OTT Review: Made In Heaven Season 2

Cast : Shobitha Dhulipala, Arjun Mathur, Mona Singh, Sashank Arora, Radhika Apte, Dia Mirza, Kalki Koechlin and others.
Directors: Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Alankritha Srivastava, Nitya Mehra and Neeraj Ghywan
Producers: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidwani
Music : Sagar Desai
Release : August 10, 2023
Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video

The eagerly anticipated Season 02 of the beloved Indian web series “Made In Heaven” has finally arrived on Amazon Prime Video, and it doesn’t disappoint. With its star-studded cast, engaging plot, and thought-provoking themes, the show continues to captivate audiences. Let’s have a look at the outcome now.

Synopsis:

The second season opens with Tara (Sobhitha Dhulipala) seeking a divorce from her unfaithful husband Adil (Jim Sarabh), who cheated on her with her best friend Faiza (Kalki Koechlin). Left with limited resources, Tara and Karan (Arjun Mathur) resurrect their wedding planning business, navigating the challenges of diverse clients and their personal issues. The series delves into how they manage their clients, confront their own dilemmas, and strive to excel in their professional and personal lives.

Performances:

Sobhitha Dhulipala showcases remarkable growth in her emotional acting compared to the previous season, while Arjun Mathur, portraying a gay man, delivers a heartwarming performance that is truly endearing. Mona Singh, a new addition to the cast, shines despite having a relatively smaller character arc. The ensemble cast, including notable actors like Mrunal Thakur, Neelam Kothari, Dia Mirza, Elnaaz Norouji, and the remarkable Radhika Apte, all contribute their best to the show.

Technical Aspects:

Given its wedding-centric theme and production by Excel Media, the series maintains a lavish aesthetic. The selection of opulent venues such as forts and five-star hotels adds to the show’s grandeur. The costumes, designed by India’s top designers and even featuring the likes of Sabyasachi, provide a visual feast. The vibrant color palette, international locations like the French Riviera, and exquisite culinary displays create a strong desire for weddings and vacations.

Thumbs Up:

Engaging screenplay
Emotional depth and exploration of societal issues
Strong performances

Thumbs Down:

Excessive moralizing
Overcrowded with various concepts
Slow pace at times

Analysis:

“Made In Heaven” Season 02 goes beyond the surface of wedding planning and delves into complex relationship issues and societal taboos. Each episode holds its own allure, offering a diverse range of themes.

The first episode tackles the deeply ingrained Indian obsession with fairness, shedding light on the societal norms that perpetuate this mindset. The second episode addresses the sensitive topic of abuse in relationships, while the third explores the notion of pursuing love even in later stages of life. The fourth episode exposes the façade of celebrity weddings, highlighting the disconnect between public image and genuine emotion. The fifth episode is particularly captivating, with Radhika Apte’s portrayal of a Dalit Buddhist wedding challenging prevailing belief systems. Rest two episodes featuring the likes of Dia Mirza echo similar issues and emotions.

Throughout the series, unexpected twists maintain viewer engagement. The struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the face of societal prejudice and parental expectations are portrayed with authenticity. The exploration of both the positive and darker aspects of affluent divorces, as well as the portrayal of people driven by desire for pleasure, money, and power, contributes to a roller coaster of emotions. The show evokes nostalgia in married individuals while igniting apprehensions in the unmarried.

Despite the engaging drama, there are moments when the show becomes overly preachy, veering into excessive moral lessons. Additionally, certain portrayals, such as the depiction of gay characters as consistently indulging in drug use, come across as stereotypes. The presentation of affairs as easily justifiable for love’s sake might not resonate with mature viewers, though it could capture the attention of a younger audience. The occasional heavy-handed moralizing can create a sense of watching a lengthy lecture, even though each episode is only an hour long.

In conclusion, “Made In Heaven” Season 02 offers a sweet and emotionally charged viewing experience. However, it occasionally falters in pacing, requiring viewers to endure moments of monotony. While the show is undeniably binge-worthy, it demands a certain level of patience to navigate through its occasional slower segments.

Bottom Line – Sweet & Emotional ‘Slow’ Ride