BBC One has just dropped the trailer of its upcoming lavishly mounted series based on writer Vikram Seth’s magnum opus, ‘A Suitable Boy‘. The 6-part series is directed by renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, for BBC One and producers, Lookout Point. The novel has been adapted for the screen by screenwriter Andrew Davies.
The trailer reeks of old-world charm and beautifully structured sequences. The narrative seems to have been shot in sepia-hued tints, with no glaring pops of garish colour to mar the beauty of the period drama.
The coming-of-age story is set in the tumultuous times just after Independence, when a young nation was preparing for its first general elections.
Tanya Maniktala, who was well-appreciated in her previous Flames 1 and 2 for TVF, is arresting as the primary protagonist of the story. She plays Lata, a sassy, spirited, free-thinking girl, whose parents are on the lookout for the eponymous ‘suitable boy’ to give her away in marriage to. Lata seems to have fallen for a guy of the Muslim community – a strict no-no in those times.
Ishaan Khatter plays the crucial role of Maan Kapoor, headstrong son of powerful politician Mahesh Kapoor, who is enamoured by a courtesan, portrayed by Tabu. Ram Kapoor is essaying the role of Mahesh Kapoor.
The trailer plays out like the typical Bollywood romantic potboiler – boy loves a supposedly fallen woman, receives bashing from rich powerful daddy for that; girl goes against her parents’ wishes to fall in love with a Muslim guy. Those who haven’t read Vikram Seth’s book have a treat in store. Those who’ve read the book will appreciate watching the story in live action.
The series features a stellar ensemble cast comprising Tanya Maniktala, Ishaan Khatter, Tabu, Rasika Dugal, Ram Kapoor, Namit Das, Shahana Goswami, Vivek Gomber, Gagan Dev Riar, Danesh Razvi, Mikhail Sen, Vijay Varma and Mahira Kakkar, among others.
A Suitable Boy was initially set for a July release. Looks like the makers are right on course to keep their July release date. It releases on BBC One on 26th July. There’s no info on an India release yet.
Have a look at the trailer of BBC One’s A Suitable Boy –
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