Netflix Series
Created by : Mindy Kaling, Lang Fisher
Starring : Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Darren Barnet, Ramona Young, Lee Rodriguez, Richa Moorjani, Jaren Lewison, John McEnroe
Narrated by : John McEnroe, Andy Samberg
Composer(s) : Joseph Stephens
Distributor : Netflix
Year : (2020- )
Sometimes it is the trailer or the name of the creator that pushes one to watch a movie/ series. And sometimes it is simply curiosity owing to unexpected good word of mouth & popularity.
“Never have I ever”, created by Mindy Kaling, for me falls under the second category. Though I have heard good things about “The Mindy Project”, a show written, produced and acted in by her, I never got down to watching the show. But her work as one of the writers (and actor) in “The Office”, does hold a lot of credibility.
The trailer of the show came across that of a stereotypical teen drama that revolves around a conflicted second generation American-Indian teenager. And that is exactly what the show really offers. Well, at least we can say, they delivered on their promise.
Few surprising elements of personal loss, some touching moments and some amazing cinematography around the Malibu coastline, does add a spark to the mix. But otherwise, the flow of the story is very predictable and the characters portrayed similar and expected.
Even the stereotypes around Indians, the families and traditions, especially that of being competitive and studious, which is too entrenched into the audience’s heads, have been repeated all across the show. So, the lack of freshness in this aspect, reusing a formula that has worked in the past, does get old and overused.
However, the actors should definitely be accredited with playing their roles beautifully. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who played the lead role of Devi Vishwakumar, a second generation American-Indian, born and brought up in Southern California, was effortless and really made one believe in her conflicts, pain, denial and fantasies. Poorna Jagannathan as Nalini, the Indian mother who was broken between her pain of suddenly losing her husband, hard time trying to cope with raising a hot-headed and conflicted teenage daughter, her medical practice and her show of strength for the benefit of everyone around, for me was one of the most well played characters in the series. The rest of the cast of her romantic interest Paxton, played by Darren Barnet, her competitor in school Ben Gross, played by Jaren Lewinson and her best friends, Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez) and Eleanor (Ramona Young), all contributed wonderfully to the story. The role of Kamala, Devi’s cousin, played by Richa Moorjani, however, was disappointing in terms of both her acting and her character path. However, the surprise element of Sendhil Ramamurthy playing Devi’s dead father, whose loss is what triggers the series’ plot and who keeps appearing throughout the season’s storyline, is refreshing as well as contributes to creating some touching moments in the season.
The show also tries to touch on the subjects of homosexuality and inner conflicts associated with that, issues around parents’ abandonment, mother-daughter conflicts and differences. However, these were mostly trod on lightly and not delved into in-depth.
For all those who are sucker for teenage romance and drama, this show does provide all the right factors and can instantly connect to them. But if you are looking for something more substantial or real, this won’t be the right place to look for.
A plot that could have been easily fitted into a 1.5-2 hours movie, is split into 10 episodes of average 22 mins each. Well, looking at the instant popularity of the show, which may have a lot to owe to being released during the lock down, a second season may indeed be in the cards. But the season does end with a happy ending, with nothing left open-ended. So, it is only a matter of curiosity (once again!!!) as to what else could another season really provide.
Well, guess only time will tell!!!
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