Never Kiss Your Bestfriend
(Season 2)
RATING
Introduction
And we are finally at the weekend and I can’t wait to bring you my views on the fresh releases. First up, I have finished watching the second season of Never Kiss Your Best Friend on Zee5. And I was not going to watch this simply because I hadn’t watched the first season atleast 2 weeks from today. But then I just happened to check on the duration of the show(season 1) and it was a little over three hours. So I just began watching it casually but the more I watched it, the more I started liking it including the crackling chemistry between the two leads. What happened was that I literally binge watched it and then was eagerly waiting for season 2 to premiere. Well the season two of Never Kiss Your Best Friend is finally out, and here are my two cents on it.
Story & Screenplay
Based on the novel written by Sumrit Shahi which goes by the same name, The second season of Never Kiss Your Best Friend picks up from the point where travesty strikes in the relationship of Tanie and Sumer. Will they resolve their differences and end up being together? The story is really breezy and frothy with a right concoction of emotions. And it is hell relatable. Often in our lives, there is this one friend who is more special than others, so much so that everyone thinks you are in a relationship. It is this crux which is so well explored here, with each beat of the two protagonists resonating big time with the viewers. Before I get to the screenplay, I must say that I was a little skeptical considering how magical and free flowing season 1 was. Usually when a series returns for the next season, the “restart” is generally a bit wobbly, as a viewer comes in with some pre-conceived notions. And to be fair, the screenplay does falter at the beginning. The “restart” wasn’t very smooth and it was a bit of a stop and start. But quickly the writers find their mojo. The fragile relationship between the two protagonists almost makes you root for them to come together as you wish to relive their magic together. But instead you get some cold chemistry which was a great thing considering their soured relationship at that point of time.
With each passing episode, their relationship keeps getting better in the most organic manner. You can feel that warmth returning bit by bit. One of my favourite scenes include Sumer confronting Tanie and her mother in the most emotional manner which would make any grown man shed a tear. It was such a roller coaster for him which was gently shown in his restrained emotions. Some of the subplots are also so well written. I cannot remember the last time all characters having infectious chemistry with one another.
The subtle twists and turns are excellent which will keep you hooked and booked. I was just a bit worried about the cliched ending where this was headed towards, almost similar to season 1 which seemed rather abrupt. But that ending was so realistic and brave that it was just the icing on an extremely well written screenplay.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are so relatable, some of the lines I have used in my personal space as well with “that” best friend. The music is beautiful with so many beautiful songs that deserve a playlist of their own. The BGM keeps the drama light and frothy and doesn’t allow the drama to drop anchor. The cinematography and production design give this series a fresh and young vibe. Director Harsh Dedhia has done a tremendous job in taking the story ahead but also keeping it rooted to reality. A large part of the credit goes the direction for adding the right amount of emotions to this breezy drama and creating moments that stay with you long after the series is over.
Performances
The performances are pretty good here. Saadhika Syal as Myra, Jasmeet Singh Bhatia as Titu, Vicky Modi as Gautam and Nikkita Chadha as Manali, all have their moments to shine. Jaaved Jaaferi as Bittu did such a wonderful job to melt your heart in certain scenes. Niki Walia as Happy always managed to put a smile on my face. This was a difficult role considering that you could have so easily gone overboard with it, but the fine actor that she is ensured that she was well within control. Deepti Bhatnagar as Sangeeta has such an infectious smile that it was hard not to like her and I really wish to watch more of her going forward. Sarah Jane Dias as Lavanya delivers a very dignified performance and she was a treat to watch. Sapna Pabbi as Alisha is first rate. Karan Wahi as Karan as splendid job and is a welcome addition to the group. But the show yet again belongs to the two ‘besties’ Nakuul Mehta as Sumer and Anya Singh as Tanie. They are so infectious in their chemistry together and it made me reminisce of my bestie and times we spent together. Nakuul is a splendid actor and some of his emotions actually touches your core. Anya is just fabulous to watch in a conflicted character which is a real life problem to be honest. And they create magic together, all over again!
Conclusion
The second season of Never Kiss Your Best Friend is one of the finest Rom-dramas of the year wherein the magic of the first season is kept well intact. It is such a light and breezy watch with the right amount of emotions that you will fall in love with it. Available on Zee5 and Highly Recommended.