What Is the Story About?
Performances?
The quality of performances in Potluck Season 2 has gone up by notches. Each cast member has brought their A-game to the series, putting their heart and soul into their performances. Also, the relaxed and effortlessly easygoing chemistry between the cast gives a very lived-in feel to the narrative. Jatin Sial is endearing as father Govind. Cyrus Sahukar reigns in his natural exuberance, to give a calm and understated touch to his elder son act. Ira Dubey imbued her unique style and sophistication into her character.
Harman Singha and Salonie Patel are as good now, as they were in Season 1, as the DINK couple, Dhruv and Nidhi. Salonie Patel, especially, is fabulous in the episodes that shine a spotlight on her character. Shikha Talsania and Siddhant Karnik are quite believable in their roles as a blow-hot-blow-cold couple, trying to make the relationship work, despite their mental barriers. Kitu Gidwani brings conviction to her role this time around, unlike Season 1, where she came across as petty and screechy.
Analysis
SonyLIV’s Potluck is one of those rare shows whose Season 2 is better than its debut season. While Potluck Season 1 felt overwhelmingly contrived, unconvincing and much ado about nothing, the writers and director seem to have ironed out the wrinkles in the narrative, and churned out an even more entertaining and engaging Season 2.
The relationship between the siblings is absolutely heartwarming. The easygoing chemistry between the actors makes it even more so. The best thing about the story is how each of them has the others’ back at all times. It is inspiring and uplifting to watch, especially at a time when the streaming space is cluttered largely with dark and dismal content.
The dialogues in the show are the kind one would spout in everyday life. None of it sounds preachy or cringey, not even the epiphanous or profound talks. The most endearing part of Potluck Season 2 is its charming and persuasive characterizations. Each character is imbued with its own unique and well-etched quirks and traits, and that is what endears them to the viewer. The stellar cast too renders their parts well, making the various interpersonal relationships fun to watch on screen.
The humor in Potluck Season 2 is mostly on point. It is not the laugh-out-loud kind by any means, but definitely the kind that will make you watch the entire 8-episode runtime with a goofy smile pasted on you. At no time does any of it feel over the top or exaggerated. Instead, the Shastri family pulls you into their lives with their adorable bickering, bantering, and yes, roasting.
There’s one thing, though, that strikes a discordant note in Potluck Season 2, amidst all its bonhomie and feel-good vibes. And it is the sequences depicting Prerna’s commitment phobia and emotional reticence. The entire segment drags down the story and proves to be quite boring. Even Dhruv’s job loss or Nidhi’s parent issues do not mar the joyful and exuberant tone of the story the way the plot involving Prerna and Aalim does.
To sum it up, Potluck Season 2 is an improvement on its own Season 1. The heartwarming storyline feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day. Watch it if you need a few moments of escape from the madness of the real world, or want to binge on feel-good wholesomeness. The narrative is predictable, yes, but the naturalness and feel-good quality of it overrides the predictability. Watch it especially if you love shows such as Modern Family or Schitt’s Creek. But yes, if feel-good is not your cup of tea, then it’s better you give it a miss.
Music And Other Departments?
Sachin and Sukhamrit’s musical score for Potluck Season 2 is peppy and cheerful, and a perfect fit for the narrative. The title track ‘It’s All Good’ is especially pleasing to listen to. Athit Naik’s cinematography catches the eye, with its refined sense of aesthetics and solid frame constructions. Pranav Mistry’s editing is flawless, and keeps the narrative crisp and clean. The production values of the show are superb, and scream ‘high class’.
Highlights?
Performances
Characterisations
Feel-good quality
Drawbacks?
Prerna’s segment is a tad draggy
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Potluck Season 2 Series Review by Binged Bureau