Feels Like Home (Season 2)
Introduction
Onto the next release of the weekend and I finished watching the new Hindi series, the second season of Feels Like Home streaming on Lionsgate Play. And this is possibly the fastest anyone has ever got to the second season(not sure if it was shot simultaneously). Season 1 had a nice little frivolous tone to it amidst the newly found bromance that gave the series a fresh new look. I must admit that it had taken me some time to warm up to the series but slowly but surely I had begun to enjoy its writing which did seem like as acquired taste in season 1(given its edgy nature). So when season 1 had ended on a cliffhanger, I was expecting some fireworks in season 2 as well. So when season 2 was announced and out sooner than expected, I was really keen on how the story would progress. Now that I have finished season 2 of Feels Like Home, here are my two cents on it.
Story & Screenplay
The second season of Feels Like Home picks up from the same point where season 1 had ended. The story here is less frivolous and more matured in its writing which I was expecting given the character dynamics. The screenplay standing at 6 episodes of roughly 30 odd minutes each makes for an easy binge watch.
The drama though does open on a slight wobbly and a frivolous note with the entire focus being on one character suffering from depression. I just felt this particular segment could have been written a little better instead of giving it a slight comic touch(which was prevalent at the beginning with all other characters taking turns to help him get out of it). But from here on, the writing just gets better and better.
The humour in the screenplay is unique and a standout. It forms so many moments which found me laughing at rather unexpected places. This while the main conflict(of one of the characters dating the ex of his bestie) remained intact. But one of my favourite episodes was the third episode wherein all hell breaks loose and the drama does get supremely intense in what seemed like a one take sequence lasting almost 20 odd minutes(or it was great editing, take your pick).
The characters and their traits were so well etched out in season 1 that it did bear fruit in the second season when the conflict between the characters was lurking dangerously. It made for a reaction which I am sure would be relatable to so many guys. Yet, the focus then shifts to comedy while the strained relationship between the characters stays. The show also does get its age demographics absolutely spot on.
The drama also makes for so many heartfelt moments which bromance being at its centre. The proceedings are heartwarming and heartfelt particularly towards the end which would definitely put a smile on your face. But more importantly, it does give a lovely message revolving around friendship and bromance. In between, some subplots also touch upon the vulnerabilities of youth that we either have been facing or have already faced. These include our goals in life or our self-confidence amidst some parental pressure or in general the life ahead. All of these formulate for a lovely little screenplay that ends on a high thereby tying all the loose ends together.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are sassy and will appeal to the Gen Z but in quieter moments the lines are also heartfelt and poignant. The music is fabulous and I really enjoyed the song at the end. The BGM is really good and blends well with the drama. The cinematography and editing are at its peak especially in episode 3 which did seem like a one take. But overall too, the cinematography along with the editing and art design ensure that the series has a young and a fresh look to it. Director Sahir Raza does a spectacular job in adding the right amount of edginess to the drama. So at no point was it all rosy but it had enough to keep the audiences invested through its relatable content.
Performances
The performances are really good here. Leah Khambata shines as Shivani despite a limited screen time. Himika Bose as Dhriti is fabulous to watch in a no nonsense kind of a role. Inayat Sood as Mahima looks pretty and has a towering presence on screen. She is wonderfully restrained in her performance. Akshay Oberoi as Vicky Paaji is just so hilarious and I found myself laughing hystetically every time he was onscreen. But he also has an emotional side to him which is well tapped upon.
Mihir Ahuja as Gandhi has a sweet little vibe to him and his ability to showcase the vulnerabilities to his character was quite good. Vishnu Kaushal as Abhi had a very layered role here wherein he had a lot of enotions to play with and he does a magnificent job. Anshuman Malhotra as Sameer is that one person in your group who also holds the group together(and we all have had that one person in different facets of friendship). And he is outstanding with a feel good vibe and heartfelt to his character. Prit Kamani as Lakshay has an amazing screen presence and puts it to great use here. He is quite brilliant on the show.
Conclusion
The second season of Feels Like Home has Bromance written all over it in a more matured and heartfelt season making it a pretty good watch. Available on Lionsgate Play.