“Made in Heaven” showcases India as a mix of old-fashioned and contemporary thinking, where traditional values and modern dreams often clash. The series tells its story by exploring the complexities of Indian society through the lens of high-end weddings and the characters’ personal lives in every episode.
Source: GqIndia
The Plot:
Its first Season debuted in 2019 with Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Alankrita Shrivastava, helming the series, which was a sharp satire on the elite of Delhi.
The story revolves around two wedding planners, Tara and Karan, who run the wedding planning agency “Made in Heaven.” The series explores the extravagant world of Indian weddings while highlighting societal issues such as class, gender, and tradition.
It weaves together personal and professional lives, making it a must-watch. The first season ended with Tara and Karan facing trouble, as their “Made in Heaven” office was vandalized by right-wing extremists.
In Season 2, we meet Tara and Karan again six months later, with the help of Jauhari-ji, who is now their business partner. As Tara and Karan begin to attract some significant clients and make their way back into the wedding planning business, their personal lives become increasingly challenging.
Karan, who carries emotional scars from his youth related to his sexuality, faces emotional manipulation from his mother, who struggles with cancer and refuses chemotherapy due to her homophobic beliefs. This situation leads him into a downward spiral; he resorts to gambling, accumulates debts, and turns to substance use.
On the other hand, Tara is going through a divorce with her husband, Adil, who is an industrialist. Adil’s affair with his childhood friend Faiza has caused the marriage to crumble. Initially offered a meagre settlement, Tara is persuaded by her mother to demand a larger share of their assets, which sets the stage for significant personal and financial changes.
These personal struggles add depth to the characters and storylines in “Made in Heaven” Season 2, showing the complexities of their lives beyond the glamorous world of wedding planning.
Mona Singh joins the cast as a sharp-witted auditor and Jauhari’s wife, adding humour to the early episodes. She even questions Jaspreet’s large burger order, arguing that they were wasting office money, poking fun at her food choices in one of the episodes.
Characters:
Sobhita Dhulipala as Tara – The main protagonist, a strong-willed woman who balances her career and personal life while facing societal expectations.
Arjun Mathur as Karan – Tara’s business partner, adds humour and charm to the series with his witty one-liners.
Supporting Cast – A diverse range of characters like Mona Trinetra adds depth to the storyline, and new brides like Mrunal Thakur, Elnaaz Norouzi, Shibani Dandekar, Radhika Apte, Sarah-Jane Dias, Naina Sareen, Zayn Marie Khan, Kalliroi Tziafeta and Sheena Khalid enhance the cast, reflecting the diversity of India.
The New Brides, Source: Amazon
Themes:
“Made in Heaven” tackles several important themes, such as the following.
Tradition vs. Modernity: The series shows the clash between old traditions and modern desires in India. For example, in one episode, a character must decide between an arranged marriage and pursuing their dream career, highlighting this struggle.
Gender Inequality: The show doesn’t shy away from addressing gender inequality. For instance, it portrays how arranged marriages can limit women’s choices. Moreover, the series boldly addresses the challenges and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting the need for societal acceptance and equal rights.
Socio-economic Disparities: The stark differences in wealth and opportunities are prominent in the series. It depicts the lives of the wealthy elite and contrasts them with the challenges those from less privileged backgrounds face. This divide is a central theme throughout the show.
Identity and Self-Discovery: The characters in “Made in Heaven” are on journeys of self-discovery in most episodes. An example is when a character faces societal pressure to conform, like colourism, which the bride grapples with since childhood, but ultimately embraces her true self, highlighting the importance of individual identity.
Cultural Diversity: Each episode showcases a unique wedding ceremony, emphasizing India’s cultural diversity. For instance, one episode features a traditional South Indian wedding, while another portrays a Punjabi ceremony. The highlight of the series was the Dalit Wedding series featuring Radhika Apte, which is the most talked about. This celebration of diversity highlights the richness of Indian culture.
The Much-Talked-About Dalit Wedding, Image Source: NDTV
Relationships and Morality: The series delves into complex relationship dynamics. For instance, it explores the consequences of infidelity by Adil Khanna, the challenges of maintaining a happy marriage, and the ethical dilemmas the characters face. These situations provide viewers with thought-provoking scenes to think about.
Tradition vs. Modernity: The series portrays the ongoing struggle between age-old traditions and the aspirations of the modern generation in India. It showcases how traditional values and customs often clash with the desire for progress and individuality.
A Visually Stunning Production & Cinematography:
The series boasts stunning visuals owing to meticulous production design that captures the grandeur of Indian weddings. From intricate sets to exquisite costumes, each detail, the opulence and grandeur of weddings is captured well, much to the viewer’s delight. It is a visual delight, from the enchanting white wedding to the golden and Black-hued Muslim wedding and a lavender-themed ceremony.
Narrative Style:
“Made in Heaven” adopts a compelling narrative style, with each episode focusing on a different wedding and the underlying stories of the couple involved. This format keeps the audience engaged and curious throughout the series.
Our Impression: “Made in Heaven” is a brilliant mix of drama, humor, and social commentary. It offers a fresh perspective on the Indian wedding industry and the society it represents. The character development and storytelling are top-notch, making the show a truly captivating masterpiece. Series 1 and 2 are available on Amazon Prime.
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