5 June 2023, Mumbai: The heartwarming series “Yeh Meri Family” has returned with its second season, now available on Amazon miniTV, delighting fans who long for the simpler days of the late 1990s. Directed by Mandar Kurundkar, this season introduces us to the Awasthis, a middle-class family of five in Lucknow, shifting the focus from the Guptas of Jaipur in the first season.
While the initial season was narrated from the perspective of 12-year-old Harshu (Vishesh Bansal), Season 2 revolves around Ritika (Hetal Gada), a rebellious teenager yearning to break free from the rules and constraints imposed by her parents. Neerja (Juhi Parmar), a strict school teacher, and Sanjay (Rajesh Kumar), a soft-spoken engineer in the telecom department, struggle to understand their daughter’s desires. Adding to Ritika’s challenges, her younger brother Rishi (Anngad Maaholay) constantly complains about her behaviour to their parents.
This season delves into Ritika’s trials and tribulations as she journeys toward young adulthood. She seeks a separate room for herself, experiences a crush at school that leads to heartbreak, clashes with her strict mother, and finds solace in her grandmother’s companionship. Over the course of five episodes, Ritika matures, developing a stronger bond with her brother and growing closer to her parents.
Once again, the writing stands out as the show’s greatest strength. The dialogues are sharp, infused with humour that keeps viewers engaged. The nostalgic factor plays a significant role in the show’s appeal, as it takes us back to a time when technology had not yet dominated our lives, and we revealed in the simple joys of life, such as the arrival of cable TV, endless conversations on landline phones, playful ludo sessions with the family, and mischievous blank-call pranks. The series excels in attention to detail, recreating the late ’90s ambiance convincingly, including authentic costumes and pop culture references.
Ritika’s struggles feel relatable, and Hetal Gada delivers a remarkable performance, shouldering the show’s weight with her young talent. Juhi Parmar, in her OTT debut, shines as the strict but well-intentioned mother, skillfully portraying the challenges of parenthood. Anngad Maaholay fits the role of the mischievous younger brother perfectly, and Veena Mehta brings warmth to the family dynamic with her affectionate portrayal of the grandmother.
Despite these strengths, “Yeh Meri Family Season 2” is slower-paced compared to its predecessor. With a heavier focus on Ritika’s character, the arcs of other characters, particularly the father, have not been fully developed, leaving room for improvement in future seasons.
By : Tanya Chantola