Directors: Zoya Akhtar, Nitya Mehra, Alankrita Shrivastava, Neeraj Ghaywan
Stars: Arjun Mathur, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jim Sarbh, Shashank Arora, Kalki Koechlin, Shivani Raghuvanshi
Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s web series, “Made In Heaven Season 2,” continues its exploration of societal issues, focusing on equality as its underlying theme. The show delves into various aspects, including patriarchy, misogyny, domestic abuse, casteism, and racism, all within the glamorous world of Indian weddings. The series follows protagonists Tara (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Karan (Arjun Mathur), who run the wedding planning company Made In Heaven.
Season 2 picks up six months from where the first season ended, with Tara and Karan managing Made In Heaven from a modest office in old Delhi. The original team, including Jazz (Shivani Raghuvanshi) and Kabir (Shashank Arora), is still intact, and new additions, such as transwoman Mehr (Trinetra Haldar) and auditor Bulbulbji (Mona Singh), bring fresh dynamics. The season unfolds against the backdrop of unique weddings, where the team not only plans weddings but also navigates personal challenges.
Tara grapples with a divorce, her ex-husband’s new relationship, and a clandestine romance with a charming chef. Karan faces a complex relationship with his terminally ill mother, and other team members, including Jazz, Kabir, Mehr, and Bulbulbji, deal with their personal struggles. The series intertwines the narratives of the MIH team with those of the brides, grooms, and their families, shedding light on societal flaws like patriarchy, homophobia, fair skin obsession, and domestic abuse.
The showrunners and directors, including Zoya Akhtar, Neeraj Ghaywan, Alankrita Srivastava, and Nitya Mehra, maintain a fly-on-the-wall perspective, quietly observing complex human emotions. The series attempts to mirror a flawed society, sometimes overemphasizing LGBTQ struggles, particularly for characters like Mehr and Karan. While the narratives in each episode tackle new societal issues, the overarching problems of the MIH team contribute to the common thread.
The cast delivers pitch-perfect performances, with Sobhita Dhulipala portraying Tara’s vulnerabilities and manipulative traits convincingly. Arjun Mathur captures the confusion and self-discovery of Karan’s character. Trinetra Haldar excels in her debut role as Mehr, a confident transwoman navigating societal challenges. Shivani Raghuvanshi, Shashank Arora, and Mona Singh also contribute compelling performances.
The series features cameos from stars like Mrunal Thakur, Radhika Apte, Pulkit Samrat, Neelam Kothari, Dia Mirza, Sanjay Kapoor, enhancing the overall ensemble cast. While the show occasionally feels preachy and the episodes are lengthy, the compelling narrative and stunning visuals make it a worthwhile watch. The series holds a mirror to a privileged society, offering a self-aware and woke exploration of its complexities.
“Made In Heaven Season 2” is a visually striking and thought-provoking addition to the world of web series, streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
