving of accolades. Trinetra Haldar, in her portrayal of a transgender character, forges a powerful path towards inclusion in Hindi cinema. Her acting serves as an exemplary showcase. Among the array of renowned stars including Sanjay Kapoor, Neelam, and Sameer Soni, Jim Sarbh stands out as a magnetic presence in the ensemble cast. His cool charisma outshines the rest, making it challenging for others to share his frame. Mona Singh adds a refreshing contrast, akin to a basket of Hapus mangoes among avocados. Her versatility shines through. Kalki’s inclusion serves its purpose in the story, with her performance staying true to the narrative.
In Conclusion
‘Made in Heaven’ has maintained its distinctive identity from the outset, catering to a discerning audience that resonates with its narrative. The second season continues to explore the complexities of relationships and societal norms, with the ensemble cast delivering commendable performances. As the series navigates through the world of extravagant weddings and personal challenges, it raises pertinent questions while showcasing the myriad colors and emotions associated with matrimony. Though not without room for improvement, ‘Made in Heaven’ remains a compelling journey worth embarking upon.
