It is a novel written by Vikram Seth and published in 1993. I wasn’t even born then. I haven’t read this book, but I heard it has around 1500 pages. It’s not about the book, but rather a review of the series released on Netflix.
It is a limited series focusing on a young girl named Lata who is trying to find a suitable boy for her. This story has rich and unique characters and revolves around the 1950s. The visuals were appealing. I felt like the series focused on two characters that ran parallel. One is Maan, young and unaware of his actions and consequences. and the other is Lata, an English literature graduate.
This series, though revolving around the 1950s, might resonate even now. Maybe that’s how Indians’s moms are conditioned. lol. The way she is careful and cautions their sons and daughters. Even at the scene, it was mentioned that we all become ma’s at some point in time.
She meets three men in different situations. Kabir Durrani, with whom she falls in love; Amit Chatterjee, her sister’s in-law’s brother; and Haresh Khanna, her mother’s choice. Meanwhile, Maan falls in love with Saeeda Bai. Maan did justice to his role.
Other characters, Meenakshi Mehra, Mrs. Mahesh Kapoor, Rasheed, and Bhaskar (the young kid) did well. The music was appealing, especially with the Saeeda Bai scenes.
TBH, I watched this series after seeing a reel on how a woman advises Lata on finding a suitable boy. Find a boy who gives you space to grow. Such things are hard to find, but they exist. But I wanted the series; it wasn’t as expected.
Kabir was self-centered, Amit wasn’t serious yet, and I loved the way he asked, May I?. Haresh is, of course, dedicated, kind, and sincere. I couldn’t understand or get a hold of it when she chose Haresh. The reason she told her mother was that he loved her a lot. She did mention that love should make you feel at ease and calmer. Yet, those lines didn’t agree with scenes of picking Haresh as her suitable men. I guess the original copy would have done justice to the reason for her pick. Nonetheless, his efforts and reflections on his behavior are to be appreciated.
Some parts were funny yet musing, where Lata’s mother checked for his certificates, place of work, home, and everything. She was very cautious, calculative, and whining. The role of the abusing uncle and the way it had impacted her.
Another thing that did surprise me was Maan. His passion for Saeeda was beautifully portrayed. Saeeda was fabulous. He was cautious and aware at the beginning that he was about to commit a crime. But at the end, he commits the same mistake without a second thought.
Some scenes were abrupt, and the language was very heavy. They could’ve used some simple sentences with a high vocabulary. But here, certain dialogue is very long. I am sure no movie or series could do justice to a book.
I remember reading two states in a book by Chetan Bhagat. Movies tried but couldn’t match it. If possible, I will try to read to understand the author’s world and his reason for why Lata picked Harish. Do give it a try. It’s available on Netflix.
Cheers!
Happy Weekend! Check out the other movies
Don’t miss out! Get notified about new blog posts straight to your inbox !
(No spam, pinky promise!)
Enter your mail to receive updates
If you like what you see and wish to support my work, then
Share your thoughts/suggestion at the comment section or mail at
randomwhyss[@]gmail[dot]com
Random Whys 