Made in Heaven 2 Review: Mona Singh shines in Sobhita Dhulipala, Arjun Mathur's show

Band, Baaja and Baarat tempered with insights into life as is, or should be, Made in Heaven returns four years after its first season became a runaway success. The team of misfits running the eponymous wedding planning company touches upon contemporary issues as they skim through the lives of one-percenters in Delhi. Did Made in Heaven 2 preach change or just build grounds for an open-minded discussion? Find out.

3 things you need to know

• New and old characters merge seamlessly in the new season of Made in Heaven.
• Arjun Mathur and Sobhita Dhulipala return to the fold and deliver more than last time.
• Made in Heaven 2 is a comprehensive study of romantic relationships, going beyond same-sex relationships. 

Hot Take

The new season of the series explores an aspirational society against the backdrop of extravagant Indian weddings. The show subtly looks at the dynamics between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' in a lopsided society. This is shown through the interactions between the Made in Heaven team and its clients.

Every episode uses a wedding to examine the issues that plague us. The aim is to nudge the audience to think about what it means to abandon traditions that tie us down. The makers tread a thin line between what is and what should be. The show triumphs as it comes across as beautifully restrained.

The ensemble cast comes together to deliver a satisfying viewing experience. Tempered with some thought-provoking sequences, Made in Heaven explores interpersonal relationships and human struggles in a realistic manner even though it has a glossy look and feel. 

Does Made in Heaven 2 live up to the hype?

The dark side of marriage 

Made in Heaven serves as a satire on everything that unfolds behind closed doors in the upper echelons of society. The fact that many of the show's characters are desperately clawing their way to the top well aware that the grass is not greener on the other side highlights the irony involved.

Tara (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Jazz (Shivani Raghuvanshi) embody the outsiders' perspective about the ultra-rich.  They aspire to be there, but the unsettling truth is enough to make them rethink their choices. This is highlighted through the various weddings that offer a critique of the social setups.

Made in Heaven 2 highlights how colourism, domestic abuse, caste and gender bias have found normalcy in society. The limited use of dialogue compels viewers to think about these issues. The narrative has complexity in build-up and simplicity in its resolution. This makes it an easy watch.  Some of the moments stand out due to the ever-present interplay of this dichotomy.

The breakout secondary characters 

The new episodes introduce us to several new faces. Transgender person Meher (Trinetra Haldar) functions as a bridge between those on the fringe and those at the centre. She has a stern demeanour but there is also a vulnerability that makes her relatable. Swiping through dating apps, she seems to be just another woman searching for love and acceptance. The makers astutely build up her character as the 'other' but don't dilute the challenges of representation the community faces.

(Mona Singh plays a domestic abuse survivor in Made in Heaven 2 | Image: X) 

Mona Singh as Bulbul is an addition to the cast. A businesswoman and a mother of two teens, she has everything on the line. The minute she takes her eyes off her business, it suffers and the same happens within her family. Mona brings a sense of stability to the rather wandering narrative and grounds it in her character's morality. She also keeps the optimism alive when the show's trajectory verges on bleak.

Tara and Karan: The show's primary vein

Tara and Karan's dynamics take a back seat in the new season. The focus shifts to their personal lives as they professionally distance themselves from each other. As individuals, they add realism to the narrative.

Karan's battle with sexuality and acceptance continues. It takes a darker turn as he immerses himself in drugs and booze. His problems get compounded by the lack of a romantic partner. Arjun has gotten into the skin of his character so well that he seems inseparable from Karan. Their personalities seamlessly merge, giving the show its most rounded character. 

(Arjun Mathur and Sobhita Dhulipala play wedding planners in Made in Heaven | Image: X) 

Meanwhile, Tara continues to battle her own insecurities. From marrying up in her life to now getting divorced, a lot has changed. Sobhita has managed to bring out the character's shades through her silence. Most of her battles are internal and so are Karan's. It is interesting to witness how they bring the show together and deliver a satisfying end. Even though their individual narratives seem to be getting lost in the dense plot, they manage to seek out a resolution for their problems. 

Stream it or skip it

Made in Heaven does wander off the point it is trying to make by delving deeper into the lives of its characters. It may seem like an extension of its first season without much change. But new faces bring freshness to the plot and take the storyline to newer avenues. The show retains its essence and depicts how circumstances dictate our lives. It is well-rounded and a worthy successor to the first season.

The Bottomline

Made in Heaven season 2 is crisp and easy to watch. It has an engaging storyline, relatable characters and situations. Above all, the intent binds it all together.