Series Review: Made In Heaven. Director: Zoya Akhtar.
John Lyly said, "marriages are made in heaven and consummated on earth". Consummation does not really mean the act of procreation, but also companionship, accessibility and a lifelong friendship. In most non-Asian countries, couples invite their parents for their wedding. In Asian countries, especially in India, it is the parents who fix everything and take their children's decisions for them, which however is changing in the modern times. We often hear many Indians saying, " a wedding is a one time event, and hence it should be grand one". So even if weddings are events, is marriage an event? In India, marriage is not a romantic decision like it should be, or a sacrament like it is intended, it is a show of finery and a beacon to their circle that they have money. This is all 'Made in Heaven', streaming on Amazon Prime is all about.
Tara Khanna, a middle class Delhi girl turned the millionaire Adil Khanna's wife along with her friend Karan Mehra, start a wedding planning business 'Made in Heaven' especially for the Delhi Elite. 'Made in Heaven' is not a typical wedding planning company, it goes above and beyond in ensuring client satisfaction. Be it family background check to last minute alterations, they are always at the client's service and disposal. Every episode depicts a new story and a new couple on the cusp of tying the knot, and as Tara and her retinue plan the ''event'', they understand the murkier side of the Delhi Elite, and how sometimes many white collars cover dirty necks.
As Tara makes her way through the various incidents in the course of the various weddings, parallel events unfold in her life, too and she is constantly debating with herself: which version of hers does she like better? : the middle class Tara who was besotted with money but had good people in her life?, or the elite Tara, who has everything one can ask for, but is still lonely?
More than anything, 'Made in Heaven' depicts how useless and unnecessary the business of wedding planning is, and how herd mentality works its magic in India. In a total of nine episodes, 'Made in Heaven' plans weddings for people from different backgrounds who share one thing in common: the idea of a big wedding and all things dainty and fancy; right from the ones who have their own money to spend, to the ones who have borrowed money from the bank for this fustian ostentation.
'Made in Heaven' is the exact opposite of its namesake. While the idea of marriage is supposed to be romantic, 'Made in Heaven' shows transactional the reality of the idea is. The show questions gender bias, shatters patriarchy and normalizes homosexuality all in nine episodes and that too, subtly and poignantly at the same time. This show is not for people who do not understand the difference between a wedding and a marriage.
Marriage is a decision which does not need the validation of multitudes, but just the presence of a select few. Marriage happens when two people decide to get married. It is a fleeting moment that two people decide to hold on to, forever. In many ways, 'Made in Heaven' is an expose and a slap in the face of the Delhi Elite.
The direction of the show is very young, relevant and edgy. There is no intersection between Tara's personal and professional life which makes it devoid of any dramatic crossovers which makes it a great watch. The other thing the audience is sure to notice is the work culture (or the lack of it), that the current generation has to face. The constant working, the lack of routine, not taking meals on time and drowning it all in alcohol is perfectly portrayed in the series.
When it comes to acting, every actor in every episode has done a great job, but special mention needs to be made of Vijay Raaj who played the hitman cum money-lender, Jauhari who only had one or two appearances, but very remarkable ones. The lead actors have also embodied the script, but Arjun Mathur is noteworthy in his portrayal of Karan Mehra, a repressed, yet maverick homosexual.
With beautiful, soulful introduction music as well as tasteful song selection for every episode, the background score of the show is excellent. Most of the show is in Hinglish (Hindi + English), and the accents are understandable which leaves no need for subtitles. The writing of the show is top-notch and full of relatable humor, great witticisms and powerful content. The fashion quotient of 'Made in Heaven' is definitely uptown and the show is aesthetically as well as visually pleasing. However, the show has a few visuals that do not make it fit for a family watch, but the experience of this show should not be missed out on.
Overall, 'Made in Heaven' is a must watch for all the pensive souls with a beating heart and out of everything the show stands for and characterises, the best part of it is what is unsaid and ubiquitous: the beauty of simplicity.
MY TAKE: 8/10.
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Simple and very good style adopted by you needs appreciation. Probably, had I just got a wind of the subject, I would have ignored this series. But you have precisely drawn out the reasons why one should watch the series without prejudice.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up !!!
Another powerful review! Your ability of understanding is really very great.
ReplyDeleteGood work! Watched it as soon as I read the reveiw! Good time Invested
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