Not All Shows Are Made in Heaven
“Made in Heaven” — as one of Amazon Prime Video’s first Indian originals — had the opportunity to break many rules. Yet, it stuck to formulas Bollywood has explored for years.
When “Made in Heaven” dropped on Amazon Prime Video in March, critics raved. “It’s a groundbreaking Indian drama made for global audiences,” said one. It’s “progressive” and “daring,” said another.
The critics were referring to how “Made in Heaven” addresses classism, toxic masculinity, and sexual harassment. But Bollywood has been exploring these issues for years. Though it’s disappointing that the series failed to win an Emmy nomination this past week, the multiple-hour series was well placed to push the boundaries of storytelling as it aired on streaming giant Amazon Prime. Yet, the show failed to do that.
Created by Zoya Akhtar — behind coming-of-age flicks Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) and Gully Boy (2019) — and Reema Kagti — behind Talaash (2012) and Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd (2007), the show follows duo Tara Khana (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Karan Mehra (Arjun Mathur), who have just started a wedding planning agency, Made in Heaven, in Delhi. And, no, this isn’t a remake of wedding planning rom-com Band Baaja Baaraat (2010).
Tara and Karan are just as much meddlers as they are wedding planners, repeatedly inserting themselves into the private matters of their clients to ensure everything goes according to their own progressive values. Each of the nine episodes focuses on a different couple (or two), and the issues that crop up.